Our Services

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provides educational, leadership and support services to the University and College. We serve students, faculty and staff. Our services are grounded in anti-racism, inclusion and equity to ensure that conscious and intentional efforts are happening to dismantle oppressive systems.

Professional Development

Professional development is important for the continued growth of our employees and the work that they do. Through the modality of Experiential Learning Opportunities, we provide essential training and education that centers diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, plus. Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELO) consist of training and modules (i.e., guided dialogue, and watch and chat). Each modality of ELO focuses on a critical topic involving diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, social justice, racial justice, plus (DEIA+). ELO are meant to engage the learner, challenge and support the learner, and supply the learner with a greater capacity to interpersonally and intrapersonally reflect. ELO are offered to faculty and staff only. Another resource: Minnesota Management and Budget, Enterprise Talent Development.

Training

The Effects of Racism
Date: November 22, 2022 – Complete
Location: Bemidji State University, Memorial 300
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15 people
*Click on training title for more information

Queer+ Ally and Advocacy
Date: January 26, 2023 – CANCELED
Location:  Northwest Technical College, Conference Room 152A
Time:  8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15 people
*Click on training title for more information<

Critical Race Theory in Education
Date: March 23, 2023 – CANCELED
Location: Northwest Technical College, Conference Room 152A
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15 people

Understanding Social Aggression
Date: April 18, 2023 – CANCELED
Location:  Northwest Technical College, Conference Room 152A
Time:  8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 15 people
*Click on training title for more information

Module Type I

Guided Dialogues are focused sessions that are tailored to the participants. Each session focuses on a critical topic within the context of social and racial justice. Guided Dialogues encourage intentional dialogue led by an experienced facilitator. Participants will be challenged and supported as they navigate thought-provoking dialogue with peers. Guided Dialogues are intended for staff, faculty, and administrators. They are offered in-person and virtually. Each session is one-hour in length. Guided Dialogues are offered throughout the academic year only. Critical topics are chosen at the time of registration.

Capacity: Unlimited

Module Type II

Description: Watch and Chats are highly experiential (I.e., auditory, and visual) sessions that focus on critical topics within the context of racism and dismantling racism. This ELO is led by an experienced facilitator. Watch and Chats encourage transparent communication and interpersonal reflection. Participants will be challenged and supported throughout the ELO. Watch and Chats are intended for staff, faculty and administrators. They are offered only in-person at this time. Each session is one-hour in length. Watch and Chats are offered throughout the academic year only. Critical topics are chosen at the time of registration.

Capacity: Unlimited

Consultation

We strive to provide each faculty and staff with the skills, knowledge an confidence to successfully engage in and address matters concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, plus. We provide specialist consultation to influencers within and outside of the classroom. To schedule a time for consultation, please email: cynthia.pederson@bemidjistate.edu.

Areas of Expertise:

  1. Restorative Justice
  2. Multiculturalism
  3. Interculturalism
  4. Safe space and person
  5. Minority student support
  6. Minority employee support
  7. Antiracism
  8. Antidiscrimination
  9. Diversity, equity, inclusion

Climate Assessment

Our campus engages in assessment to better understand the experiences of students and employees. On a three-year cycle, we will engage in climate assessment that targets the experiences, systems, and environment of our campus. Our effort of assessment leads our strategy and helps us to develop new policy to best serve our community.

We are preparing for our initial climate survey assessment cycle. In fact, Minnesota State colleges and universities have come together to advance the practice of climate assessment.

Our Plan of Action

Equity Scorecard

In our effort to eliminate equity gaps in student outcomes, we have engaged with the practice of equity scorecard. This is a practice across Minnesota State institutions of higher education. The equity scorecard consists of six evaluative areas. The equity scorecard is a tool and it has the potential to assist us with better understanding the complexity of our equity concerns within our institution and Minnesota State. For more on the equity scorecard, please visit Minnesota State.

Employees are Eligible to Access the Equity Scorecard. Click here for instructions.