NDSU has launched two initiatives to support the work of the Division of Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach. The Equity and Diversity Advisory Council and the Equity and Diversity Liaisons replace the NDSU Diversity Council, which was formed in 2001 to address concerns about campus climate for diverse faculty, staff and students.
The Advisory Council is comprised of 27 members from all constituency groups across campus, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni and community members. Members were appointed by administrators to represent each division and academic college, NDSU Alumni Association, athletics, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Student Senate, Extension services and community leaders. The primary role of the council is to advise the vice president for equity, diversity and global outreach on policy and program decisions and to assist in communicating the initiatives of both the division and the council to members of the campus and greater Fargo-Moorhead community.
The Equity and Diversity Liaisons include 24 faculty and staff representing every division and college at the university. Individuals serving as liaisons were self-nominated volunteers. Characterized as an operational working group, the liaisons will assist with efforts to conduct trainings – including sexual harassment training and various diversity-related training efforts – and to serve as a resource for any employees of the university who have concerns regarding harassment or discrimination. While the liaisons will not be involved with any investigations or official mediation work on behalf of the university, they will be available to help individuals identify resources available to them, review policies regarding the university’s non-discrimination statement and help individuals understand their options when faced with a potentially discriminating situation. Some areas have successfully started diversity committees and it is hoped that the vice presidents and deans, in working with the liaisons, colleges and divisions, will create additional diversity committees to improve the campus climate.
For a list of the Advisory Council members and Equity and Diversity Liaisons, visit www.ndsu.edu/diversity.