Priorities and Actions
Priority #1
Develop an undergraduate certificate program and/or a minor in Africana Studies by AY 2023-24.
*Title of program and type of offering will be at the discretion of the College of Letters and Science.
Individual Responsible: Dr. Yves Idzerda
With questions, contact Dr. Michelle Miley
Priority Updates
Fall 2020:
Offered Intro to Africana Studies (LS 194D).
Spring 2021:
CLS leaders working on this project attended the Diversity Council meeting to provide an update on progress and benchmarks for ongoing progress. (March 18, 2021)
CLS is offering financial support for faculty in CLS departments to develop courses and/or incorporate DEI content into existing courses.
Fall 2021:
Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and CLS are awarding a limited number of summer faculty research grants to support course development for a proposed certificate in Africana Studies. In addition, the ODI and CLS invited all faculty interested in the development of an Africana Studies certificate program to convene.
Spring 2023:
Dean Idzerda and Dr. Bridget Kevane presented the Africana Studies certificate proposal to the Deans' Council for discussion and approval. It was unanimously approved.
Summer 2023:
The Africana Studies certificate was brought to the Board of Regents and approved.
Fall 2023:
The Africana Studies certificate is available to interested students.
Priority #2
Expand and sustain Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) trainings around racial equity topics that provide opportunities for ongoing involvement from BIPOC students, using evaluation responses to inform existing training.
Individual Responsible: Michael Babcock
Priority Updates
Fall 2021:
The CFE offered a series on Inclusive Pedagogy with workshops on September 29th, October 27th, and November 10th.
Spring 2022:
The week of February 28th, the CFE will host a series of panels focused on implementing inclusive practices in the classroom, research, and outreach.
Fall 2023:
At New Faculty Orientation, the CFE hosted a panel that had representation from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The CFE partnered with MSU's First Generation Committee to facilitate a Faculty Learning Community book club.
Priority #3
Submit a formal request for new Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons (DISC) space that supports the vision for expanding DISC services and offerings to more directly support BIPOC students and address issues of racial equity.
Individuals Responsible: Ariel Donohue and Barbara do Amaral
Priority Updates
Spring 2021:
Submitted new space request for expanded DISC space.
Fall 2021:
Space request approved by Space Management Committee.
Spring 2022:
Facilities Services made necessary updates to prepare the space for the DISC.
The DISC officially moved into their new space, SUB 185, in January 2022. They hosted an open house on February 15th to welcome students and campus partners into the new space.
Fall 2023:
The DISC is available for registered student organizations to reserve for their club meetings. The DISC is frequently used for various activities and programs focused on helping students find a sense of community and belonging.