Diversity Task Force Response to Questions
Section VI: Leadership
Megan Zothman; Martin Tadlock
A. Do leaders within the institution publicly express the value of Inclusive Excellence? No
Inclusive Excellence is a new term to BSU. There is no focus on the term and what it means and
no plan in place to address how it applies to the university.
B. Do leaders within our institution actively practice Inclusive Excellence in strategic
planning, training, hiring, recruitment, transforming the climate, etc.? Yes and No
In hiring and recruitment we follow compliance guidelines that address diversity in employment
and the search process. In training and transforming the campus we do not feel that there is a
comprehensive effort at BSU. Much of the training has been left to the MnSCU system in the
past. It is not institutionalized.
C. Has leadership participated in Inclusive Excellence training? Yes and No
Many have gone through various system required trainings related to diversity and diversifying
the campus; accommodation; etc. However, it is not comprehensive or available locally to the
extent needed.
D. Have senior staff within our institution allocated or shifted new or existing financial
resources to support Inclusive Excellence initiatives? Yes and No
While there are funds directed specifically at recruiting Native American students and
international students, there are no funds directed at inclusive excellence initiatives because we
don’t have those initiatives in place yet.
E. Are senior staff within our institution accessible to meet on a regular basis either
individually or with groups to listen and learn about their diverse experiences? Yes
However, this occurs when they are called upon or when someone brings it to them.
F. Are individuals from diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences represented within
our institutions leadership? No
Not enough to reflect the regional population.
G. Does the institution have someone who takes the lead on Inclusive Excellence and holds
everyone else accountable for diversity and inclusiveness? (Ideally, everyone takes
shared ownership and responsibility.) Yes
Yes. We have a current focus to develop a plan and we have had and do have someone in the
role of CDO.
Current University Strategic Plan
Mission Statement: We create an innovative, interdisciplinary and highly accessible learning
environment committed to student success and a sustainable future of our communities, state and
planet. Through the transformative power of the liberal arts, education in the professions, and
robust engagement of our students, we instill and promote service to others, preservation of the
earth, and respect and appreciation for the diverse peoples of our region and world.
Strategy F
4. Increase the diversity of the students and employees at Bemidji State University
Initiatives:
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Defined as employees of color as a percent of total employees and student of color credit
students as a percent of total credit headcount.
In the period 2007 to 2012, median percent of employees of color at BSU was 34% lower
than the median percent at MnSCU universities. Similarly, the median percent of students
of color at BSU was 24% lower than MnSCU universities.
By 2016 our goal is to cut these percentages in half. Part of the answer is a systematic
and successful to recruit and retain Native Americans.
Related to this goal is the completion rate of students of color. For the period 2002 to
2006 the completion rate for students of color at BSU was 42.8% lower than the
completion rate for MnSCU universities.
By 2019 our goal is to cut the completion deficit in half.
2013-2016 Master Academic Plan
11.2.3
Further diversify the university through the following:
a. Sustain our commitment to serving diverse populations, including Native
American and other underrepresented groups. We will do this through recruitment
of faculty, staff, and students, and through the creation of policies that recognize
and promote the importance of cultural diversity to the university community.
b. Foster the creation of a learning community that allows students to come together
to explore multicultural topics and to practice intercultural communication and
civic engagement.
c. Establish a diversity graduation requirement for all undergraduate students and
graduate students at BSU. Before completing their course of study, students will
meet diversity student learning outcomes as established by a new Campus
Diversity Committee.