Montana State University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Montana State University’s campuses are committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran’s status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Such an environment is necessary to a healthy learning, working, and living atmosphere because discrimination and harassment undermine human dignity and the positive connection among all people at our University. Acts of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation will be addressed consistent with this policy. http://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/

Here at MSU, the Office of Institutional Equity spearheads the response to discrimination and harassment based on a protected class status, this includes bias incidents. MSU has a Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking and Retaliation Policy (Discrimination and Harassment Policy) that prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an actual or perceived protected class status. All MSU employees are mandatory reporters for known or suspected discrimination or harassment based on an actual or perceived protected class status. All of the bias incident reports received by MSU since 2016 have been covered by the Discrimination and Harassment Policy, based on the behaviors reported. Once OIE receives a report, it conducts an immediate health and safety risk assessment, and if it is safe to do so for the person who experienced the behavior, and additional immediate action is not required, OIE provides outreach, including rights and resources to the individual who experienced the behavior. 99.9% of the reports to OIE, including bias response reports, receive this outreach. The remaining .1% are cases where there are health and safety risks to campus that require different, immediate action. OIE also coordinates with UPD and the Clery Coordinator regarding Hate Crimes. For incidents related to Title IX, OIE coordinates a unified response from the Dean of Students, Residence Life, Athletics (if appropriate), the VOICE Center (victim advocacy), appropriate academic units, and University Police. (Note: University Police are a fully commissioned law enforcement agency in the State of Montana). For all other reports, OIE coordinates an institutional response including the appropriate groups. Generally, the individual who experienced the behavior, including acts of bias, discrimination, or hate crimes, remain in control of the response to the behavior, as OIE uses a trauma informed approach to navigating these situations. In the rare case of a mandatory investigation, OIE still uses a trauma informed approach, but can require participation to ensure that the behavior has stopped, prevent the recurrence of the behavior, and address the effects on the community. OIE provides access to resources, and is the office that coordinates the support of individuals who experience discrimination and harassment, individuals who receive reports, individuals who witness incidents, individuals supporting people who have experienced the behaviors, and others identified through the process who are impacted by the discrimination and harassment. The interim measures available, and assistance in accessing resources is determined by the Director of OIE, and can include, but is not limited to, academic assistance (e.g. moving exams, extending deadlines, incompletes), employment assistance (e.g. moving desk spaces, changing supervisors, implementing safety plans), housing assistance (e.g. assisting with a move or access to different housing options in the on campus environment), and accessing resources (e.g. providing access on an expedited basis to on campus mental health services, assistance in accessing advocacy services, access to police services in an expedited fashion without having to go to the police station). Policy link: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/ Affirmative Action Plans: http://www.montana.edu/hr/affirmative_action_plan.html

Rockin' the Rez: Since 2002, MSU representatives have visited tribal colleges and reservation communities to introduce prospective Native American students, family members, and community leaders to MSU academic and student support services.  Rockin’ the Rez (RTR) is targeted towards sophomore, junior and senior high school students and tribal college transfer students. Bridges Program: The specific goal of this partnership is to build a seamless educational experience between the four reservation-based colleges and MSU to increase the number of Native American students successfully transferring and pursuing academic studies in the biomedical and other health-related sciences at MSU.  Admissions recruitment: The Office of Admissions is responsible for the marketing, recruitment, application processing, transfer evaluation and orientation/registration programs for all new undergraduates at Montana State University. Each Montana high school with a significant minority (Native American) student population are contacted at least once in an attempt to set up a visit by the Minority Representative.  All tribal high schools are visited as well as those on and around the seven Montana Indian Reservations. Each tribal college in the State of Montana are visited at least once during the travel season. A concentrated effort is made to recruit students from states that have a high minority (Native American) population.  MSU is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants in all terms and conditions of employment and will actively carry out all Federal and state regulations and executive orders. Waded Cruzado, President of MSU Bozeman, has designated the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) as the Equal Employment Opportunity Administrator (EEO Administrator). The CHRO oversees the plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements and conducts management updates. The EEO Administrator also assure that the university periodically examines its selection process to further the principles of equal employment opportunity. MSU Bozeman is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotion, transfer, layoff and termination, and that such activities are free of illegal discrimination based upon race, color, national origin (ancestry), sex, sexual preference/orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, marital or parental status, age, creed, religion or political beliefs, mental or physical disability, genetic information or status as a veteran. Further, in accordance with Section 86.9 of the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), it is the policy of MSU Bozeman not to discriminate on the basis of sex in admission to any education program or activity administered by this institution. This policy extends to employment, admission, and access to programs and activities. Also, in accordance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (respectively, “Title VI” and “Title VII”) and other applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of MSU Bozeman not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran’s status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation to any education program or activity administered by this institution or in any aspect of employment. MSU AAP (41 C.F.R. § 60-2.17(c)): Employing appropriate methods to attempt to improve recruitment and increase the flow of qualified minorities and women applicants in its recruiting process, including a number of the following actions: a. Including the phrase at a minimum, “Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled Employer” in printed employment advertisements; b. Placing help-wanted advertisements, when appropriate, in minority news media andwomen’s interest media; c. Disseminating information on job opportunities to organizations representing minorities, women, and employment development agencies when job opportunities occur; d. Requesting employment agencies to refer qualified minorities and women. e. Considering special employment programs designed to deal with underutilization. Business conditions and other feasibility matters remain the key factor in any decision to develop/implement such programs. f. Participating in job fairs, career days, youth-motivation programs and other programs that foster exposure for qualified minorities and women whenever feasible and appropriate. g. Encouraging minorities and women to participate in University sponsored activities and programs.

-Caring for Our Own Program: Based out of the College of Nursing, this program is designed to increase enrollment and graduation of Native American nurses. -Designing Our Community (DOC): For Native American students in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the northern Rockies and the northern Great Plains regions; to be a successful partner with Native American communities in developing the future workforce. -Diversity Awareness Office: To expose all students to diversity issues in the form of cultural events and workshops, and provide a venue for you to have a voice in creating fun and exciting opportunities -Engineering Minority Program (EMPower) is for those students interested in majoring in one of the ten degrees offered through the College of Engineering. The EMPower Student Center is located in the "heart" of the engineering complex in the College of Engineering. -Family & Graduate Housing: Family & Graduate Housing serves the students of Montana State University by providing affordable housing options in an environment that is conducive to the academic and social success of student families, and qualifying single tenants. Students considering Family and Graduate Housing should submit their application 8-12 months in advance of their move-in date. Application deposit is required. -Montana Apprenticeship Program (MAP): MAP is a structured, six-week, hands on summer research experience for both students and teachers under the direction of active science research mentors at Montana State University-Bozeman. The goal of the MAP is to increase the number of Native American and disadvantaged high school students who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math career fields. -Native American Studies: Home to the American Indian Council, the NAS department offers a minor is Native American Studies and a Master's in Native American Studies, in addition to scholarships and tutoring services. -American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success (AIANSS): AIANSS goals include: empowering AI/AN students to attain their plans for academic success by implementing targeted programming; providing direct student support services and academic advising; empowering students to become more resourceful in resolving issues and to be more resilient in meeting their challenges; engage students in cultural and social activities to help enhance community and a positive learning experience; build on the program foundation to sustain the mission on AIANSS. Offers 2 student computer labs/study spaces, free printing, scanning, faxing services, tutoring, emergency loans, academic advising, book scholarships, academic advising, personal and academic development initiatives like Dinner and Dialogue, Counseling and Psychological Services drop in hours, information about scholarships, financial aid, and referrals to campus wide resources that promote retention and support. -TRIO Student Support Services: Offers regular access to career coaching, one-on-one tutoring, success advising, learning strategy advising, professional skills training, and financial coaching. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about your own potential through the use of personalized inventories to develop a sense of who you are and what you might do with your degree. -I LEAD: The purpose of the I LEAD project is to recruit, educate, certify and place American Indian educators into administrative positions in schools with high populations of Native American students. -McNair Scholars Program: The goal of the McNair Scholars Program (MSP) is to increase doctoral degree attainment of underrepresented students (e.g. first generation & low income or multi-cultural minorities).  The MSP provides students effective preparation for graduate school success by offering key sequence of services. -Office of International Programs: OIP offers students information and assistance for how to study abroad and supports international students in studying at MSU. OIP also works with faculty on collaborative grant writing to partner with international institutions on areas of mutual interest. -Wanji Oyate: The goal of the Wanji Oyate (One Tribe) Education Cohort is to increase opportunities for American Indian students enrolled in the Teacher Preparation Program at Montana State University.  By providing academic, personal, career, and financial support and guidance to our American Indian students we are contributing to the recruitment, retention, graduation, and placement of American Indian teachers and improving the diversity of the k-12 teaching corps. -Office of Student Success: The Office of Student Success is designed specifically with you (and your goal to graduate from MSU) in mind. From free tutoring, to evening study sessions before your big mid-term exams (with your favorite pizza pie), to earning points through our ChampChange program, to meeting with Student Success Advisors who can help you with your short term and career goals, we are here with your success in mind.

MSU is a member institution of Leadership Alliance which offers opportunities to underrepresented minorities and Pell-eligible/rural/first generation students who are considering careers in research or academia. MSU is one only 20 member institutions designated to participate in the Leadership Alliance Summer Research. http://www.montana.edu/hr/Affirmative%20Action%20Program%20for%20Minorities%20and%20Women.pdf

https://www.montana.edu/us/buildingPlans/MSUPlans/restrooms.php https://www.montana.edu/reslife/diversity.html http://www.montana.edu/hr/Affirmative%20Action%20Program%20for%20Minorities%20and%20Women.pdf