Campus Climate & Intergroup Relations

Sense of Belonging, Support, Dialogue

1. Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons

The mission of MSU’s Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons (DISC) is to increase understanding, promote inclusion, and inspire critical thinking about diversity, as well as to provide support for those who identify with a wide range of diverse identity groups. In spring 2022, the DISC moved into a significantly larger space, allowing the DISC opportunities to reach more students, create new campus partnerships, and offer valuable programming. Check out the new student commons in SUB 185!

2. Chosen Name

Because Montana State University recognizes that some members of the campus community use chosen names to identify themselves, the Chosen Name project - which began as a pilot program in 2016—officially launched in Fall 2021. This initiative makes it possible for any MSU students, faculty, and staff to use a name other than their legal name within university systems. While the program was originally intended to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students, now all members of the four MSU campuses can benefit from its offerings.

“The Chosen Name Project truly allowed me to feel at home at MSU from day one. It
may seem like a small thing, but this project made every time I entered the residence
halls or dining halls, submitted an assignment, or met a new professor so much better. Knowing that everyone on campus just knew me as who I was allowed me to be comfortable in myself, and be fully involved in the student experience.

- Kaleb, MSU 2021 Graduate and MSU Staff Member

3. Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)

This summer, the Office of International Programs hosted 14 students from the Middle East and North Africa through the MEPI Student Leaders Program, an exchange program that fosters leadership skills and expands participants’ understandings of civic engagement and participatory governance. A highlight of this year’s program was the connections that student leaders established with the MSU Hilleman Scholars, including informal conversations, sharing personal stories, and discussions of human rights, immigration, and education.