Description of Request

Submitted By: Ariel Donohue

This request is for expanded space to accommodate the growing needs of the Diversity Inclusion Student Commons (DISC). MSU students need dedicated group interaction space for underrepresented students and identity groups to find connection and belonging, participate in programs, work collaboratively, and meet to learn about resources and opportunities for leadership. This dedicated space would be an inclusive venue to advance the equity initiatives for BIPOC, LGBT+, and the broad variety of students from racial, cultural, and other identity groups within the MSU campus and community. Physical spaces, as well as inclusive programming and resources that are available within those spaces, are important to supporting a sense of belonging for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Greater sense of belonging is associated with higher levels of engagement, academic outcomes, and graduation.

An expanded DISC space is necessary for helping students feel welcome on campus, offering opportunities to engage with mentors and supportive peers, and encouraging intersectional cooperation and initiatives. MSU has identified diversity-related goals throughout our Choosing Promise strategic plan, focused on recruiting underrepresented students, improving retention and graduation rates, and strengthening the campus climate for diversity. This space will help us to meet those goals by allowing the DISC to facilitate dialogues across differences, deliver best-practice efforts to empower students from diverse backgrounds to succeed, collaborate with campus partners to provide integrated student support, and foster a sense of belonging for students seeking help to find social, academic, and professional connections. By providing expanded and dedicated student space, MSU will serve the needs of numerous student organizations, strategically support the success of underrepresented students, and enrich the educational environment broadly. 

Resolution

Date: September 10, 2021

The Space Management Committee has approved the relocation and expansion of the DISC into Strand Union Building room 185, which is being vacated by the Veteran's Center upon the reopening of Romney Hall.