Diversity at NDSCS

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The concept of diversity includes respect and acceptance. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our distinct differences. These differences may include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, mental health, religious beliefs, political beliefs or other ideologies. 

Diversity is the exploration of these differences in a safe and positive environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond tolerance to embracing and celebrating the vast extent of diversity contained within each individual.

NDSCS is Committed To:
  • Providing a respectful, safe and supportive environment that allows students and employees the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns.
  • Respecting and celebrating individual differences.
  • Developing teaching and learning opportunities necessary to promote cultural appreciation.
  • Developing effective communication skills including the interpretation of cultural verbal and non-verbal communication patterns.
 

Calendar of DEI events

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team
Vision Statement

The NDSCS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team will focus on enriching people’s lives through respectful acceptance and celebration of human differences.

Mission Statement

The NDSCS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team’s mission is to model and set standards of respectful behavior, provide educational and professional development opportunities to the College community, and offer programs and activities that promote and encourage better understanding of human differences.

The team consists of various individuals from different backgrounds within the campus community. 

If you are interested in joining the NDSCS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team, contact the Student Advocate at ndscs.studentadvocate@ndscs.edu.

Reporting

If you have personally experienced or witnessed a sexual misconduct, harassment, bias, bigotry or act of hate, please file a report.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team
Co-chairs:

  • Taylor Thompson
  • Park Masterson

Members:

  • Mindi Bessler
  • Paula Comeau
  • Barry Frank
  • Kaila Givens
  • Amanda Hayes
  • Jim Johnson
  • Jennifer Krueger
  • Ronda Marman
  • Park Masterson
  • Jane Passa
  • Bryan Poyzer
  • Sybil Priebe
  • Leah Schauer
  • Bethany Mauch
  • Rae Essig

Administrative Liaisons:

  • Sandi Gilbertson
  • Melissa Johnson
Equal Opportunity/Non Discrimination
Non Discrimination Statement

North Dakota State College of Science does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, mental or physical disability, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial or parental status, status as a U.S. veteran/service member, or participation in lawful activity off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business related interests of the employer. This non-discrimination statement applies to all phases of NDSCS’s employment process, admissions, financial aid programs and all other aspects of its educational programs and activities.

Furthermore, this non-discrimination statement applies to sexual harassment and sexual violence (forms of sexual discrimination) if such conduct has a negative effect on an individual’s educational or work environment, regardless if such conduct occurs on or off campus.

Equal Opportunity Policy

The North Dakota State College of Science is an equal opportunity employer and equal opportunity educator. NDSCS is fully committed to equal opportunity in employment decisions and educational programs and activities. All practices are in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, for all individuals without regard to age, color, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, physical and mental ability status, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial or parental status, status as a U.S. veteran/service member, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer.

Equal Opportunity Policy and Non-Discrimination Statement

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies at NDSCS should be directed to:

Executive Director of Human Resources
Haverty Hall 136
North Dakota State College of Science
800 Sixth St. North Wahpeton, ND 58076-0002
Phone: 701-671-2904

For Title IX inquiries, contact:
Sandi Gilbertson
Executive Director of Human Resources
Haverty Hall 136
Phone: 701-671-2904
sandi.gilbertson@ndscs.edu

Office for Civil Rights
Chicago Office (Local OCR office for North Dakota)
U.S. Department of Education
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604

Telephone: 312-730-1560
FAX: 312-730-1576; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov
Website: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/

For Section 504/ADA inquiries, contact:
Student Accessibility Coordinator
Old Main 230A
Phone: 701-671-2623

To Obtain Additional Information:
Students:
Contact the Student Advocate at 701-671-3000 (email: ndscs.studentadvocate@ndscs.edu).

Employees:
Contact your supervisor and/or call the Human Resources office at 701-671-2903 (email: ndscs.hr@ndscs.edu).

Safe Zone

All students, faculty and staff deserve to learn in an environment that’s supportive and friendly, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Safe Zone is a program designed to:

  • Educate people about sexual orientation and gender identity/expression issues.
  • Create a visible network of Allies to provide support to the NDSCS lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) community.
  • Provide accurate information about sexual orientation and gender identity/expression issues and resources within the community.

Safe Zone Allies are not personal counselors, but they offer a safe place for LGBTQ individuals to be themselves. An ally listens. An ally respects confidentiality. An ally offers support, personally and through outside resources and referrals. An ally understands!

For more information, visit www.ndscs.edu/safezone.

Upstander Training

Created by the NDSCS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team, Upstander Training aims to empower NDSCS employees and students to speak up when witnessing oppressive behavior(s).

Upstander Training provides:

  • Resources and tools needed to address difficult situations with peers and/or students
  • Real-life scenarios
  • The reporting procedure for these type of incidents
Meditation & Prayer Rooms

At NDSCS, we are proud of our diverse student body and recognize the need for meditation and prayer rooms.

Fargo: Room 154C - This is a locked room. To utilize this space visit the Student and Administrative Services front desk.

NDSCS-Fargo Map

Wahpeton: Due to the size of our residential campus, the Student Advocate is available to assist students with identifying a space that works best for them. Contact the Student Advocate at ndscs.studentadvocate@ndscs.edu.

Reporting

For more information, please visit www.ndscs.edu/concern.

Don't Cancel Class Initiative

The “Don’t Cancel Class” initiative at NDSCS is intended to support faculty who may need to be away from class due to a professional or personal conflict. Professional staff can cover your class and present on a topic that may be related to your course or is relevant to college students and the issues they may face while in college. In addition to faculty, student organizations may request a presentation on any of the topics we have available.

Any questions regarding the Don't Cancel Class Initiative should be directed to Bethany Mauch at Bethany.Mauch@ndscs.edu and/or Student Advocate at ndscs.studentadvocate@ndscs.edu.

To submit a Don't Cancel Class Session Request Click Here.