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North Dakota State University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
1340 Administration Ave
Fargo, North Dakota 58105
Phone
(701) 231-8011
Email address
ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu
School Information
"North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university. We are a top-ranked institution, providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges – our graduates shape a better world." The university enrolls over 13,100 students, has over 146 degree programs, and has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. (Source: https://www.ndsu.edu/) (Source: https://www.ndsu.edu/data/fastfacts/) (Source: https://www.ndsu.edu/data/academics/)
General Information
In the fallout resulting from a racist Snapchat incident, university president Dean Bresciani was pressured to implement a plan to "improve campus climate". As of now, the school has first hired a consultant to "ensure that NDSU is being consistent with all the best national [equity] practices". The president has also created a task force to develop diversity and inclusion initiatives. He has also mandated "diversity and cultural competency training" for all students and opened a review of the Student Code of Conduct. It is unclear whether the mandated "diversity and cultural competency training" contains elements of C.R.T. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • "Students will be required to take 'diversity and cultural competency training' beginning next year."
  • The university offers "Microaggression" and "Safe Zone" training sorted by level of advancement.
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • As part of the NDSU general education requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree, all students are required to complete 3 credits of courses from the Cultural Diversity (D) category and 3 credits of courses from the Global Perspectives (G) category.
Disciplinary Measures
  • "The Student Code of Conduct will be reviewed using an 'equity, inclusion and innovation' lens."
Program and Research Funding
  • The Anti-Racism Coalition (ARC) at NDSU is a group of NDSU faculty, staff, and students who “recognize the ways in which predominantly white institutions, such as our own, often perpetuate systemic racism and the injustices that are tied to it.”
  • The Tapestry of Inclusion as part of Student Activities at NDSU is “a program of the Student Activities Office, is a pictorial mosaic that recognizes students, faculty, staff, and alumni for the contributions to diversity they bring to North Dakota State University.”
  • The Better Bison Initiatives at NDSU focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion to “set a foundation of inclusion of minority student/staff populations that practice inclusion, equity and diversity into our everyday lives.“
  • The Commission of Diversity Education (CDE) at NDSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is “an organization within Student Government that focuses on educating students, faculty, and staff about diversity within our campus and community, in addition to promoting equity and inclusion through the use of educational creative and hands on activities.”
  • The 2023-2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fellowship cohort at NDSU’s School of Design, Architecture and Art “provides a learning and experience platform along with a fiscal award for students to play a meaningful and active role in School-wide DEI Initiatives.”
Resources
  • The University’s President’s Council for Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect is “comprised of faculty, staff, and students that are dedicated to creating and maintaining an open and collegial environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.”
  • The NDSU Agriculture and Extension departments are “committed to upholding civil rights laws and requirements, institutional equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, and the creation of an inclusive and multicultural organization.”
  • The Graduate School at NDSU is committed to Diversity and Inclusion at the University and provides a number of Diversity Resources including books on anti-racism and equity.
  • The NDSU Libraries Statement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion “recognize that libraries and universities have historically been shaped by the forces of systemic racism, and commit to undertaking the work that must be done to rectify these legacies of inequity that still affect marginalized communities.”
Symbolic Actions
  • A campus climate task force was created to develop diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • The university's Department of Communication reaffirmed its commitment to "anti-racist and anti-discriminatory education" in its "Anti-Racism Statement" from January 2021. It also plans on reviewing its curriculum and hosting faculty workshops.
  • There are several awards being offered, including the "Advancing Inclusion Award" and "Tapestry of Inclusion Award."
  • The university has conducted several "Campus Climate Surveys."
  • The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan for the College of Engineering at NDSU details the 5-year vision and strategic initiatives towards a more equitable and inclusive program.
  • The Anti-Racism and Solidarity Statement for the Counseling Center at NDSU affirms their commitment to recognize the impact of racism as they “continue to uncover and confront the deep entrenchment of institutional racism in this country.”
Last updated October 19th, 2023
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