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Embracing Diversity Committee

About Embracing Diversity

The Embracing Diversity Committee began as an outgrowth of the WICHE Institute in 1993. Its purpose was to assist BSC in providing opportunities for employees and students to understand and appreciate the diversity in our pluralistic community and world. In 1999, a strategic plan for diversity was written and approved by the President’s Cabinet. The committee became one of the Learning First teams in 2001 to increase awareness of diversity issues; attempt to recruit and retain a diverse faculty, staff, and student community; and to promote a learning environment that embraces and values diversity. Embracing Diversity is the only Learning First team that survives intact to this day. Today the team’s strategic plan follows much the same direction as originally envisioned, albeit without the focus on recruitment, and with the additional focus on Campus Read and Study Abroad.
 
The Embracing Diversity Committee at Bismarck State College is open to all BSC employees. Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of the month at Noon in the Library English and Arts building (Lea Hall) room 204. If you have any questions on events or activities, please contact Dean Bellin. 
Embracing Diversity Initiatives
Speakers, Presenters and Special Events
The Embracing Diversity Committee seeks out speakers and presenters to provide cultural programming and to address issues such as prejudice, interaction with refugee students, etc. The committee offers events throughout the academic year to employees, students, and the local community to celebrate and continue the discussion of diversity-related issues.  View a list of BSC Humanities Events. 

Campus Read Collaboration
The Embracing Diversity Committee collaborates, sponsors, and promotes diversity-related programs including Campus Read.

Study Abroad
The Embracing Diversity Committee champions opportunities that enhance the cultural experience and learning environment for our students and employees. This includes efforts to internationalize our curriculum and to pursue options to increase enrollments through the promotion and creation of Study Abroad and Study Travel programs. 

Students, Staff and Faculty
The committee's goal is to establish awareness opportunities for BSC employees and students to raise sensitivity and address possible retention issues faced by minorities, refugees & LGBTQ. Additionally, the committee helps provide outside-of-class learning opportunities for diversity-starred courses.