20  Diversity

Approved by Board of Trustees
Effective Date: June 5, 2017
Responsible Division: President       
Responsible Office:  Institutional Equity and Compliance
Responsible Officer: Assistant to the President for Institutional Equity and Compliance

I. Purpose

This policy defines and promotes diversity at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University).

II. Introduction

A.  It is the intent of MTSU to model and promote diversity at all levels and in all sectors and, as a result of that diversity, will foster environments of equity and inclusive excellence.

B.  Diversity can be broadly defined as differences. When applied within the context of education and the educational community, diversity represents the inclusion and support of groups of people with a variety of human characteristics that go beyond the legally protected classes of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, and genetic information, to include, but not be limited to, other categories such as socio-economic status, first generation college status, urban or rural upbringing, and other personal characteristics that shape an individual’s identity and life experience in a substantive way.

III. Statement of Policy

A.  MTSU specifically finds that diversity of students, faculty, administrators, and staff is a crucial element of the educational process and reaffirms its commitment to enhancing education through affirmative actions to increase diversity at all levels.

B.  The creation and cultivation of programs, policies, and practices designed to increase and sustain diversity is essential in order to be responsive to:

1.  Shifting demographics;

2.  The need to prepare students to succeed in a global and interconnected world;

3.  The need to utilize the talents, experiences, and ideas of a broad group of people in order to achieve excellence;

4.  The needs of the corporate, civic, and educational environs for culturally competent individuals, and;

5.  The unique mission and vision of the University.

IV. Administrative Responsibility

Duties of the President

A.  The President is responsible for the development and implementation of the diversity program at MTSU.

B.  In carrying out this responsibility, the President shall comply with the following:

1.  Provide positive and assertive leadership in the development and implementation of the University diversity plan and ensure that appropriate attention is devoted to the plan and initiatives in staff and faculty meetings.

2.  Ensure that University diversity plans are reviewed annually and progress toward meeting the goals and objectives is assessed.

3.  Appoint a University committee with broad campus representation.