Overall Rating Bronze
Overall Score 25.45
Liaison Meghann Jarchow
Submission Date Jan. 30, 2023

STARS v2.2

University of South Dakota
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.33 / 2.00 Meredith King
Sustainability
Sustainability & Environment
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a diversity and equity committee, office, and/or officer tasked by the administration or governing body to advise on and implement policies, programs, and trainings related to diversity, equity, inclusion and human rights?:
Yes

Does the committee, office and/or officer focus on students, employees, or both?:
Both students and employees

A brief description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer, including purview and activities:

The Office of Multicultural Affairs develops students into engaged and thoughtful leaders that are prepared to be successful in the increasingly global and complex world. It partners with students to develop and implement programming that complements their classroom experience. It serves as a bridge for strategic partnerships that result in increased access, persistence, retention, and success of students. The office also assists multicultural student organizations and serves as a resource to help them accomplish their organizational goals

Some of those organizations include Native Student Services, Veterans Resource Center, and Disability Services.

There are multiple departmental diversity committees such as the School of Law Diversity Working Group, College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Across the Curriculum Committee, and the School of Health Sciences Committee on Diversity, Inclusivity, and Cultural Awareness.

The Cultural Wellness Coalition is a student organization that looks to take action in the Vermillion community in conjunction with other organizations around campus that will help educate and spark change. They are dedicated to promoting awareness of cultural exchanges among students, staff and faculty members of the University of South Dakota, and the local community. They strive for academic, social, and cultural development to promote the best interests of the University of South Dakota.


Estimated proportion of students that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Some

Estimated proportion of academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Some

Estimated proportion of non-academic staff that has participated in cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:
Some

A brief description of the institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities:

There are several events that offer cultural education through presentations, videos, speakers, performances, and food. These include the Festival of Nations, African Night, Lunar New Year Festival, Nepal Night, International Gala, Around the World Wednesdays, and First Fridays.

Resident Assistants in the dorms and housing staff receive diversity training at the beginning of each school year. The Human Resource department also educates search committee chairs and members on racial bias and discrimination laws.


Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity office or trainings is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.