Diversity Statement

Initiatives we've taken

Program requirements and course offerings are deliberate to support student goals for success. Initiatives the BMS department has taken to support diversity, equity, and inclusion include:

• Removal of barriers in the application process for the dietetics program in 2019.
• Continuous realignment of biomedical sciences program requirements based on the evolving requirements of the health programs.
• Instructors and faculty access to troubleshooting and training on inclusive practices for teaching and advising.
• Monthly workshops where faculty share successful strategies for inclusive teaching methods.

These, along with efforts from the McQueary College of Health and Human Services and Missouri State University, provide faculty education, awareness, and practice with the goal of supporting diverse populations in our classes and programs, as well as increase the diversity among our employees and students.

We envision a department that embodies diversity, not just as a buzz word, but as a truly inclusive space for students, faculty and staff. There is a broad range of expertise, including faculty from diverse professional backgrounds. We have a specific goal of recruiting, supporting and retaining students and faculty from minority populations by improving access to mentoring, providing a local support structure, and empowering minority students and faculty to succeed in their goals. If you are considering joining our department as a student, staff or faculty, we encourage you to decide how you too can become part of our efforts.

Summary

• We welcome and support people of all backgrounds into biomedical sciences.
• We provide inclusive, student-centered learning and are committed to supporting and empowering students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.

Share your thoughts

Please share comments or concerns with the BMS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee by emailing BMSDEIcommittee@live.MissouriState.edu.

Definitions and terminology

• Accessibility: Design of products, services, or environments so they can be used by, acquired, or benefit all groups of people.
• Ancestry: Shared genetic background.
• Disability: Physical or mental impairment of at least one major life activity, such as walking, learning, etc. Person with a disability is preferred, not disabled person.
• Diversity: Appreciation for differences among people. Frequently identified by representation from multiple categories of people.
• Ethnicity: Cultural background, such as place of birth, language, customs, etc.
• Equity: That all people have equal or similar chances of success, regardless of status. Identified by a similar rate of success across groups of people.
• Inclusion: Consideration for and acceptance of diverse groups of people. Cultural, social, and professional acceptance of different groups of people.
• Justice: Systems and supports that promote fair, right and equitable treatment of people.
• Gender: Social and cultural differences based on norms, behaviors and societal roles expected of individuals generally based on sex. Gender is self-identified and occurs on a spectrum with man/woman, girl/boy at the termini.
• Minority: not to be used alone, without a qualifier. For example, racial or ethnic minority, underserved minorities, etc. Factors that may influence a person’s status include (but are not limited to) sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, LGBTQ+ status, age, disabled, socioeconomic status, country of origin, primary language, non-traditional, educational background, military status.
• Race: Physical attributes. An individual’s race is self-identified. A social construct not supported by biology.
• Sex: Genetic and phenotypic characteristics. e.g., male, female, intersex.
• Social Justice: Promotion of fairness in rights, opportunity, and treatment in society.