Diversity and Inclusion

The Honors College strives to create an academic learning environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all undergraduate students. In addition to supporting university-wide programs that facilitate diversity and inclusion, the Honors College has implemented the following initiatives:

  • The Director of the Honors College currently chairs the University Diversity Coordination Task Force.
  • The Assistant Director of the Honors College currently serves on the University Undergraduate Recruitment Committee.
  • All Honors College staff members have completed the Master Advisor Training Program, which includes developmental training on advising and supporting a diverse student population, and attend annual professional workshops as part of the Master Advisor Forum program;
  • All Honors College staff members have completed the University’s Preventing Discrimination and Harassment training program.
  • All Honors College staff members have completed the In Their Shoes: Disability Awareness training program.
  • Honors College staff members have been trained as Safe Zone allies.
  • Honors College faculty and staff members actively participate in the recruitment and advisement of Multicultural Leadership Scholars.
  • The Honors College is registered with Springfield Safe Spaces.
  • The Honors College has developed admissions criteria that specifically take into consideration the academic training and backgrounds of international students;
  • The Honors College has a formal articulation agreement on admissions and transfer credits with the LNU-MSU College of International Business, affording Chinese transfer students the opportunity to complete honors studies;
  • The Honors College has formal articulation agreements on admissions and transfer credits with the honors programs at Ozarks Technical Community College and Missouri State University-West Plains;
  • International exchange students may enroll in Honors College courses upon recommendation of their academic advisors;
  • The Honors College maintains 3 Living-Learning Communities that are open to all Honors College students. Residents deepen their learning experience through regular contact with faculty and staff members inside and outside the classroom. They also have the opportunity to participate in unique learning programs, which address themes such as cultural competence, diversity and inclusion.
  • The University Fellowships Office, which is managed by the Honors College, provides advising and support for applicants seeking the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the Charles B Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program, and other scholarships and fellowships designed for underrepresented student populations;
  • The Honors Council, the official student organization of the Honors College, designed and introduced the Honors College Forum program, which provides guest speakers with opportunities to discuss important Public Affairs topics, including diversity and inclusion issues, with Honors College students;
  • In November 2012, the Honors College co-sponsored the American Society for Ethnohistory Annual Conference, which brought almost 300 diverse scholars to Springfield in order to discuss their research and publications on themes in American ethnohistory;
  • In November 2011, an Honors College student and staff delegation co-presented Inclusive Excellence in Honors Programs: Administrative, Faculty, and Student Perspectives at the National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

Learn more about Missouri State University’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students by visiting the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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