Dakota State University (DSU) is committed to welcoming diverse students, faculty and staff. A recent national survey shows that DSU students are significantly more satisfied than students at other four-year public universities about such key diversity areas as:

• The institution's commitment to students with disabilities, and
• The institution's commitment to under-represented populations.

The University has a dynamic Office of Diversity Services. Why not check out DSU's diversity groups, scholarships, monthly diversity forums, or staff?

Dakota State University is committed to building a campus community in which diversity is a fundamental value. People are different and the differences among them are what we call diversity - a natural and enriching hallmark of life. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political viewpoints, veteran status, and gender identity/expression. A climate of healthy diversity is one in which people value individual and group differences, respect the opinions of others, and communicate openly.

Diversity is a key to excellence in education. DSU is committed to enriching the lives of our students, faculty, and staff by providing a diverse campus where the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives is an active part of learning.

The goal of the Office of Diversity Services is to make your experience at DSU a great experience in learning. We can assist you in many ways; from admissions, advice and registration help to scholarship identification.

Our office is committed to working closely with and supporting the activities and efforts of groups that historically have been excluded from opportunities enjoyed by members of the predominant culture. They are: African Americans; Asians; Pacific Islanders; Latinos/Hispanics; American Indians; and Alaskan Natives. These groups continue to find obstacles that hinder them from having full participation in our society. Diversity Services supports a club and a number of support groups that in time will become clubs. The propose of the club and support groups are to provide a place for students of color and unique minorities on campus to be able to come together to find common points of interest, sharing successes and when seeking help in other areas.

The greater campus community benefits from having a diversity student body and staff. All students are welcome to visit or become a member of any group. If you want to learn, more about a particular group or be a ally by supporting the members of any group. Our main goal is to nurture a greater cultural understanding of others.

Clubs:

Mi Familia: To provide a comfortable environment for Latinos, and others, to embrace and celebrate their history, while promoting, sharing, and experiencing Latin and Hispanic cultures.

Groups:

Native American, Non-traditional, and GLBT

Great Plains Diversity Forum:

The goal of the forum is to create dialogue on contemporary issues affecting underrepresented groups in the state of South Dakota. Providing an environment for thoughtful discussion, disagreement, and respectful sharing of views and opinions, where all may learn. The forum is held once a month and is broadcast live over the Internet.