DEIB Recommendations

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee has met regularly to discuss the climate on diversity within the College of Music. Articles and literature have been shared and discussed on various subjects ranging from Title IX, gender diversity, gender neutral restrooms, racial diversity, listening sessions and various materials from the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Iniatives.
 
Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit recommendations to the College of Music Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. Recommendations can be submitted to members of the committee, through the Advisory Committee, Area Chairs, or sent directly to group facilitator Rodney Whitaker.

Diversity Committee Initiatives:

  • CODA Award: College of Music Diversity Award
  • Bridge Program
  • All Area Individual Diversity Listening Sessions
  • Student Listening Sessions
  • Joint Studio Master Classes were well attended and creative excellent educational opportunities for our students
  • Faculty, Staff & Leadership Training created a more open dialogue regarding diversity and inclusion
  • Electronic Screens/Monday Memo Campaign provided increase visibility and promoted positivity towards Diversity & Inclusion (Faculty Spotlight, Black History Month highlighting African-American composers, National Women’s Month)
  • Diversity Recruitment Trip
  • Master Classes featuring Female, African American, Trans Gender Artists
  • All College of Music Fall/Spring Convocation

Recommendations:

  1. Requirement for all undergraduate students to study improvisation
  2. Faculty to receive professional credit for diversity initiatives on FIF
  3. MSU Gospel Choir rehearse in the College of Music
  4. Offer courses in Black Music (Hip Hop Lyric Writing, History)
  5. Electronic Screen Campaign featuring African-American and Female Composers/Artists year round
  6. African American Series featuring Composers and Artists
  7. Female Series featuring Composers and Artists
  8. National Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  9. Increase Diversity Budget
  10. Provide Support for Asian Students in Response to Racial Incidents during COVID-19 Pandemic
  11. Include Additional Staff Members to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee (1 College of Music, 1 CMS-D, 1 CMS-East Lansing)