Departmental DEI Vision and Mission Statement

The Department of Earth Sciences is committed to developing and sustaining a culture of social and environmental justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.  We strive to cultivate a welcoming environment that embodies these principles to support all students, staff, and faculty to achieve and contribute to intellectual and personal growth in the Earth Sciences within the MSU community and beyond. 

Land Acknowledgment 

We would like to acknowledge the indigenous nations on whose traditional territories the university now stands and whose historical relationship to the land continues to this day. We would also like to recognize the direct contributions of the Earth Sciences as a discipline to the theft and exploitation of those same territories. Finally we would like to acknowledge the Elders past and present, including MSU's current Council of Elders, and humbly ask for their guidance. 

Upcoming Programs and Events

Resources

The following is a list of of several discussion groups or organizations at Montana State University that facilitate spaces to discuss relevant DEI topics. On-campus groups exists for both students and faculty to contribute to creating a welcoming climate and safe atmosphere at MSU and within our department.

Organization Mission Statement
Decolonize the Geosciences Discussion Group

Decolonize Geoscience (DG) is a coalition of graduate and undergraduate students who meet during the semester to discuss key issues and rethink our understanding of the earth sciences. This group is entirely student led and serves as an activist space within our department.
oSTEM oSTEM stands for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. oSTEM at MSU is a student chapter of the national organization committed to supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ people in STEM fields to succeed personally, academically, and professionally.
Fuerza Latinx

The Latino/Hispanic association on campus, with a focus on Educación, Comunidad y Familia. Their purpose is to help everyone know they are welcome on our campus and allow Latinx/Hispanic students to have both a safe space and a family away from home.
Queer Straight Alliance 

The Montana State University Queer Straight Alliance is the longest standing student run organization, providing support and programming for LGBTQ+ Students for over 40 years.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers.
Sustained Dialogue MSU

By participating in engaged dialogue, their aim is to promote holistic understanding by bridging gaps between traditionally opposing groups. Sustained conversations will encourage and embrace diversity, resulting in actions that are deliberate, thoughtful, and enduring
Black Student Union

The Black Student Union’s purpose is to advocate for the black community; to promote leadership; to embrace and educate about black culture and issues from black students perspectives; to provide a safe space for the black community; and to represent & remind black students that they are not alone.
American Indian Council of MSU

Their mission is to support our American Indian students in their adjustment to college life to be successful at the collegiate level and beyond. Accomplished by implementing cultural heritage to foster knowledge, integrity, tradition and achievement. Promoting academic success through group support, advocacy, leadership and community building.

If you do not see your organization listed here or you would like to revise the blurb presented in this table please contact us at earth@montana.edu with a link to a website and description of your organization. Thank you!