Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.

A top global university, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better world while providing students with life-changing opportunities.

Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives

Building Inclusive Communities

At MSU, we believe our differences are our strengths. Diversity is power. Building inclusive communities are at the core of our values.

Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants

Foremost among MSU’s values is inclusiveness. Inclusiveness provides opportunities for learners from all backgrounds to bring their passion and talent and join a vibrant, intellectual community built on mutual respect. The MSU community has the opportunity to create synergy within and across organizational systems in support of an inclusive educational and work environment through the “Creating Inclusive Excellence at Michigan State University” funding.

Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants (CIEG) presents an opportunity for Colleges and Academic Units to engage in efforts that will enhance academic quality, and through clearly articulated outcomes, demonstrably benefit students and create a more inclusive campus community for all.

Racial Equity Taskforce

MSU has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. President Stanley has identified three initial issues: campus climate and safety, policing, and the diversity of faculty and staff. A DEI steering committee has been working on these initiatives. Task Force recommendations and initial responses are available for review.

Diversity at MSU

Michigan State University is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.

Spartan students come from all 50 states and 130 countries. They conduct research, study abroad, participate in hundreds of student organizations and take advantage of the more than 200 academic programs MSU offers.

In fall 2019, 39,176 undergraduate students were enrolled at MSU. The number included 8,700 students of color. The number of male and female students was nearly equal.

• 39,176 Undergraduate students
• 8,700 Students of color
• 50.6% Women
• 24.5% Minority students

Our Commitment

We’re committed to doing more.

We have taken deliberate and meaningful action in the last year to be more aware and more accountable. We are committed to building on these efforts, acting more thoughtfully, and to creating solutions for a safer, more secure, and more supportive university.

Fostering a Safer Campus

The university is working with internal and external experts to address campus climate and culture by improving policies, procedures, programs, and operations.

MSU Mission Statement

Michigan State University, a member of the Association of American Universities and one of the top 100 research universities in the world, was founded in 1855. We are an inclusive, academic community known for our traditionally strong academic disciplines and professional programs, and our liberal arts foundation. Our cross- and interdisciplinary enterprises connect the sciences, humanities, and professions in practical, sustainable, and innovative ways to address society’s rapidly changing needs.

As a public, research-intensive, land-grant university funded in part by the state of Michigan, our mission is to advance knowledge and transform lives by:

• providing outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional education to promising, qualified students in order to prepare them to contribute fully to society as globally engaged citizen leaders
• conducting research of the highest caliber that seeks to answer questions and create solutions in order to expand human understanding and make a positive difference, both locally and globally
• advancing outreach, engagement, and economic development activities that are innovative, research-driven, and lead to a better quality of life for individuals and communities, at home and around the world

The MSU Mission Statement was approved by the Board of Trustees on April 18, 2008.