Maverick Diversity Institute - Minnesota State Mankato

03/23/2026

Re-scheduled from last fall, check out this upcoming MDI Session happening next week!

02/23/2026

There is a Safe Zone Training opportunity coming up that is open to students, staff, and faculty. Please register to attend for catering order, and so training materials can be prepped.

This is a great training for anyone wanting to learn how to better support and create more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students, friends, co-workers, and loved ones. Participants who attend and complete the full training will receive a Safe Zone Certificate of Completion, Office Decal, and more!
Please register by end of day on Monday, March 9

02/19/2026

Last week to register for this upcoming Maverick Diversity Institute session happening on March 3!

Our next session is March 3, and we're talking about the intersection of feminist and transgender rights in commemoration of both Women's History Month and International Trans Day of Visibility. You can register to attend this discussion based presentation by going to: link.mnsu.edu/transfemintersect

02/15/2026

Lots of Black History Month events happening here at Minnesota State University! Go to link.mnsu.edu/dish to check out the calendar of all the upcoming events from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!

There is a lot happening to commemorate and celebrate Black History Month from African American Affairs and the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Division. Go to the Diversity is Happening Calendar (DISH) to check out all the upcoming events: link.mnsu.edu/dish

02/12/2026

Our next session is March 3, and we're talking about the intersection of feminist and transgender rights in commemoration of both Women's History Month and International Trans Day of Visibility. You can register to attend this discussion based presentation by going to: link.mnsu.edu/transfemintersect

01/14/2026

We'll be kicking off the Spring 2026 semester with a discussion on a crucial topic. Minnesota Safe Harbor will speak to the realities of human trafficking and how the state advocates for prevention & survivors.

Community members, students, faculty, and staff are all invited and welcome to attend. RSVP is required: link.mnsu.edu/safeharbor.

09/30/2025

The Maverick Diversity Institute is once again offering an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to become Safe Zone certified. Please register to attend at https://mnsu.edu/safezone or use the link in bio. Join us on National Coming Out Day on October 11!

Participants who attend and complete the full training will receive a Safe Zone Certificate, Decal to designate your office/space as a Safe Zone at MSU, and more!

Coffee and lunch will be provided for those who register to attend!

09/22/2025

The first session for Maverick Diversity Institute is scheduled to take-off next week!

An Authoethnographic Storytelling Circle lead by Aaron Hoy!

This 90-minute session introduces participants to autoethnography, a qualitative research method that values personal stories as a valid source of knowledge. By linking lived experience to broader social and cultural contexts, including issues of identity, access, and equity, autoethnography transforms personal narratives into meaningful scholarship. Participants will explore key ideas behind the method, engage in guided writing using reflective prompts, and share stories in a supportive circle. The session will conclude with resources and ideas for developing personal narratives into research projects. All are welcome! No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to reflect, write, and connect.
Registration is Required, register now!

https://link.mnsu.edu/autoethno

04/21/2025

Last chance to register for the training opportunity tomorrow discussing the intersection of feminist and transgender rights!

You can sign up using the link below:
https://mankato.mnsu.edu/university-life/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-on-campus-and-beyond/maverick-diversity-institute/mdi-sessions/intersections-of-feminist--transgender-rights/

04/16/2025

Check out this training opportunity happening next week to discuss how feminist goals for equal rights overlap with the transgender community's goals for equal rights. Participants will also engage in meaningful discussion to identify the impacts and implications recent ant-trans rhetoric has on gender equality.

Register to attend: https://forms.office.com/r/8Bt6AWTGr5

04/16/2025

Our training this Thursday focuses on learning how to best support victims of sexual violence through a trauma-informed approach. Please register to attend the training by end of day tomorrow, April 16th.

Register:
https://forms.office.com/r/C8VGyBkCBX