Valley City State University Office of Diversity & Inclusion

05/08/2024

If you are joining us for VCSU's 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, you will see some people wearing this cord around their necks with their graduation caps, gowns, and hoods.
This cord is a symbol of recognition for those who are First Generation College Graduates. This means they are part of the first generation of their family to earn a university diploma. They are the first in their families to overcome the challenges, hurdles, and uncertainties of pursuing a higher education, and accomplishing their goals to earn a college degree.
You will see some of the students graduating, as well as faculty and staff wearing this red and blue cord with their graduation regalia, symbolizing that they are a First Gen Graduate.
Join the Office for Diversity and Inclusion in celebrating their significant achievements and success!
Congratulations, First Gens! We can't wait to cheer for you when you walk across the stage on Saturday.

04/10/2024

Wishing you all a Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid!
Happy End of the Islamic Holy Month!

04/08/2024

Taylor Brorby is coming to Valley City!
Join us at 7:30pm in the Center for the Fine Arts Auditorium at 7:30pm on Thursday, April 11th. You don't want to miss this!
Taylor, who is from Center, North Dakota, is the award winning author of "Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land."
We are fortunate to have this special opportunity, host his visit, and learn from his unique experiences.

Taylor will be signing books after his talk. A limited number of books will be available for purchase.

04/02/2024

This promises to be a very moving and reflective experience. Please come if you can make it. It will be something you remember for a long time.

❤️ Join us tomorrow for Homage: Reflections on the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the story of HIV/AIDS, and the parallels to other important issues impacting our nation. This event will take place in the Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. The quilt will be available for viewing from 6:30-9:30 p.m. that evening.

➡️ Find out more about this event at: https://bit.ly/3vm3FkF

03/22/2024

VCSU will host best-selling author, Taylor Brorby, on April 11th.
His public talk will be at 7:30pm in the Center for the Arts Auditorium. Admission is free.

03/11/2024

Last night was the beginning of Ramadan. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and renewed faith, considered the holiest holiday in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims prqctice self-restraint in may ways such as refraining from eating and drinking during the daylight hours as a way to keep their focus on Allah and have spiritual growth. It is also a time of increased charity and good deeds.
During Ramadan, the VCSU Office for Diversity and Inclusion wishes you all a Ramadan Mubarek!

Ramadan Kareem!

02/28/2024

TONIGHT! VCSU students, faculty, and staff are invited to the info-session and sign-up for our new Heartstopper Discussion Series. We are meeting tonight at 7pm in the library for an introduction to the program, and to decide on a day/time for our series of discussions throughout the remainder of the semester.
Whether you are already a fan of Nick and Charlie, or you are interested in learning about how/why this book series and Netflix show have taken the world by storm as one of the most excellent representations of q***r coming-of-age and romantic relationships... or you are headed into a career where you will work with youth and young adults, this program is for you!

Tonight! Wednesday, Feb. 28th at 7pm in the library!

02/14/2024

Bring a food AND a non-food item and EAT FOR FREE on Thursday! Thank you, Sodexo Dining Service VCSU for helping the VCSU Diversity and Inclusion Student Resource Pantry!!!

Help us stock the resource pantry at VCSU on Thursday!

02/09/2024

VCSU Diversity and Inclusion and Allen Memorial Library invite you to join our Heartstopper book and television series discussion group! Heartstopper is a best-selling British LGBTQIA+ graphic novel series, by Alice Oseman, about life, love, mental health, family dynamics, and everything in between. The book series and Netflix show are excellent representation of q***rness, q***r relationships, and coming-of-age journeys for today's young adults.
We are holding an information session about the discussion group on Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00pm in the Allen Memorial Library.
We will have several sets of the books to check-out, and info on how to access the ebook versions. The Diversity Lounge in McFarland 131 has Netflix, so you can watch the show there if you do not have your own Netflix account.
Click on this link to learn more about Heartstopper.
https://aliceoseman.com/heartstopper/
We hope to see you at the info-session!
We ❤️ Nick & Charlie!

10/20/2023

You are invited to a special presentation about the war in Israel and Gaza on Friday, Oct. 20th at 11:30am in Skoal Room. Feel free to bring your lunch into the room and eat during the presentation.
Come and learn and reflect and engage.

10/13/2023

Right now, the plan is to have this in the Skoal Room from 11:30-12:30pm on Friday the 20th, but that might change as things develop, and because Friday the 20th is a "Viking Visit Day."
I will update this page if the time and location changes.

This will be a presentation about the war breaking out in Israel and Gaza. This is not meant to be a political debate, rather it is an opportunity to listen, reflect, and connect.

10/11/2023

Dr. Kelly and four VCSU students attended UND's LGBTQ+ DAY LONG INSTITUTE today. They gave a presentation about VCSU's Diversity and Inclusion program, Social Justice Council, and the partnership between Student Senate and Dr. Kelly's office. They attended other panels and keynote speeches, and ended the day at Texas Roadhouse for supper before returning to Valley City.
Tomorrow is National Coming Out Day. We support our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues who are out, proud, and loud for a better, more inclusive campus and community. Today, we joined hundreds of UND and NDSU people who are doing the hard work of Q***r Advocacy in North Dakota's universities. VCSU was the only small ND regional school to attend the event today. We are proud accomplices in the fight for social justice, and are full of pride to have been invited to give a presentation today.
We All Row!