Inclusion and Equity
Dickinson State University serves as a change agent in creating an inclusive environment. This is so students, staff and faculty can engage, support, educate and advocate. The campus provides ways for all to engage in intercultural discussion. We also highlight campus organizations that provide services related to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to help everyone celebrate their cultural heritage through diverse programming and to foster a sense of belonging. At DSU, we provide meaningful programs that advance diversity education and cultural competence.
Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran’s status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”) or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the
Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathleen Geisen
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226
Dickinson, ND 58601
Telephone: 701-502-2081, email: dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu, or to the:
Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309
Dickinson, ND 58601
Telephone: 701-502-4304, email: dsu.affirmativeaction@dickinsonstate.edu, or to the:
The Office for Civil Rights/Chicago
U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center
500 W Madison Street, Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661
Telephone: 312-730-1560, Fax: 312-730-1576, TDD: 1-800-877-8339, email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov, website: ed.gov/ocr.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
330 South Second Avenue Suite 720
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2224
Telephone: 1-800-669-4000, Fax: 612-335-4044, TTY: 1-800-669-6820, website: www.eeoc.gov.
Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed by the U.S. Congress on June 23, 1972, and signed into law on July 1, 1972. It is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities such as:
- Admissions
- Housing and facilities
- Courses and other education activities
- Career guidance and counseling activities
- Financial aid
- Health and insurance benefits
- Scholastic, intercollegiate, club, or intramural athletics
The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX legislation, regulation, and case law. The Title IX Coordinator monitors DSU policy in relation to Title IX law developments. They also implement grievance procedures including notification, investigation, and disposition of complaints. They provide educational materials and training for the campus community and conduct and/or coordinate investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX. They also ensure a fair and neutral process for all parties and monitor all other aspects of the university's Title IX compliance.
Those with questions, concerns, or a complaint related to Title IX may contact DSU’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathleen Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601, 701-502-2081, dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu.
Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA 1994) as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. This was done in recognition of the severity of the crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The protections and provisions afforded by the 1994 legislation were expanded and improved in the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (VAWA 2000) and the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005).
A resource guide to DSU’s policy and procedure can be accessed here.
Bystander Intervention is a philosophy and approach for prevention of various types of violence, which could include bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Bystander Intervention is a different approach to sexual assault prevention because it discourages victim blaming. This offers a chance to change social rules and shifts responsibility to all.
Dickinson State University offers Bystander Intervention training. We encourage all campus community members to be actively involved in identifying, intervening in, and reporting violence.
DSU is committed to equal opportunity in employment decisions, educational programs, and activities in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including affirmative action efforts. DSU does not discriminate based on age, religion or creed, national origin, marital status, race or ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status in its admissions, employment practices, education programs, housing, food service, or other related activities.
Questions about the educational opportunities or equal employment policies of this institution should be directed to DSU's Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, 701-502-4304, dsu.affirmativeaction@dickinsonstate.edu
Applicants to and employees of most private employers, state and local governments,
educational institutions, employment agencies, and labor organizations are protected
under Federal law from discrimination. Find out more information here:
EEO is the Law Poster
Multicultural Committee
The Multicultural Committee (MCC) is a group of employees who work within the DSU community to create a culturally diverse and welcoming campus. Our student-centered events are designed to challenge hidden bias and break barriers. This gives all students an opportunity to share their culture and values and to make long-lasting connections with peers.
Please contact an MCC committee member or the Coordinator of International Programs & Multicultural Affairs for more information.
Global Table
The Multicultural Committee sponsors the Global Table series. Global Table promotes cross-cultural understanding and creates multicultural awareness on campus. Anyone coming from a unique country, religion, or background is invited to share their culture and insight. These monthly, noon-hour conversations are held in The Hub. If you would like to present at the Global Table, please contact an MCC committee member or the Coordinator of International Programs & Multicultural Affairs.
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations is an event in which the campus engages in discussion related to diversity. The goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for all individuals. This is regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, socioeconomic status, political views, or ability. The event encourages respectful dialogue by exploring misunderstandings about diversity and sharing stories to generate positive social change. Please contact the Coordinator of International Programs & Multicultural Affairs for more information.
DSU is committed to preventing harassment. To that end, DSU students and employees are offered annual training on how to recognize, report, and prevent sexual harassment. Incoming first-year students and new DSU employees are provided Title IX training as part of their orientation. The Title IX Coordinator is required to participate in annual Title IX training, and individuals serving as Title IX investigators and decision-makers are required to complete Title IX training appropriate to their roles in the Title IX process. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the University’s training related to Policy 603.1.003.
Questions regarding training can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu.
Contact DSU’s Affirmative Action Officer for help in completing this training.
Ten Things to Know About the New Regulations
Level Two Investigator Training
Climate Investigations Webinar
Sexual Misconduct (Title IX) Investigation Class (3.29.21-4.1.21)
- DSU Participants: VP/Provost, Director of Special Projects, Director of Student Life/Title IX Coordinator, Director of HR, HR Payroll Manager, Nursing Department Professor, VP of University Relations, Director of SOAR Center
Title IX Sexual Misconduct Decision-Maker Class (4.22.21-4.23.21)
- Attended by Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator and Investigator Training Course (10.4.21-10.8.21)
- Attended by Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Athletics (2.15.22-2.16.22)
- Attended by Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Investigating Writing (6.22.22)
- Attended by Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Informal Resolution Foundations (5.2.23-5.3.23)
- Attended by Title IX Coordinator
Role and Responsibility of a Title IX Office (10.25.23)
- DSU Participants: Vice President, Provost, Title IX Coordinator, Emergency Management Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, Director of Campus Life, Dean of Students, Director of SOAR Center