Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Purpose

The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is to promote continuing efforts to embrace the perspectives and experiences that arise from the racial, ethnic, socio-economic, sexual, gender, and religious diversity within our community.  This committee will focus on promoting access, and provide training opportunities to the membership on diversity, equity, and inclusion related topics throughout our organization so that all barriers and biases may be eliminated.

Duties

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee shall:

1. Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into MSFAAs policy-making decisions.

2. Acknowledge, embrace, and model diverse perspectives and dialogue both inside and outside the organization.

3. Ensure equal access to the MSFAA organization and its mission, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location, professional level, or institution type.

4. Keep MSFAA aware of the committee’s mission and goals.

5. Identify needs specific to all underserved populations within our organization, institutions, and stakeholders with whom we work.

6. Work with appropriate MSFAA committees or other state authorities associated with financial aid to address those concerns.

7. Train and provide MSFAA members materials to support DEI’s statement of purpose.

8. Annually collect and evaluate feedback from MSFAA members and stakeholders on strengthening MSFAA DEI support services.

9. Provide professional development opportunities for members to strengthen ways to better serve our marginalized communities. 

10. Modify, revise, and maintain DEI outreach presentations and resource materials annually.

11. Work closely with the MSFAA Communication Electronic Initiatives (CEI) Committee to share our outreach materials with High School Counselors, Principles, and other community organizations.

12. Maintain a record of committee minutes and activity updates.

13. Incorporate DEI information into the MSFAA resource materials.

14. Collaborate with the Conference Program Committee to ensure diversity related topics are part of the annual program.

15. Develop and maintain a member-only DEI toolkit resource library on the MSFAA website.

16. Submit a Year-End Board Report summarizing accomplishments from the year using the template provided in the P&P.

17. Update the DEI Guidebook with processes and procedures for next year’s committee chair(s).

Membership

The President will appoint one or more chairs for the Committee from the MSFAA membership. The chair(s) will encourage all those interested in serving on this committee to join.  This will be a walk-on committee.  The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will strive to have participation from as many MSFAA members as possible and from the broadest geographical/sector representation.