GENERATING
I.D.E.A.S. SIDE-BY-SIDE
nwmissouri.edu/diversity
DR. JUANITA SIMMONS
“At Northwest we value the voices and experiences of others and provide opportunities for social and political exchange of the multiple Northwest community experiences through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We support and foster experiences that connect and strengthen the central mission of DEI and the University. Our team assists in facilitating and providing training, curriculum revisions, lectures and presentations for the development of the Northwest community. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to work together to build on existing concepts, theories and approaches that contribute to the educational experience for the underrepresented community.”
Why Northwest?
“I chose Northwest because of the friendly atmosphere. I was adopted from Mexico City and was looking for my ‘family,’ and I found that at Northwest with my sorority. They became my family away from home.
What does the Bearcat spirit mean to you?
To me, the Bearcat spirit means to be proud of my school, of who we are and what we represent. Having a Bearcat spirit means having support from everyone on campus.
Astrid Reynoso Zaragoza Sophomore Mexico City, Mexico
What fun event have you attended?
The Multicultural Student Organization Block Party is a great event that promotes diversity. A variety of students from different cultures perform dances, make food and provide entertainment for students to learn about their culture.”
YOUR PLACE TO
Inclusion
Northwest has an organization for you. Below are a few of the student groups on campus. For a complete list, visit nwmissouri.edu/diversity/organizations.htm. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alliance of Black Collegians Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Helping Everyone Regardless of Orientation (H.E.R.O.) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Minority Men’s Organization Spiritually Involved Sisters Together Achieving Harmony (S.I.S.T.A.H.) National Panhellenic Council (Greek) First Ladies Organization Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. ALIANZA Queer People of Color Sex and Gender Equality (S.A.G.E.) African Student Organization Minority STEM Minority Educators of Northwest
Diversity “To me, Northwest means family, love, affordability, opportunity and community-centered. At Northwest, there is a caring feel to the students and professors that is incomparable to anywhere. Even when I have an 8 a.m. class, I can expect greetings and smiles all over campus. If my grades just so happen to slip, there is access to tutor and study sessions to help me succeed. Northwest is simply unique.” Shawn Bane Jr. Junior Sarasota, Florida
Equity and Accessibility
Northwest has many accommodations to ensure student success. Take advantage of FREE resources like: Talent Development Center • tutoring • academic success coaching • supplemental instruction (peer-led study group) • student athlete success program Testing accommodations B.R.I.D.G.E.: Facilitates diverse education in the residence halls
Synergy “Northwest makes every student feel welcome. All of the staff genuinely care about the students. I fell in love with this college campus because of its desire to help each and every student reach their goals.” Whitnee Ice Freshman Cameron, Missouri
BEARCAT Culture
Black History month February brings a month of activities celebrating past and current African American achievements including the Black History Hall of Fame in the Student Union, speakers, programs and more.
Soul Food dinner During the spring trimester, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion serves a night of great home cooking and performances.
Hispanic American History month Students can enjoy activities in September and December that celebrate the Hispanic culture. These include speakers, movies and various meals from Latin countries, as well as trips to museums to learn more about the culture.
LGBTQ+ History month Students and staff work together to deliver a range of activities during this month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements.
Martin Luther King Jr. week Association of Black Employees The mission of the Association of Black Employees is to empower black employees in a rural higher education institution such as Northwest Missouri State University to be successful in and outside the University, and provide support and encouragement for our marginalized students.
Northwest departments and student organizations host a variety of events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and remind all of us to recommit to social justice and equity for all.
Women’s History month March brings a month to celebrate and educate others about the impacts that women have made in America. Events include lectures, book readings and awards/luncheon ceremonies.
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
DR. JUANITA SIMMONS
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administration Building 143 Phone: 660.562.1750 Email: jsimmons@nwmissouri.edu
Northwest students annually receive
more than 18 million dollars in scholarships and grants.
For information about how Northwest can help finance your education through scholarships like the Cultural Enrichment and the Missouri Minority Teacher Education scholarships, visit nwmissouri.edu/FinAid/scholarships.
800 University Drive Maryville, MO 64468-6001 local: 660.562.1148 fax: 660.562.1821 admissions@nwmissouri.edu
Scholarships and Financial Assistance 660.562.1363 finaid@nwmissouri.edu
Residential Life
660.562.1214 reslife@nwmissouri.edu
Students with Disabilities
800.633.1175 ada@nwmissouri.edu