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Equity & Diversity

The University of Minnesota and its Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) support work to leverage the transformative power of equity and diversity to advance excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The units of OED are:

Business & Community Economic Development
Business & Community Economic Development (BCED) is a social enterprise that leverages University assets and resources to provide solutions to social-economic problems in urban areas. Through programs and services, BCED works with underserved populations to build stronger, more vibrant communities. BCED is a critical component of the University’s public service and outreach mission.

Disability Services
Disability Services promotes access and equity for all students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University. It designs innovative learning and working environments and advances collaborative education and partnership with the University community.

Diversity in Graduate Education
Diversity in Graduate Education coordinates and leads the University's initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention and graduation of a diverse graduate and professional student body. It also works closely with other University offices concerned with diversity and multiculturalism, specifically in the areas of admissions, and academic support and mentoring.

The Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) Office
The Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) Office is committed to eliminating individual and systemic barriers that inhibit individuals and groups from attaining equal access to University of Minnesota employment, education, programs, and services. EOAA provides expertise and systemwide leadership in: policy development and issue identification; education; discrimination consultation and investigation; community connections; and compliance.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office improves the campus climate for all University students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors by developing and supporting more inclusive understandings of gender and sexuality. It bridges and builds communities that create affirming and welcoming environments in which people can be their whole selves and which honor all identities and experiences.

The Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA)
The Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) is a research initiative that convenes scholars from the University of Minnesota and around the world to collaborate across disciplines, departments, colleges, and campuses. It supports the development of new research and aims to enhance retention and faculty diversity by fostering stronger ties among faculty and with faculty and the local community.

The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE)
The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) addresses issues that affect the University community, including various types of diversity as well as ethnic and racial issues. MCAE also helps students explore internship opportunities and provides access to campus resources, scholarship information, mentoring programs, academic offerings, and study-abroad opportunities.

The Women's Center
The Women's Center increases connections for women’s success, cultivates socially responsible leaders, and advocates for organizational culture change toward excellence for all. The Women’s Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010, and is the oldest of its kind in the country working to improve and enhance the work and learning environments for women faculty, staff, and students.