RSO Newsletter | 11.15.2023

Can We Do Better With DEI ?

The Maverick Involvement Team is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on campus. However, the concept may seem distant and difficult to grasp. A more diverse team spurs innovation and creativity by bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Improved decision making happens in inclusive environments that encourage open dialogue and the consideration of multiple viewpoints.  Finally, diverse groups enhance problem-solving. Diverse groups are often better equipped to tackle complex issues and challenges because they can draw from a wider range of experiences and skills. To help RSO to improve their diversity and inclusion here are some tips from the student activities office. 

• Crystal Watts, Interim Assistant Director of Community Engagement: To increase diversity and inclusion Mrs. Watts suggested having an honest conversation about your RSO values and principles. As she said, “What’s your Why?” In other words, why do you believe in your values and do those values apply to everyone to whom you may come across. 
• Gregory T. Wilkins, Associate Director of the Centennial Student Union and Student Activities: The advice Mr. Wilkins provided was to avoid the challenge of succumbing to Groupthink. Groupthink in a RSO may lead to self-censorship, conformity, and collective rationalization. In other words, groupthink leads to stifling ideas and promoting stagnation. As he said, “If everybody looks like you, that's a problem.” He encourages RSO leaders to employ a more active form of recruiting. That consists of a more personal outreach or just having a nice chat with community members.  Through the conversation he provided some word of wisdom “Don’t be ordinary, be extraordinary and being extraordinary is getting to know someone different from yourself.” 
• John Bulcock, Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor: The advice Mr. Bulcock gave emphasized on broadening your thought on diversity and inclusion. He explained that if you are really looking to improve your RSO's diversity, as leader you will need to invest time and resources into the school's different community hubs. As he said “Do not expect people to come to you, go to them!” 
• Michelle Harvey, Assistant Director for RSOs & Leadership: The advice Ms. Harvey gave centered on the concept of belonging. What is your RSO doing to create a sense of belonging amongst your members? How does a new or prospective member feel when they attend an event or meeting for the first time? Are they greeted? Do they sit by themselves in silence? Going out of your way to welcome newcomers and learn about who they are and why they are interested in your RSO will be a great first step in creating a sense of belonging.

• 12/1/2023 | Application Deadline for Student Leadership Retreat
  • Encourage up-and-coming leaders to apply!
  • Retreat will be held Feb 2-4, 2024
• 12/8/2023 | Fraternities & Sororities Only - 2024 Re-Registration is Due!
• 1/12/2024 | First Friday (of the semester) RSO Leadership Training
  • Start the semester strong! 
  • Email rso-office@mnsu.edu if you have topic ideas for spring sessions! Other Dates: 2/2, 4/5
  • 3/1 will be a video message
• 1/22-25/2024 | RSO Involvement Week
  • RSO Fairs on Mav Ave 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • RSO Fair in Preske on 1/17 from 8-10 p.m.
  • Table reservations for both will open 1/2/24
• 1/26/2024 | RSO Night at the MNSU Basketball Games 
  • Mark your calendars now! Join in on the fun!