Culture, Access and Belonging

PSM is in line with the CANR Office of Culture, Access and Belonging statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our aim is to foster a culture where every member of PSM feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve individual and common goals. This includes providing opportunity and access for all people across differences of race, age, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, migratory status, disability/abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and socioeconomic background, consistent with state and federal law.

PSM Community Norms

We are committed to upholding Michigan State University’s core values of Quality, Inclusiveness, and Connectivity through Student, Staff and Academic Faculty Equity (SSAFE).

  • Quality: PSM continually strives to do their best
  • Inclusiveness: PSM values differences and welcomes all into our community
  • Connectivity: PSM strengthens relationships to enhance our creative impact

PSM SPARTANS WILL strive for QUALITY by:

  • Remembering that we are in an educational setting and teaching/learning is paramount.
  • Embracing change to do better while remaining grounded in MSU core values and mission.
  • Leading/managing with positivity, respect, and sensitivity to power differentials.
  • Supporting colleagues and coworkers as it takes multiple skill sets to achieve success.
  • Conducting ourselves in a professional manner in our interactions within our department, college, and MSU Campus community.
  • Remaining transparent and providing clarity for decision making processes
  • Striving to maintain honesty, trustworthiness, and dependability.

PSM SPARTANS WILL be INCLUSIVE by:

  • Accepting that we are all unique and that embracing our uniqueness enhances our workplace.
  • Collaborating as a community regardless of our background, personal beliefs, differing thoughts, and perspectives.
  • Respecting others’ opinions/identities, especially when discussing controversial topics.
  • Respecting cultural differences while working to recognize and manage our own biases.
  • Eliminating barriers to allow access and success for all

PSM SPARTANS WILL strive for CONNECTIVITY by:

  • Recognizing that we work better when we work as a team and that each member of the team is valued, respected, and heard.
  • Cultivating open lines of communication among all levels of our PSM community.
  • Communicating and respecting personal and professional boundaries. Avoiding assumptions and generalizations.
  • Creating a supportive environment for all individuals of the PSM community, including those who have experienced instances of discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying.
  • Working to resolve conflict whenever possible.
  • Avoiding condescending language and redirecting conversations that may be inappropriate for the workplace.
  • Using authority responsibly and only in advancing the mission of PSM and CANR.

*Approved by PSM Faculty September 24, 2018, updated August 29, 2022.

For more details, please see the Department's statement on core values: PSM SSAFE Community Norms (May 2025).

For questions, suggestions or comments: use our contact form.