Equity 2030

 Equity 2030 is Minnesota State Systems' strategic commitment to closing the equity gaps in higher education. By focusing on increasing access, affordability and academic success for underrepresented groups, MSU and other institutions in Minnesota State are working toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. 

What is Equity 2030

Equity 2030 Goals

Equity 2030 sets clear targets to eliminate disparities across student outcomes by 2030, addressing key areas like retention and graduation rates for underrepresented students.

Goals

Equity by Design

The heart of Equity 2030, this initiative ensures that curriculum, policies and practices are designed with equity in mind. It’s a bold, student-centered approach to closing equity gaps through data-informed action, collaboration, and equity-minded leadership. This method drives lasting, institution-wide change by rethinking policies, programs, and practices to truly support every student.

Equity by Design in Practice: 

These principles help campuses create student-centered, equity-focused systems by shaping everyday decisions, strategies, and practices.

According to the work of Bensimon, Dowd, Witham (2016), and the Center for Urban Education, there are five key principles for building the infrastructure necessary to enact Equity by Design.

  • Principle 1: Provide clarity in language, goals, and measures.
  • Principle 2: Center the workaround equity-mindedness.
  • Principle 3: Ensure practices and policies are designed to account for and accommodate contextual differences in student learning among different groups.
  • Principle 4: Disaggregate data, monitor patterns, and enact systems for continual learning. Institutional change requires ongoing commitment and the capacity to learn from failure.
  • Principle 5: Institutional commitment to equity work must be embedded as a foundational principle for the college or university.

Design Elements

Equity by Design is built on key elements that shape its philosophy: equity-minded leadership, local context, institutional change, and accountability. 

Equity-Minded Language

Using shared, equity-minded language helps us communicate clearly, build a stronger campus identity, and foster a more inclusive, connected, and welcoming environment for everyone.

Equity-Minded Data Analysis

Using data with an equity lens helps us ask the right questions, uncover gaps, and drive meaningful change. It’s about building the skills and understanding needed to turn data into action that supports all students.

Pathways Initiatives in Higher Education

Pathway initiatives—like guided, transfer, and career pathways—help students move forward with clarity and purpose.

Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study

Commitment to Our Community

The Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study is one of the largest privately, publicly, and non-profit funded inclusivity studies in the United States.

Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study