Resources

Campus Resources

University Policies–Our Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Anti-Harassment Policy, and Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy all outline our zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination, including bias based on race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and ability. The latter policy also specifically prohibits such discrimination in education and employment.

• Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Anti-Harassment Policy
• Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy

Beneficence Pledge–In our Beneficence Pledge, we expect every student, faculty member, and staff member “to treat each person in the Ball State community with civility, courtesy, compassion, and dignity.” We nurture an environment in which each of us vows “to respect and learn from differences in people, ideas, and opinions.”

Housing Policy –Housing and Residence Life strives to provide safe, inviting living environments for all students.

Title IX–We adhere to the federal Title IX’s prohibition against sex discrimination, which covers actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, plus the “failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity.”

• Contact Title IX Coordinator

Counseling Center–The Counseling Center’s mission is to promote personal growth, development, and psychological well-being while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity and social justice. Integral to achieving our mission are mental health services, outreach/consultation, and training of future professionals.

Bias Response Team –If you feel you have experienced bias, this team will provide you with a safe place to discuss the incident and address the issue.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention–We offer numerous support services and prevention programs that address sexual assault, intimate partner or dating violence, and stalking.

The Pathways Project -The Pathways Project is a Graduate School initiative for inclusive excellence for students, faculty, and staff designed to foster equity and mentoring in graduate education at Ball State University. The Pathways Project features three distinct programs, which center and support students from marginalized backgrounds (e.g., domestic Students of Color, LGBTQIA2S+ students, students with disabilities, low-income students, student veterans, students with dependents, etc.).

Muncie Community Resources

Human Rights Commission-The protection provided by Muncie’s anti-discrimination ordinance extends to buying or renting housing and property, education, employment, and public accommodations and conveniences. The Muncie Human Rights Commission enforces this policy and can hear and investigate related discrimination charges; it also can order that actual damages be paid and begin actions for an appropriate legal remedy in a court.

“Being a part of the Latinx Student Union has helped give me pride to who I am and my roots. I have learned so much more about myself and the communities within the Latinx culture. Being involved with the Big 4 (Asian Student Union, Black Student Association, Latinx Student Union, and Spectrum) organizations has helped me learn about how we all navigate the world as minorities. These organizations have fostered communities in a place where we once had none and have helped us create bonds with each other as we navigate a world that doesn't always have us in mind.”

-Jenni Cruz, Latinx Student Union Vice President

Campus Resources

REACH Peer Mentoring Program–The REACH (Retain, Engage, Aspire, Connect, Help) Peer Mentoring program is a1-credit hour course (EDHI 401 800) designed to assist participants in successfully transitioning to life as a Ball State student. The program helps first-year students adjust to the academic, social, personal and professional challenges, with a focus on the experiences of students of color and first-generation college students. EDHI 401 800 is offered online asynchronous.

VOICES–Voices is a racial and ethnic support group for students of color to share their experiences and find ways to cope while also supporting and learning from others. Sessions are led by staff of color and held bi-weekly on Thursdays 3 pm.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) -The mission of IN LSAMP is to increase the quality and quantity of students from historically underrepresented (URM) populations receiving Bachelor degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Student Antiracism and Intersectionality Advisory Council (SAIAC) -The mission of SAIAC is to develop strategies that will cultivate an understanding of race and dismantle racist ideologies. SAIAC aims to equip our students of all backgrounds with materials and knowledge on how to be an anti-racist on campus and in their future endeavors.

Muncie Community Resources

The Facing Project–The Facing Project is an international storytelling project about issues important to individuals and their communities. Kelsey Timmerman and J.R. Jamison-Pippin from Muncie started the Facing Project. The project brings together writers and storytellers, those with stories about a particular issue, andculminates in a book and a community event(s) to bring the stories to the public to enhance awareness, create dialogue and impact change.

“Alliance for Disability Awareness (ADA) not only represents Cardinals with disabilities, but also educate, advocate, and guide to a more accessible tomorrow.”

-Savannah Bassett, ADA President

Campus Resources

Office of Disability Services–Disability Services strives to create an environment that fosters access and opportunity for students with disabilities. Following an empowerment model, students with disabilities will have maximum opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Muncie Community Resources

Hillcroft Services, Inc.–The mission of Hillcroft is: “To provide innovative services and supports for People with disabilities and their families; resulting in extraordinary differences in People’s lives.” Hillcroft is focused on creating a culture of strong values, understanding the importance of ethical behavior, and maintaining high quality services to the people we serve.

Bridges of Indiana Disability Services-For over 15 years, Bridges has been providing advocacy and individualized disability services for Indiana adults and children living with disabilities, allowing our participants to live, learn and work successfully and enjoy their best life at home and in community settings.

“For the past four years, Spectrum has been my home and I have met so many of my closest friends through this organization. Spectrum has benefited me personally by teaching about LGBTQ history, something I never learned in school, and how to be more confident in who I am.”

-Meredith Sharlow, Spectrum Treasurer

Campus Resources

Gender Inclusive Housing–Housing and Residence Life strives to provide safe, inviting living environments for LGBTQ students, including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students.

Safe Zones–We have many Safe Zone-trained faculty, staff, students, residence hall staffers, and community members. Safe Zone educates people about concerns and needs of LGBTQ people in higher education and helps create a more welcoming and inclusive campus area. Safe Zone stickers identify people and places where you can find someone who’ll listen or can give you information.

Lavender Door-A collaborative project provided by the Multicultural Center and Housing and Residence Life, seeks to provide all Ball State students with free and discreet access to gender affirming clothing.

Muncie Community

Muncie OUTReach–Founded in 2012, Muncie OUTReach’s mission is to provide an accepting environment to enhance the personal growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in the Delaware County area. They provide programming for LGBTQ youth, as well as advocate for community awareness and acceptance of young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Campus Resources

Financial Aid and Scholarships–The Financial Aid and Scholarships office is here to help students understand and navigate the FAFSA, student loans, grants, and other scholarships.

Basic Needs -The Basic Needs Hub is a virtual center for on and off-campus resources available to students experiencing basic needs insecurity. Explore all the resources available through the online hub on your own and in a way that best meets your needs.

Cardinal Kitchen-Cardinal Kitchen is a student ran food pantry servicing Ball State students.

Cardinal Closet-Ran by Student Action Team, Cardinal Closet provides free semi-professional and professional attire for Ball State students.

Muncie Community Resources

Muncie Street Outreach–Muncie Street Outreach serves warm meals every Monday to those experiencing homelessness or hunger insecurity on the streets of Muncie, Indiana. They have also compiled a list of resources including shelters, meal services, and financial support resources in the Muncie community.

LGBT+ Educational Opportunities

The Coming Out Handbook–Compiled by The Trevor Project, the coming out handbook is a resource for LGBTQ people to use in navigating their own identities and the coming out process.

Transgender Resources–This page contains several informational pieces for transgender individuals and allies about navigating transgender identities, coming out, and transgender rights advocacy.

Anti-Racism Resource Guide–Compiled by the Hirsh Health Sciences Library, this research guide contains several resources that address race-based harm and/or violence towards Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Within this guide are also resources on national LGBTQ BIPOC spaces.

How to be an Ally-Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, can support LGBTQ people. Deepening your understanding of LGBT-related issues, including basic terms and concepts, can help you support LGBTQ-identified people. You may have heard of the term “ally” in relation to LGBTQ issues. This resource describes some ways to think about what “ally” means and provide helpful tips on how to be one.

Race and Ethnicity Educational Opportunities

Key Terms: Race and Racism –Pulled from “Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice: A Sourcebook,” this PDF provides an overview of terminology used when discussing race and racism.

Anti-Racism Resource Guide–Compiled by the Hirsh Health Sciences Library, this research guide contains several resources that address race-based harm and/or violence towards Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

Promoting a Multicultural, Antiracist Perspective –Compiled by the Ball State University Counseling Center, this page provides a list of ways to develop a multicultural, antiracist perspective.

Resources for Allies -The Dismantle Collective created a starting point for allies to do the work and engage in analysis, education, and action on anti-racism. The following documents may be used as tools to educate yourself, your peers, employees, committees, etc.

Disability Awareness Educational Opportunities

How to Help Students with Disabilities –Compiled by the Office of Disability Services, this guide serves as a resource for best practices in working with people with various disabilities.

National Center for College Students with Disabilities–The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD), established December 1, 2015, is a federally-funded project under the U.S. Department of Education. The NCCSD has three purposes: Provide technical assistance and information, collect information and do research, and report to the U.S. Department of Education about the current status of college students with disabilities in the U.S.

College Resources for Students with Disabilities –Written by Andy Zeisler, the Director of Student Disability Services at Miami University, this resource overviews the legal rights of college students with disabilities and overviews ways students can advocate for themselves and how allies can best support students with disabilities.

Anti-Ableism Resource Guide–Compiled by Simmons University, this resource guide provides an overview of ableism and resources in how to be an effective ally for people with disabilities.