Welcome to Men's Development & Engagement

This initiative provides opportunities focused on engaging Oregon State's men in discussion of gender, exploring topics of masculinity in our community, and developing healthy masculine identities.

Our vision

Helping men lead healthy lives.

Our mission

MDE designs initiatives and creates spaces that support male-identified students’ success, develop healthy men and masculinities, and challenge power, privilege, and oppression.

"We Are MDE" logo with a triangle around it, each point of the triangle says: Healthy Mens & Masculinities; Supporting Male Communities; Distinguished Scholars Initiative

Our Programs

Distinguished Scholars Initiative (DSI)

DSI provides community, fellowship, and mentorship for male-identified students of color at Oregon State University. As a program DSI aims to inspire and cultivate a high standard of achievement for collegiate men.

DSI Purpose

Utilizing the tenets of social justice, we foster the continued development of self-efficacy, servant leadership, professional skills, and academic excellence in male-identified students of color at Oregon State University.

As a member of DSI, students can expect:

  • Fellowship and community with other members of DSI
  • An ongoing relationship with a mentor at OSU
  • Excursions, socials, and other community events
  • Tutoring and promotion of academic excellence
  • Connection to a network of coaches and elders dedicated to their success at and beyond OSU

Healthy Masculinities ConferenceThrough the Looking Glass

Save the Date:

Saturday, February 17, 2018
MU Horizon Room, break-outs in various locations
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Our conference is an organized day of workshops, panels, presentations, and a keynote speaker that explore topics and ideas of masculinity in our communities. There is no fee, and anyone is welcome to attend

More details coming soon.

Coffee Hours

We host a weekly coffee hour in the Student Experience Center Involvement Lounge on Fridays from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. All are welcome to attend.

MDExcursions

Each term, we organize an excursion for student engaged in MDE programs. These excursions include hikes, rafting, and other outdoor experiences; attending sporting events in Portland; and participating in cultural events throughout the state of Oregon. Space on these trips can be limited and priority is given to students involved in MDE events and programs. 

Get Involved with MDE

Visit our office

Visit MDE to take a break between classes, learn more about MDE, and enjoy a coffee or tea in our office: Student Experience Center 228.

Attend an event

MDE events and activities include our weekly coffee hour, guest speakers, excursions, workshops, and conferences. To stay current, like us on Facebook

Become a member

Interested in leading and taking the next step? Join by attending our weekly coffee hour and chat with us, or become a member of the Distinguished Scholars Initiative:

Invite MDE to host a workshop

We facilitate conversations that introduce the ways we learn about masculinity and being men.

Interested in Getting Involved?

Please email us at [email protected] to find out how you can get involved.

MDE Workshops

Below we have summarized some of the conversations that Men’s Development & Engagement can facilitate for small and large groups. We are always interested in expanding our offerings and can personalize or create facilitation to meet the needs of your group.

Learning to “Be a Man”

In this session, we examine the ways we were taught to “be a man” and the messages we received about how men need to act to be seen as masculine. As a result of this session, participants will understand the way masculinity and gender are socialized, how it is reinforced throughout our lives, and strategies we can utilize to challenge that cycle. This session has high participant engagement.

Healthy and Toxic Masculinities

This dialogue unpacks the terms “healthy masculinity” and “toxic masculinity.” Through a group activity and conversation, we will explore the definitions of which masculinities are healthy, which are toxic, what may be in between. This session has high participant engagement.

Uncovering our Healthy Masculinities

This presentation provides an introduction to masculinity, examines how it affects our lives, and shares strategies for further exploration and development. This presentation has lower participant engagement.

Screening and Dialogue: The Mask You Live In

The Mask You Live In is a 90-minute documentary from the Representation Project that follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America's narrow definition of masculinity. The film ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men. We have the rights to screen the documentary at OSU and can facilitate a group dialogue or panel discussion following the film. This experience has moderate participant engagement.

Stories of Masculinity

Utilizing panel discussion we can address a range of topics through the stories and experiences of the panelists. We can help in the recruitment of panelists, writing of questions, and facilitation of discussion. Please note that coordinating this discussion can take some time in order to identify willing and available panelists. The panel discussion has moderate participant engagement.


For questions or to request a workshop facilitation, please contact us at: [email protected]

Contact MDE

Student Experience Center
2251 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737–9030

Jason Dorsette
DCE Associate Director & Chief of Staff
[email protected]