Excellence Ascending 

Executive Sponsors: Office of the Provost and Culture & Institutional Excellence 

Background & Rationale

Under the leadership of the Provost’s Office, and with partnership from Culture & Institutional Excellence (CIX) Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy (Solano campus) are advancing a coordinated institutional response to the California State University’s Black Student Success Initiative. While Cal Poly continues to exceed CSU system averages in Black student graduation rates, Black students, faculty, and staff continue to report experiences of cultural isolation, underrepresentation, and bias. The Black Student Success Initiative seeks to address these disparities through sustained, data-informed, and equity-centered strategies designed to improve belonging, persistence, and excellence across both Cal Poly campuses. 

At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the Provost’s Office has prioritized embedding Black student success and equity into the tenure and promotion processes for faculty, staff, and administrators; conducting a university cluster hire to expand representation and faculty professional development; and expanding K–12 outreach and partnerships to increase Black student enrollment. These initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to dismantling structural barriers and creating academic environments that affirm and sustain Black excellence at every level of the university. 

At Cal Poly Maritime Academy, the Provost’s Office is leading a parallel effort to develop a comprehensive, asset based enrollment strategy that highlights the strengths and aspirations of Black students; implement a data informed retention and persistence plan to close equity gaps; and foster a sense of belonging for Black faculty and staff through mentorship and networking programs that connect them with senior leadership. Together, these actions demonstrate a unified Cal Poly approach grounded in research, accountability, and community partnership to advancing the CSU’s vision of becoming a national leader in Black student success and excellence. 

The combined initiatives build on momentum from the CSU systemwide Black Student Success Action Plan (2024) and Cal Poly’s 2024 Black Initiatives Executive Summary, aligning campus strategies with the CSU’s core priorities of access, retention, and degree completion through a shared, institution-wide commitment that spans every division, college, and unit. Through this collaborative framework, the Provost’s Office and CIX coordinate and steward a collective effort across the university to ensure that every Black student, faculty, and staff member at both Cal Poly campuses can thrive, contribute fully, and see themselves reflected in the institution’s academic, professional, and cultural fabric. 

Mission Statement

The Black Student Success Initiative, guided by the principle of Excellence Ascending, establishes a shared, university-wide responsibility to address systemic barriers, align policies and practices, and make sustained investments in the academic, co-curricular, and cultural conditions that enable Black students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy to achieve educational excellence, experience authentic belonging, and graduate prepared to lead and innovate in a diverse global society. 

Excellence Ascending 

Excellence Ascending affirms that Black brilliance and leadership are already present at Cal Poly and can continue to grow through collective care and shared institutional responsibility. It reflects the university’s commitment to aligning its policies, practices, and investments with a culture of excellence where Black students, faculty, and staff are empowered to thrive, innovate, and lead. Grounded in equity and belonging, this principle affirms that institutional excellence is realized when every voice is valued and when the entire campus community rises together. 

Core Values

Universal Student Success: Ensuring equitable access to high-impact curricular and co-curricular programs that promote academic achievement and holistic development. 

Belonging & Wellbeing: Creating inclusive spaces and supportive services on campus and in the community that promote holistic health, cultural connection, and a strong sense of belonging. 

Empowerment & Representation: Fostering leadership and identity-affirming opportunities that elevate Black voices and increase visibility across campus.