Who We Are

Contact Information

CIX Email	diversity@calpoly.edu
BeacoN Email	BEACoN@calpoly.edu
telephone	(805) 756-2250
Location	Administration Building (Bldg 1), Room 209

New Name, Same Office:

In January 2026, Cal Poly's Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) officially adopted the new name: Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX).

For more than 15 years, the office known as the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion has evolved alongside Cal Poly itself — adapting over time to changing student needs, university-wide priorities and broader social and institutional contexts. Across each phase, the through line has remained the same: a commitment to strengthening Cal Poly by centering people, relationships and a shared responsibility for advancing academic excellence, student success and a thriving community.

This name change reflects the current arc of our work — one that is increasingly focused on strengthening institutional practices, cultivating a welcoming and unified university culture, and fostering environments where every student and employee can succeed. At its core, our work remains grounded in the belief that access, belonging and opportunity should be reflected not only in value but also in the daily operations of our university.

What is not changing is our commitment to inclusive excellence and to the partnerships and initiatives many of you engage with across the university. This includes both long-standing and newly supported efforts such as the BEACoN Mentorship Program, the Diversity Partners Network, and the Building Belonging Series, alongside many other initiatives that enhance learning, innovation, and success across divisions.

 

The office will continue to advance work related to:

• Institutional policy and practice that promote equity, accountability, and consistency

• Campus culture efforts that foster community, respect, and belonging

• Student success strategies that identify and address barriers to achievement

• Professional learning and leadership development across divisions

This transition is intended to bring greater clarity to the purpose and scope of the work, even as CIX remains responsive to the broader goals of the CSU and the lived experiences of our community. It reflects an understanding that institutional excellence is inseparable from how we serve our community, fulfill our curricular and co-curricular commitments and foster a culture that honors our past, reflects our present and is built for our collective future.

This new chapter is not a departure but a continuation, a shared commitment to a purpose that lifts all of us and strengthens Cal Poly as a place of learning, growth and possibility.

Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you contribute each day to Cal Poly’s continued progress and promise.

Mission

The Department of Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX) at Cal Poly is dedicated to advancing student success and enriching the university’s legacy. Grounded in the pillars of institutional excellence, success for every student, cultivating a culture of learning and growth, and data-driven accountability, the office provides leadership, resources, and support to enhance campus climate and foster an equitable and inclusive environment for all. CIX is committed to cultivating a culture of belonging where every member of the Cal Poly community feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Vision

Our vision is to be a united community not defined by our challenges but driven by them. CIX's aim is to serve as catalysts propelling us toward excellence at both Solano and SLO campuses, where diversity is invaluable, inclusion is championed, and equity is embedded into every facet of our institutional strength.

Guiding Pillars

We lead and foster cross-divisional collaboration and innovation to ensure Cal Poly remains dynamic and resilient, reflecting our commitment to collective care and transformational change. 

We create inclusive, accessible policies and programs that ensure all students can thrive academically, leverage their strengths, and success across all aspects of university life.

We cultivate lifelong learning for students, staff, and faculty through educational programs and community-oriented experiences that fuel intellectual curiosity, career readiness and social mobility. 

We use evidence and continuous assessment to ensure intentional and transparent institutional progress, so every member of Cal Poly has equitable access to the resources they need to succeed. 

Leadership and Staff

The Department of Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX) is guided by exceptional leadership, staff, and fellows dedicated to advancing equity and fostering an inclusive campus culture. This team provides strategic direction to ensure that principles of access, belonging, and inclusive excellence are woven into every aspect of university life, from policy development to community engagement, driving meaningful change across Cal Poly.

Student Internship

CIX runs an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in equity and inclusion. This project-based experience allows students to pursue their specific areas of interest while contributing to CIX's mission and impact across campus.