Action Plans

Overview

Colleges and divisions are developing action plans that contribute to our shared goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive campus. The plans will be shared in the spring with the campus community.

The following Inclusive Excellence Action Planning Guide was sent to representatives in colleges and divisions across campus who are leading action planning efforts for their areas.

Background

In the fall of 2017, the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, led by Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jozi DeLeon, began a campuswide initiative to identify key diversity, equity and inclusion goals for Cal Poly. The method used for this initiative was Collective Impact — a model for collective action the moves people out of silos to work synergistically with one another. Through the university’s Collective Impact work, we identified three main strategy groups: 1) campus climate, 2) curriculum, and 3) recruit and retain. Each group met regularly over the 2017-18 academic year, and produced a set of recommendations in spring 2018.

In summer 2018, our Collective Impact work shaped the development of the University Strategic Plan, Priority #3. These goals are the same three goals identified by Collective Impact strategy groups, with one more added: alignment of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Further illustrating the cohesiveness of university-level diversity, equity and inclusion goals, our accreditation process also centers around these three main objectives identified through Collective Impact work. Learn more about the reaccreditation process.

In the spring of 2019, consultants from the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation administered a campus climate study, the Cal Poly Xperience (CPX) study, both as a best practice and in response to the Collective Impact Strategy Group’s recommendation.

The data from the CPX study were shared during the Strategic Diversity Leadership Institute on Oct. 17 and 18, and in a series of reports. The data will be used to create Action Plans during winter and spring 2020. In addition, a Distinguished Speaker Series provided the campus community opportunities to hear from diversity and inclusion experts and learn about how we can thread our work throughout campus.

The action planning process is one of Cal Poly’s commitments to change.

The data collected during the CPX study, including the campuswide listening sessions and survey, will be used to set real goals, build scorecards and create a strong culture of accountability to embed equity and inclusion throughout the university and support all of our campus community members. It will support the development and refinement of Cal Poly programs and services designed to create a more equitable, inclusive and diverse campus community.

In addition, the data forms a baseline understanding of current experiences and perceptions so the university can measure change over time, to see if we’re meeting our goals and keep us on track. It also provides insight into key climate issues that warrant additional or more in-depth assessment.

Cal Poly plans to engage in future ongoing and regular campus climate research efforts to continue to monitor and develop strategies to improve the campus experience for all students, faculty and staff.

Action Planning Timeline

• Share out of Unit Plans in April (day/time to be determined): Provide Action Planning leads and teams an opportunity to present their Action Plans and goals and to solicit feedback from the campus via an interactive poster session.
• Final Unit Action Planning Reports: June to Dr. Jozi DeLeon (jozi@calpoly.edu).
• OUDI Annual Report in Summer: Assemble and present an annual report that provides an overview of the CPX and Action Planning processes, a five-year Cal Poly D&I action plan that integrates unit-level action plans, and highlights successes across campus.
• OUDI provides feedback to units in August.

Units Identified to Develop Action Plans and Receive Coaching Provided by the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation

• Six Academic Colleges
• University Housing
• Admissions
• Academic Advising
• University Police Department
• Human Resources
• Associated Students, Inc.
• Information Technology
• Research and Economic Development

Although 14 units will receive targeted coaching by our external consultants and the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, all units and divisions are encouraged to develop their own Inclusive Excellence Action Plans. If your unit is interested in creating an Action Plan, please contact the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (diversity@calpoly.edu) to receive a copy of the Inclusive Excellence Action Planning User Guide and Inclusive Excellence Action Plan Template.

Support

The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion is offering office hours on a weekly basis for units to discuss Inclusive Excellence Action Planning and receive one-on-one coaching. Sign up for a 30-minute time slot via Calendly.

Have questions? Email diversity@calpoly.edu.