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Black History Month
Read Dr. Isom's Black History Month 2025 message and reflect on the power of looking back to move forward. Explore how Black history—its people, stories, and struggles—shapes our present and inspires our future.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Read Dr. Isom's Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, and learn about the importance of looking back, recognizing, and learning from the strengths, strivings, and achievements of Latinx/e peoples.
APIDA Heritage Month
Read Dr. Isom's Statement on APIDA Heritage Month 2024, and learn about campus events that celebrate and reflect on the history, culture, and contributions of our APIDA community.
Raquel Willis
Award-winning Black Transgender Activist & Co-Founder of Transgender Week of Visibility and Action Raquel Willis will share excerpts from her book "The Risk It Takes To Bloom."
STANDING WITH OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Read OUDI's Statement in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and learn about inclusive programming and guidance offered by campus entities.
Women's History Month
Read OUDI's Statement on Women's History Month. This year's theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." Learn about important campus happenings throughout the month and an impactful student lead project that centers on the history of local women activists in San Luis Obispo.
Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy
OUDI is proud to co-sponsor, along with the Black Academic Excellence Center, an Office of Writing and Learning talk by renowned academic Dr. April Baker-Bell, where she will introduce Antiracist Black Language Pedagogy as a solution to white linguistic supremacy in education, prioritizing Black Language to challenge white linguistic hegemony.
The talk will take place Wednesday, February 28th, at 4 PM in Chumash Auditorium.
Teaching "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" In the 21st Century
On Saturday, February 17th, Dr. Maya Hislop will be giving a talk at the SLO County Library on how she first came into contact with the landmark book, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Ann Jacobs and the impact that it has had on her as a person, as a teacher, and as an activist.
The talk is open to the public and will take place on February 17th in the SLO County Public Library Community room at 11 AM.
Honoring Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and this year’s theme for this month-long celebration of African American and African diasporic contributions to our nation’s history and richness, is “African Americans and the Arts.” Read OUDI's statement on the importance of this month and the many campus and community events that celebrate Black culture and art this February.
HSI High Impact Mini-Grant Program
Cal Poly strives to be a university that enhances student success by creating a culturally rich environment of diversity and inclusion, academic excellence, and social responsibility. To further our mission of becoming an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) that thinks critically and holistically about serving the Latine/x community, The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) announced the inaugural Cal Poly HSI High Impact Mini-Grant program at the Adelante HSI Symposium in October, 2023.
Fostering Understanding In Our Community, Speaking Out Against Dehumanizing Rhetoric
Hear from Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs at the Western States Center, at a Zoom Webinar hosted by the San Luis Obispo Diversity Coalition on January 17th 2024 starting at 6:00 PM. Lindsay will be speaking about "Speaking Out Against Bigoted, Dehumanizing Rhetoric", a guide created by the Western States Center.
She will be followed by comments from community members Ahmed Deif from the Mosque of Nasreen, and Rabbi Micah Hyman from Congregation Beth David.
BEACoN Student Applications now open!
Applications for BEACoN student research scholars are now open. There are research projects from across the six colleges, and for the first time, OUDI-sponsored projects focused on equity and inclusion. Applications are open until Novemebr 19th 2023.
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
Read OUDI's statement on Native American Heritage Month and learn about the importance of this month to the Native American community and our nation as a whole. Find out more about campus happenings, including a keynote by Deborah Miranda and the State of Indigeneity
Hoping for Peace in the Middle East
Read OUDI's statement on the turbulent situation in the Middle East. We know that many of our students, staff, and faculty have family, connections, and ties to those regions and are struggling with fear, anger, and uncertainty...
Latine/x Heritage Month
Read OUDI's statement on Latine/x Heritage Month, and learn about the importance on this month and its significance to the Latine/x community. Check out the impactful events scheduled on campus to celebrate the histories and resilience of the Latine/x community.
2023 HSI Symposium: Pathway to Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Join the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion for an immersive day that explores what becoming an HSI means for Cal Poly. The event will include a panel, workshops, lunch and resource fair and close with Keynote Speaker, Dolores Huerta.
Braiding Water
OUDI is proud to be a sponsor of R.A.C.E. Matters' Braiding Water - a multi-location art and cultural festival that weaves together ceremony, joy and care for our natural resources.
Join us August 19 through October 21, 2023 across San Luis Obispo County, for events that center BIPOC voices from the Central Coast.
2023 BEACoN Research Symposium
OUDI invites the campus community to the annual BEACoN Research Scholars Symposium which showcases research projects conducted by student and faculty teams across all 6 Academic Colleges.
The Symposium will be on Wednesday, June 14th from 12:00-2:00 PM and all are welcome to attend.
Pride Month 2023
Read OUDI's statement on Pride Month 2023, and learn about the importance on this month and its symbols the LGBTQIA+ community and the events that OUDI is proud to be co-sponsoring during this year's celebrations.
Matika Wilbur Changing the Way We See Native America
OUDI is proud to be working with the city of San Luis Obispo to host a keynote by acclaimed photographer Matika Wilbur at the Palm Theater on May 5th. Matika will be speaking about her book Project 562 Changing the Way We See Native America, and her decade long experiences documenting the 562 tribes across North America. The event will consist of a keynote address by Matika, a moderated Q&A, and a book signing.
The event will run from 4:30 PM-6:00 PM at the Palm Theatre in Downtown SLO. Please RSVP here
President's Diversity Awards
The President’s Diversity Awards celebrate members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. The 2023 ceremony will take place on May 4th at the PAC. Please RSVP and click the link below for more information.
Womxn's History Month 2023
March is Womxn's History Month. This year's theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. Join OUDI and the Cal Poly community in celebrating and honoring the achievements and contributions that womxn have made.
Becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution
For Cal Poly, becoming an HSI is a critical step in its effort to be a premier polytechnic institution that enhances student success by creating a culturally rich environment of diversity and inclusion.
Statement on Black History Month 2023
Read Dr. Isom's Statement on Black History Month 2023, and learn about campus events that celebrate and reflect on the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.
7th Annual Social Justice Teach In
OUDI is proud to be a co-sponsor of the Cal Poly Liberal Arts Teach in. Join the Cal Poly community for a daylong series of talks and workshops centered around equity and social justice designed to inform and inspire. Presentations will be given campus wide and the day will culminate with a keynote by Dr. Claude M. Steele and a performance by A.I.M by Kyle Abraham.
The 2023 Social Justice Teach In will be on February 9th
Winter Solstice Indigenous Marketplace in Downtown SLO
Come celebrate Indigenous artistry and Native American Heritage Month! Join OUDI, NAICC and the City of SLO DEI Office for a winter solstice marketplace featuring over 20 Native and Indigenous regional vendors in downtown San Luis Obispo in Mission Plaza on Tuesday, November 1 from 1 to 6 pm.
LGBT History Month 2022
October is national LGBT History month and we want to recognize the clubs and organizations doing the work on campus and at the community at large. Check bask as we'll continue to update this Pride focused event list for the month.
Indigenous Peoples' Day 2022
The campus community is invited to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday October 10, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the yak itʸutʸu Residential Community Amphitheater Lawn. Come hear yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribal Members speak about their culture, present their grandmother's songs, share their traditional walnut game and exhibit items important to their heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote Speaker - Dr. Gina Ann Garcia
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is proud to welcome Dr. Gina Ann Garcia to campus to deliver a keynote address about Becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) on Thursday, September 29 at 11 am in Chumash Auditorium.
New Web Resource - Embedding DEI in Faculty Hiring
Check out the new comprehensive guide designed by the Office of University Diversity & Inclusion to assist departments in centering DEI in their faculty recruitment efforts.
Statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
When conflict occurs anywhere in the world, members of our campus community are invariably impacted. Read Dr. Isom's statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2022 President's Diversity Awards
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is proud to announce the awardees of the 2022 President's Diversity Awards. These awards are an opportunity to recognize members, departments, and groups in our Cal Poly community who have demonstrated a dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus.
Statement on recent race-based shootings
Read Dr. Isom's statement on the White supremacist and race-based shooting that occurred across the country this past weekend.
Critical Arab/SWANA American Studies II
OUDI is co-sponsoring a panel discussion on the state of Arab American studies in the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum with Dr. Samia Shoman and Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi. The discussion will focus on the challenges that the speakers face in expanding Arab/SWANA American studies in ethnic studies curricula for California, at the K-12 and university levels. Join us for this important discussion on Friday May 20th in the San Luis Obispo Public Library Community Room from 5:00-6:30.
Concert with Ruby Ibarra on May 12th
OUDI is proud to be co-sponsoring a concert with Filipina American rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra on May 12th from 5:45 p.m- 7:00 p.m at the UU plaza. Ibarra is notable for her intricate lyricism and powerful messages. This concert is free and open to all, and we hope to see our Cal Poly community come out to celebrate APDIA Heritage Month with us.
Statement on APIDA Heritage Month
May is APIDA Heritage Month, and this year's theme is "Advancing leaders through collaboration." This month we recognize and honor the innumerable contributions, varied histories, and vibrant cultures of the broad array of ethnicities that make up what we call the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Read Vice President Isom's statement on Asian Pacific Islanders Desi American Heritage Month.
Inclusive Excellence Month at Cal Poly
May is Inclusive Excellence month at Cal Poly. Find out more about Inclusive Excellence efforts at Cal Poly and our Inclusive Excellence Month calendar full of events.
President's Diversity Award Nominations are now open
The President’s Diversity Awards celebrate members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. The awards are an opportunity to recognize members of the faculty, staff, and student communities as well as contributions from a recognized student group/organization and department/unit. Students, staff, departments, and clubs can be nominated for awards.
The Nominations are Due May 9th, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.
La Perla film screening on May 1st
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is proud to be working with the Latino outreach council in cosponsoring the screening of the classic Mexican American film La Perla as a part of the SLO International Film Festival. This film set in Baja California and starring Cal Poly alumni Pedro Armendáriz is a classic from the Mexican Golden Age of Cinema.
The screening will take place at the Fremont theater on May 1st at 3 PM.
Diversity Speaker Series with Dr. Danielle Wood
The Community is invited to attend the inaugural San Luis Obispo Diversity Speaker Series with MIT Aeronautics professor Dr. Danielle Wood. The speech will focus on Dr. Wood's work on space enabled earth justice. As director of the Space Enabled research group at MIT's Media Lab Dr. Wood applies designs enabled by space research to projects that advance social goods here on earth.
The Speaker Series will take place at the San Luis Obispo Library Community Room on April 23 at 4 PM.
Men of Color Success Initiative - Mentorship Program
The Men & Masculinities Program’s Men of Color Success Initiative (MOCSI) is accepting mentor and mentee applications for the first cohort of our new MOCSI Mentorship Program! This 16-week program connects undergraduate men of color with a dynamic community of peer and faculty/staff mentors, creating ongoing mentorship relationships, and access to high-impact educational workshops and developmental experience.
The application deadline is Wednesday, 2/3
ADOS, Sh**t-Hole Countries, and (Which) Black Lives Matter: Engaging Contemporary Intra-racial and Transnational Dynamics Surrounding Black College Students
This session will focus on how the current U.S. sociopolitical climate (related explicitly to anti-Black racism and nativism) is impacting Black students of diverse ethnicities and nativities as well as Black intra-racial dynamics on campuses. We will use current racial movements (e.g., ADOS, Black Lives Matter) and incidents alongside our empirical research to share and co-construct strategies for supporting diverse Black students.
Join in the Discussion at the 5th Annual Teach-In
On Thursday, Feb. 11, join the campus community for the 2021 Teach In – a daylong series of virtual talks and workshops centered around equity and social justice designed to inform and inspire!
Statement on the Events at the Capitol
Read a statement from Drs. Isom and Humphrey on the events that took place on Wednesday, January 6 at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training Applications Now Open
Students are invited to sign up for the Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training course for Winter 2021.
Change the Status Quo Social Justice Leadership Conference Proposals Open
Submissions for the 19th annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice Leadership Conference are now open.
Call for Participation in the 2021 CSU Research Competition
Submissions are now open for the 2021 CSU Research Competition.
OUDI Agenda, Update & Vision
Thursday, November 19 • 4:00-5:15PM
Join the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion for a conversation about our agenda and vision for the 2020-2021 academic year. Zoom ID: 871 6402 9459
Movember 2020 Closing Keynote Address featuring Blake Williams
Join Men and Masculinities, part of Student Diversity & Belonging in the Division of Student Affairs, on Thursday, November 19 from 5:30-6:30PM for the closing keynote address for Movmember 2020. This year's keynote will feature Cal Poly alumn Blake Williams.
Safer Leadership Training
This training is the first step in becoming a campus leader to end all forms of gender- and power-based vioelnce. Learn how to be an ally to survivors, as well as engage in campus- and community-wide prevention efforts. Winter Quarter 2021 • 7 Sessions • January 15-February 26 • Fridays, 10AM-12:30PM. Click here to learn more.
Announcing a New Scholarship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color in Wine and Viticulture
Learn more about a new scholarship endowed by Jeff O'Neill of O’Neill Vintners and Distillers that supports BIPOC students in Wine and Viticulture.
State of Indigeneity
Join in the discussion around the State of Indigeneity at Cal Poly on Thursday, November 12 from 6:00-7:30PM. Registration is required.
Addressing Racism in the California State University System: A Conversation with Dr. Frank Harris III
Read the memorandum on racism in the CSU System released by the CSU Student Success Network.
CultureFest 2020: Our Heritage, Our Futures
Learn more about the three-day virtual CultureFest 2020.
A Message of Solidarity
Read a message of solidarity sent by Interim Vice President Dr. Denise Isom and Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Keith Humphrey on October 17, 2020.
OUDI Announces Campus Conversations Series
Introducing a new campus conversations series in partnership with Student Affairs.
Celebrating Hispanic (Latinx) Heritage Month
Read our statement marking Hispanic (Latinx) Heritage Month, 2020.
Introducing The Center for Applied Study of Place-Based Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity (ASPIRE)
A group of Cal Poly faculty members has established The Center for Applied Study of Place-based Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity (ASPIRE) to further understand the cultural and demographic landscape of Cal Poly and the Central Coast, provide research-based support for historically underrepresented communities on the Central Coast, and support Cal Poly’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts through sustained positive impacts on the surrounding communities.
Anti-Black Racism & Racial Violence
On Tuesday, September 9, Interim Vice President Denise Isom, Assistant Dean Camille O'Bryant, and Assistant Professor Amber Williams hosted a discussion on Anti-Black racism and racial violence.
Dr. Denise Isom Named Interim Vice President
Dr. Denise Isom, chair of the Ethnic Studies Department, has been appointed to serve as the Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer.
Interim Vice President Denise Isom's Message to Campus
Read Interim Vice President Isom's message to the Cal Poly community.
Introducing Student Diversity and Belonging
The Division of Student Affairs recently announced a reorganization of the Cross Cultural Centers, now known as Student Diversity and Belonging.
Update Regarding International Students
Read a message sent to the Cal Poly community by President Armstrong and Senior International Officer and Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs Cari Vanderkar.
