Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
at ASI
ASI recognizes how historical racism and systems of oppression exist and work to reinforce inequity within our society and on our campus. ASI will work to support and invest in the safety of members of marginalized communities so that they feel a sense of belonging at Cal Poly, are able to fully engage in campus life through ASI programs and services, and are able to achieve their academic and professional goals. We commit to social justice through continuous education, advocacy, and by challenging and responding to racism, discrimination, and other harmful acts.
How we are living our values
Supporting & Investing
Through these scholarships, initiatives, and more, ASI aims to uplift our students and continue advocating for the rights and voices that make up the campus community.
ASI Dreamer & Indigenous Student Scholarships
ASI is committed to advocating with and for our underserved communities. In support, the ASI Board of Directors approved funding for both the ASI Dreamer and Indigenous Student Scholarships.
- ASI Dreamer Scholarship: For the 2023–24 academic year, $30,000 in scholarship funding is available for disbursement.
- ASI Indigenous People’s Scholarship: For the 2023–24 academic year, $30,000 in scholarship funding is available for disbursement.
To apply for the ASI Dreamer and Indigenous People’s Scholarships, use the secure general scholarship application process through the Cal Poly Portal. For more information, do not hesitate to reach out to the Financial Aid Office.
Campus Health and Wellbeing Food Program
ASI has provided financial support to the Campus Health and Wellbeing Food Program in the amount of $35,000 in 2021 and 2022. The provided funding is directly linked to ASI Student Government efforts to promote equity by investing in initiatives that address the basic needs of its community members. The funding is used to staff the food pantry, ensure availability of food, outreach, and promotional materials.
This on-campus resource is critical to the success of students who may experience food insecurity or financial instability. It is a resource that directly benefits students who may not otherwise qualify for Cal Fresh.
Social Justice Program Funding
The ASI Board of Directors approved annual funding to support the allocation of funds to the ASI Social Justice Program. Funds are available to currently chartered Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), Instructionally Related Activities (IRAs), and campus departments. Learn more about ASI Club Services and Social Justice Program Funding Committee Polices & Procedures.
Commitment to Education
ASI believes that change starts with us. We invest in providing training opportunities and prioritizing the time and resources for staff to complete the important work of diversity, equity, and inclusion education.
Phase One
Phase one experience entails foundational knowledge on concepts related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, citizenship status/immigrant identity, and other underrepresented identities. Monthly training and content delivery are focused on specific identities and experiences which first year staff dialogue about within groups or one on one sessions.
Phase Two
Phase two experience entails knowledge on how to respond to situations, incidents, or events of bias, racism, and microaggressions. Staff gain an understanding of tools and available resources through LinkedIn Learning that can be used to disrupt behavior that may not be inclusive. Group dialogues serve as a space to conversate about how the trainings may be applied to ASI as an organization.
Phase Three
Phase three experience entails continued immersion in social justice-related issues and topics using mediums such as podcasts, books, documentaries, and other forms of media. Staff learn about experiences outside of their own and are exposed to new knowledge around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff are expected to apply their learning and knowledge to ASI systems and structures to support equity within the organization.
“The most meaningful piece of the content for myself was understanding and gaining a broader knowledge of how to navigate conversations that acknowledge those of different backgrounds while also creating a safe space for those within the various communities to feel welcomed throughout my program area. The vocabulary and terminology that I gained from the content that was provided is so beneficial to my development as an ally and has already started to show throughout my everyday conversations with my peers.”— Professional Staff (Phase 2 of training program)
Student Employees
Student Employee Learning Outcomes (SELO) focused on diversity, inclusion, and humanitarianism. As a result of their employment with ASI, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of cultural and human differences and recognize their role in contributing to positive social change.
- Contribute to the creation and fostering of a welcoming and inclusive environment for others.
- Stretch beyond one’s comfort while learning about one’s position in relationship to others.
- Seek common ground in discussing concepts of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
- Identify and challenge one’s implicit biases and inherited assumptions.
Student Government
DEI education and learning objectives:
- Recognize and reflect on one’s personal identity and biases.
- Broaden understanding of different student experiences.
- Demonstrate inclusive excellence by creating an environment where all perspectives are included and recognized through inclusive language.
- Consider equitable ways to identify and address microaggressions and bias.
Children’s Center
DEI education and learning objectives:
- Recognize and reflect on one’s personal identity and biases.
- Broaden understanding of different student experiences.
- Demonstrate inclusive excellence by creating an environment where all perspectives are included and recognized through inclusive language.
- Consider equitable ways to identify and address microaggressions and bias.
Commitment to Advocacy
We are committed to championing our communities and removing the barriers to success by providing equitable access to our opportunities.
DEI Advisory Group & Objectives
- Create a safe space for members to share their experiences, observations, and ideas surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion while remaining within the parameters of the law.
- Analyze the results of the assessment and identify best practices and priorities for the organization to address in the short and long term.
- Create a tangible and realistic action plan, identifying policies, practices, and procedures that require further exploration, resources needed, and target timelines for implementation.
- Direct the implementation of the action plan within timelines.
- Members include six professional staff, one graduate assistant, two student employees, and two Student Government members.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee & Objectives
- Responsible for ensuring that Student Government serves as an inclusive environment to serve the needs and address concerns of underrepresented minority students.
- Makes recommendations to the board on inclusive language and consideration of student intersectionalities within endorsements, resolutions, and bills.
- Hosts town halls open to all students and promoted directly to underrepresented minority groups to garner feedback on campus and ASI issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion.
- In conjunction with the chair and vice-chair of the board, the committee pursues and completes training about diversity, equity, inclusion, and ally-ship issues. This knowledge is then applied to all committees student leaders serve on to ensure Student Government is considering all matters relating to diversity and inclusion.
ASI Events Collaborative Efforts
ASI Events and DEI-related programming include guest speakers and campus partner collaborations. ASI has annually allocated funding to DEI programming efforts.
2021–22
- Annual allocated funding: $65,000
- Madame Gandhi: Culture Fest Concert
- Black Student Union (BSU) Film Night
- Keynote Speaker, Hill Harper: Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Event
- Keynote Speaker, Hoda Katebi: Change the Status Quo
- Judy Heumann, Disability Activism Q&A, a Student Government collaboration
2020–21
- Annual allocated funding: $75,000
- Cost of a Revolution—Patrisse Cullors, Angela Harrelson, Selwyn Jones, Student Diversity and Belonging collaboration
- Shereen Marisol Meraji: ASI Student Government Voter Education/Civic Engagement collaboration
- DeRay McKesson: Men and Masculinity Speaking Engagement
- Keynote Speaker, Yusef Salaam: Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Event
- Keynote Speaker: Sonya Renee Taylor: Change the Status Quo
- Speaker, Jose Antonio Vargas: APIDA Heritage
2019–20
- Annual allocated funding: $96,000
- Keynote Speaker, Franchesca Ramsey: Leadership Institute
- Keynote Speaker, Spike Lee: Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Event
- Keynote Speaker, Angela Davis: Change the Status Quo
“I am continually challenged to learn more about other identities and therefore increase my empathy towards those in marginalized or underrepresented groups. I believe that empathy is what is needed [to] increase inclusivity in our culture.” — Professional Staff (Phase 1 of training program)
Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
ASI is constantly evolving toward becoming more inclusive by making its facilities, programs, and services more diverse and equitable.
Inclusive Excellence Action Plans
ASI’s Inclusive Excellence Action Plans has been derived from the ASI Inclusive Excellence Assessment that took place in the 2019–20 academic year. This assessment was used to inform ASI on organizational starting points around diversity, equity, and inclusion. ASI’s DEI advisory group members strategize new and develop action plans. Each academic year the working group assesses new goals and advancements while continuing to work on prior goals.
2022–23 Inclusive Excellence Action Plan
Learn More2021–22 Inclusive Excellence Action Plan
Learn More2020–21 Inclusive Excellence Action Plan
Learn MoreReporting Bias and other Student Resources
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) leads efforts to build diversity and promote inclusion through a collective impact framework that connects with partners and aligns university-wide efforts in order to achieve inclusive excellence; attract and respond to a diverse campus community; and nurture a respectful and inclusive campus climate.
Campus Resources
Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative
Cal Poly’s Basic Needs Initiative seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to focus on education and success at Cal Poly. If you are one of our students dealing with food and/or housing insecurity, these programs are here to help.
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is for those students with permanent and temporary disabilities, the DRC provides many support services for student learning and accessibility across campus.
Campus Health and Wellbeing
In addition to ambulatory care, Campus Health and Wellbeing offers lab testing, on-site X-Rays, prescription medications, counseling services, and holistic wellbeing services.
SAFER
SAFER is Cal Poly’s confidential advocacy, education and support resource for addressing sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Cal Poly Dean of Students Office
The Cal Poly Dean of Students Office promotes student development and leadership; enhances student success and retention; and facilitates a respectful, diverse, and inclusive campus. We provide educational programs, direct support, advocacy, and resources for successful navigation of campus and community life.
Office of Student Ombuds Services
The Office of Student Ombuds Services is a campus resource for all Cal Poly students. The Ombuds staff is committed to hearing about students’ experiences. The office offers a safe place to go for assistance in resolving any university related issue, concern, conflict, or complaint. All communications with the office are strictly confidential, informal, impartial, and independent. (The only exception is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm to self or others or issues about sexual misconduct.)
