Cal Poly rolls out inclusive action plan 

Cal Poly announced a partnership and a three-step project meant to further the university's efforts of creating campuswide diversity and inclusivity.

On Jan. 24, the university announced it was hiring Damon Williams, an Atlanta-based consultant that specializes in strategic diversity leadership.

Williams will spearhead the university's three-step Inclusive Excellence Action Plan over a 12-month period. The project includes conducting a campus climate survey in April to guide the university to develop a responsive action plan and workshops, professional development, and training programs.

The partnership will cost $243,000. Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier said the university is still deciding where the funding will come from, but the school won't use general fund dollars, tuition, or student fees.

Lazier said hiring Williams and his team is an important step in accelerating Cal Poly's diversity and inclusion efforts.

"The university believes in the importance of the work—and that the investment is worthwhile," Lazier said.

The team will come to campus as needed, and when they aren't on campus, they will be in near-daily contact electronically with campus leadership.

"One of the key dimensions that connects us all in this conversation is the degree to which we have a campus experience that is inclusive and multicultural and allows for all of us to live our best life, to be our best self in this environment," William said during the Jan. 24 announcement. Δ