Equity, and Inclusivity was closed. This work really should be done by everyone. Not just one person or office. We will be expanding the distributed leadership model for equity and belonging. Dr. Delgado explained that in the past we were unable to close the equity gaps. The question became; can we offer services, support, and make sure everyone feels like they belong without using the DEI words? The retention project of 2024-25 demonstrated we could do this. A data-informed process was developed. Institutional Effectiveness provided weekly registration reports. Outreach was done to individuals regarding holds and registration. Attendance was recorded in 100-200 level courses, and alerts were sent through Civitas for students of concern. In addition, the dollar amount for holds that restrict registration was increased, housing and dining billing was altered across the year, and Cat Connections in the dorms were enhanced. Our fall to spring retention rate increased for all categories of First-Time in College (FTIC) students. When we all work together and focus on access and opportunity, all students benefit. Mr. Cardenas reported that all DEI-related issues, regardless of nature (HR, Title IX, etc.), were sent to the VP of Equity and Belonging, which exacerbated the problem of deference. The Dear Colleague Letter, Executive Orders from the federal government, and the state budget have all been challenging. The AVP of SES and the AVP of Faculty Success positions were created to help with these challenges. Dr. Delgado explained that he was part of the VMVSP working group from the beginning. He reminded the group that our Vision and Mission are living documents, so when things started happening at the federal level, the group reconvened to review our living documents. With feedback from the campus, a revised Vision, Mission, and Values were approved by the board May 16, 2025. Mr. Cardenas stated that ongoing work and initiatives are happening. The Multicultural Center (MCC) is undergoing construction updates now and the Diversity and Equity Center is being evolved. The MCC is more than just a space, it is a place for students to come together to have a sense of belonging. Students have been asking for this for over a decade. There will be a soft opening in the fall. Dr. Delgado reported that revisions to the university faculty evaluation criteria guidelines is another ongoing initiative. Dr. Kris De Welde consulted on this subject and provided recommendations. A committee was formed to develop new policies on reappointment, tenure, promotion, and post-tenure. Dr. Delgado met with the committee to review all the feedback. He compiled all the feedback and invited others to review and provide edits to the document. The document is in the consultation phase now with the faculty union and Faculty Senate. The plan is to have this in place by Fall 2025. Dr. Delgado noted that another ongoing initiative that is happening is Productive Discomfort training. This is professional development training for faculty led by Raymond Reyes and Charlita Shelton. Dr. Delgado explained that the next steps will have two phases. Phase one will take place during the academic year 2025-26. A Shared Equity and Belonging Leadership Committee will be created. They will solicit nominations from students, staff, faculty, and BOT members and select committee members during the fall quarter. A committee charge will be created, and members will begin to develop and implement strategies and tactics. Mr. Cardenas added that the committee will do some group readings. It will be a journey led with learning and love. The work will not be about one person or one office. It will be spread across campus. Dr. Delgado stated that phase two will take place during the 2026-27 academic year. The committee will continue to expand the equity and belonging work institutionally and refine the strategies and tactics. Conversations about revising the strategic plan will then begin. Dr. Delgado thanked Trustee Gillis for her support in this project.
13 Board of Trustees Minutes July 24-25, 2025
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator