Principles of Community
Inclusive Excellence

Development of the Principles of Community

Practice Mutual Respect, Cultivate Belonging, Foster Growth and Act with IntegrityPrinciples of Community are a set of guiding values, norms, and expectations that an institution such as Cal Poly Pomona established to foster a positive and inclusive environment. The principles set expectations for behavior and interactions and cultivate a positive campus culture. Within this environment, students, faculty, and staff feel a sense of safety, support, and encouragement to freely express themselves and engage in constructive dialogue. Principles serve as a framework for addressing conflicts and disputes as well; shared values and guidelines make it easier to navigate disagreements and misunderstandings in a fair and respectful manner. As the first step in developing Principles of Community for CPP, we asked the Bronco community in Fall 2023 to complete a survey that helped us gather information about the ideals that Cal Poly Pomona should uphold as a community in our interactions with one another. Over 2,600 of you -- representing students, faculty, and staff from all demographic backgrounds -- responded to the survey. Based on this feedback, we crafted the Principles of Community, which outline the core values we want to uphold at the university. To learn more about what they are, how they were developed, and why they're important, please visit the FAQ.

FAQs

Principles of Community are a set of guiding values, norms, and expectations that an organization, institution, or community estbalishes to foster a positive and inclusive environment. In colleges and universities, these principles outline the shared values and behaviors that memvers of the academic community are encouraged to uphold. The principles are deisgned to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and respectful behavior among students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

The development of the principles was a collaborative process involving extensive input from a broad range of stakeholders. It began with a campus-wide survey in January 2024 to gather input on core values they felt we should uphold. Based on this feedback, a draft set of principles was created and shared with the campus community for feedback. Adjustments and refinements were made in an iterative process to arrive at a final draft. Once this draft was approved, the finalized principles were communicated to the entire campus community and disseminated through various channels.

Principles of Community survey report (PDF)

College campuses thrive on diversity, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Establishing principles of community is crucial for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. These principles set clear expectations for behavior and interactions, foster a positive campus culture, and encourage open dialogue. They also provide a framework for addressing conflicts and help prevent discrimination, harassment, and other forms of misconduct. Ultimately, these principles are essential for cultivating a positive and inclusive atmosphere that supports the growth and success of all individuals within the academic community.