Committed To Our Values:

As a whole and as committed individuals, we strive for excellence through a student-centered philosophy that emphasizes mentoring, modeling of positive behavior, and innovative thinking. Our values transcend individual job descriptions and departmental mission statements, and illuminate the ideals to which we aspire in each interaction we undertake. To inspire and sustain us in these efforts, while providing focus and meaning to our work, we adopt these divisional values as the common thread that binds us.

Student-Centered Philosophy: The Student-Centered Philosophy is a mind-set or paradigm establishing that students and their needs as the driving force at Cal Poly Pomona. We create environments conducive to student learning, serve as allies and advocates for students, and create opportunities for students to develop as individuals and as leaders.

Integrity: Integrity is shown by firm adherence to our principles, with honest and honorable behavior in support of those principles. Our Integrity is visible when our ideals and beliefs set the boundaries and context for our actions. To speak and act in a manner consistent with, and reflective of, our beliefs and principles demonstrate our Integrity.

Interconnectedness: Interconnectedness exists when we are united with others in purpose and achievement of our goals. Our success springs through the diversity of our individual and collective abilities, utilizing collaboration, open communication, mutual respect, trust, and support. Interconnectedness provides the means to achieve success by attention to task, to process, and to relationships within the organization. When we are interconnected we recognize that all our educational endeavors are related to all other education endeavors.

Passion: Passion is demonstrated by having intense, compelling emotion or conviction that inspires action. We are Passionate when we demonstrate vigorous and untiring activity in support of that emotion. Passion is shown when we display eagerness and enthusiasm in the pursuit of a goal. A Passionate individual is driven to action with dedication, devotion, and fervor. It gives meaning to our work and deepens our sense of self-worth.

Quality: Quality occurs when we provide first-rate, value-added service and educational programs that meet or exceed expectations. Quality is also an outcome that is achieved, in part, when we provide personal attention beyond what is sufficient, when we follow through on commitments, and when we set a standard for excellence.

Richness of Diversity: Richness of Diversity is grounded in the belief that differences in people and diverse points-of-view are valuable and that everyone can make a difference. We embody this belief when we are inclusive of people, we recognize our similarities through our humanity, we embrace our differences through mutual respect, and we move beyond tolerance and acceptance to active support and advocacy.

Each of our Values can be more fully explained with a list of associated actions and quotes from our staff.

Our Values History

In 1996, the Division of Student Affairs responded to Themes and Values articulated by Vice President Gene Awakuni. In an on-going series of discussions, staff members defined, illustrated, and demonstrated how the themes and values come to life in the university setting, resulting in the publication of a widely distributed booklet and a poster displayed in each divisional office. There were originally four themes: student-centered philosophy, quality contact, teamwork, interconnectedness; and four values: passion, compassion, integrity, and flexibility.

Utilizing a similar process in 2003, the Division of Student Affairs revisited these themes and values, first under the direction of Vice President Tomás  Morales and then Interim Vice President Gary Fredericksen. After a thorough reassessment, the Division of Student Affairs proudly presents the values published in this book on September 21, 2004.