Lauren Ford presented HOTEP's Equity Assessment Key Findings

Purpose: Assess current practices and provide recommendations for improvement.
Methodology (Spring 2025): Mixed methods approach including document analysis, institutional surveys to students & employees and focus groups in 13 sessions

Key Themes:

Equity identified as a core value, but implementation is inconsistent across employee groups. Found uneven application at department ir program level due to lack of clear vision and alignment.
Institutional bureaucracy acts as a barrier (e.g., slow hiring processes, outdated forms, unclear communication); systems prioritize compliance over flexibility.
Strengths in student support: ARC and related services are diverse and supportive.
Gaps remain in communication, consistency of services, and fostering student social connection.

Questions and concerns raised by the council:
•	Surveys were the primary data source, supported by focus groups; limited faculty participation noted. 
•	Council expressed the need for stronger student/faculty engagement and expanded future data collection. Communication issues reduced participation, with need for better outreach via leadership channels. 
•	There was a question about the reported gap between equity values and practice, and reported misalignment with core values. Details were requested. HOTEP indicated that there was a clear desire to advance equity efforts but not be able to move forward with bureaucracy hurdles, and a push/pull expectation or lack of support or information on how to proceed. Lauren said she would send examples from the data.
•	Concerns were expressed about transparency and governance, including board-led process, consultant selection, and limited shared governance input. Counsel expressed a desire for more inclusive decision-making, despite Board’s final authority. Angela responded that the Board has ultimate say. They have continued to support equity efforts but agreed that we could have had a different approach.