Building a Stronger Bronco Community Together

Dear Bronco Community,

Over the past several months, many of you have participated in the Presidential Listening Tour, generously sharing your hopes for Cal Poly Pomona, the experiences that have shaped your connection to this university, and your aspirations for its future. These conversations have also illuminated the depth of commitment that has long existed across our campus reflected in years of work, relationships, traditions, and leadership by those who have dedicated themselves to strengthening our university and the experiences of the people who call it home.

Taken together, these perspectives reinforce that Cal Poly Pomona’s greatest strength is its people, and our greatest opportunity is to create the conditions in which they can thrive. We have heard a clear and consistent message that our pursuit of academic excellence must be accompanied by an equally strong commitment to the people and relationships that make that excellence possible. Our students, faculty, and staff should experience Cal Poly Pomona as a place where they feel welcomed, supported, connected, respected, and empowered to contribute, succeed, and thrive.

We share that vision, and we believe this is an important moment for the university to honor and build upon the strong foundation that has been created, listen deeply to the experiences and aspirations of our community, and work together to shape an even stronger future for Cal Poly Pomona.

That is why we are pleased to announce the creation of three presidential working groups that will help shape the future of our university and strengthen our commitment to a Culture of Care.

The Health and Wellness Working Group will examine how we can create a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and overall well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. The group will assess our current programs and resources, engage the campus community through surveys and listening sessions, and recommend strategies, organizational structures, and long-term investments that help every Bronco thrive.

The Community and Belonging Working Group will focus on strengthening the relationships that define our university. As Community and Belonging becomes a new area reporting directly to the Office of the President, this working group will help establish a vision and roadmap for creating a campus where every member of our Bronco family feels welcomed, respected, connected, and valued. Through broad campus engagement and data-informed recommendations, the group will identify opportunities to strengthen community, increase engagement, and create lasting structures that foster belonging across every part of our university.

The Sustainability Working Group will develop a comprehensive vision for advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability across Cal Poly Pomona. Building on our polytechnic mission and longstanding commitment to stewardship, the group will assess current initiatives, engage the campus community, and identify opportunities to integrate sustainability more intentionally into our operations, academics, research, campus planning, and student experience. The working group will recommend strategies and measurable goals that position Cal Poly Pomona as a national leader in sustainable practices while preparing our students to address the complex environmental and societal challenges of the future.

These efforts are closely connected. Wellness, belonging, and sustainability are not separate priorities; together they help define the kind of university we aspire to be. When people feel healthy, connected, respected, and supported, and when they learn, work, and innovate in an environment that reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship, they are better able to realize their full potential. Together, these efforts will strengthen our Culture of Care and ensure Cal Poly Pomona continues to thrive for generations to come.

All working groups will begin their work this September. Throughout the fall semester, they will engage students, faculty, staff, and other members of our community through surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions. Their recommendations will be presented to my office in January 2027 and will include strategic roadmaps that identify both immediate actions and long-term priorities to strengthen our Culture of Care.

This work belongs to all of us.

Creating a university where every member of the Bronco Herd feels they belong and has the opportunity to thrive cannot be accomplished by one office or one working group. It requires each of us to contribute our ideas, share our experiences, support one another, and work together toward a common purpose.

We encourage every member of our community to participate in this process. Your voice, your experiences, and your ideas will help shape the future of Cal Poly Pomona.

We are more optimistic than ever about what lies ahead. Together, we are building a university that not only prepares students for successful careers but also models what it means to care for one another, strengthen community, and create opportunities for every Bronco to flourish.

Thank you for your partnership and for all you do each day to make Cal Poly Pomona an extraordinary place to learn, work, and belong.

Warmly,

Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D.
President

Jonathan Grady, Ph.D. 
Interim Senior Associate Vice President for Community & Belonging