Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and Campus Climate - Culture & Institutional Excellence - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo * Skip to Content * ? my CalPoly login * * Culture & Institutional Excellence previously the Office of University Diversity & Inclusion * About * BEACoN * Building Belonging * Campus Climate * DPN * The Collective * Hiring Guide * Resources * Student Success Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and Campus Climate Translate Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and Campus Climate   Campus Climate Definition Campus Climate is a measure of the real or perceived quality of interpersonal, academic, and professional interactions on a campus and consists of the current attitudes, behaviors, and standards of faculty, staff, administrators and students.  A common but simplistic way of thinking about campus climate is in binary terms: campus climate is either good (inclusive, productive) or bad (chilly, marginalizing). However, it may be more accurate to think of campus climate as a continuum that contributes to experiences that marginalize or foster belonging (Adapted from Ambrose et al., 2010).  Bias Incident Definition A bias incident refers to any behavior, action, or decision that is motivated by prejudice or discrimination towards a person or group based on their identity such as race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion. Bias incidents can take many forms, such as microaggressions, or unequal treatment in education, housing, or employment. They can cause harm and create a hostile environment, impacting the well-being and safety of individuals and communities on campus. Bias incidents may be intentional or unintentional however if unaddressed can undermine principles of equity and inclusion. Submitting a Report Reports submitted online may be submitted anonymously. In these cases, the University is limited and may not be able to conduct a full investigation of anonymous reports due to limited information or access to the individual who submitted the report. Individuals who feel that safety is a concern or wish to report a criminal incident motivated by bias or hate crime may contact the Cal Poly Police Department. What Happens After a Bias Incident Report is Submitted? After submitting a bias report or complaint of harassment or discrimination, the reporting individual receives an acknowledgment of receipt and information about support resources available on campus. Reports are reviewed by the Dean of Students, Civil Rights & Compliance Office, and the Office of University Diversity & Inclusion. Reports that indicate a potential violation of University policy under CSU Executive Orders1096 and 1097, are referred to the appropriate office(s) for review under existing disciplinary processes. If the incident does not rise to the level of crime or disciplinary process, the BIRT reviewing offices identify necessary response strategies in partnership with the perspective areas in question of the incident. Not every experience can or should be addressed through a disciplinary process, but there are campus resources available to help individuals manage the experience. How to Report Anyone who has knowledge of or has experienced a bias incident, on or off campus, involving Cal Poly students, faculty and/or staff, may report using the link below. IMPORTANT NOTE: To report an incident of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation, contact the Civil Rights & Compliance Office at (805) 756-6770 or  [email protected] . To report a crime, contact Cal Poly Police Department at (805) 756-2281 or  [email protected] .   Related Content Cal Poly AANHPI* Initiatives Learn more about Cal Poly *Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Initiatives. Visit the AANHPI webpage BEACoN Program Learn more about the BEACoN Mentoring Program BEACoN Research Scholars I am First-Gen Learn more about first generation staff, resources, and information across the colleges. View First-Gen Resources yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe Learn more about yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region. Learn about ytt Tribe Report an Incident Report a bias incident to the Bias Incident Report Team Report an Incident CONNECT WITH CAL POLY   The Department of Culture and Institutional Excellence is committed to serving the entire Cal Poly campus in policy, practice, and purposeful efforts to cultivate a culture of belonging where each individual feels valued, supported, and empowered, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly is a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). * CP Home * Directory * Campus Maps & Directions * University Store * Calendar * Employment * Campus Policies * Contact Us * Privacy Notice * Web Accessibility Statement * Title IX © 2026 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, California 93407 Phone: 805-756-1111