Equity

At Caltech we view equity as fairness and justice, as evidenced by parity in opportunities, experiences, and outcomes. This is coupled with a consciousness of how social location (e.g. gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability status) can affect the opportunities available to an individual. Our goal is to resolve organizational barriers that impede equitable outcomes for historically excluded and historically underrepresented people.

Data is integral to our efforts. Check out the current demographic data here.

Learn about objectives we are focusing on to create equitable experiences and outcomes with a few of the initiatives that support them listed below.

Address inequities in access to inclusive research, advising, and mentoring experiences for incoming undergraduate and graduate students

Caltech students are among the most outstanding scholars in the world. Nevertheless, we recognize that while all of our students are talented, they have not had access to the same kind of opportunities before arriving on campus. FSRI and GSRI, two of Caltech's signature programs, seek to redress such inequities for incoming first-year undergraduate and graduate students, respectively. Participants in these no-cost programs engage in research experiences and training, complete academic coursework, are introduced to Caltech's academic and co-curricular support structures, and receive mentoring from faculty, professional staff, and peers. These programs, along with divisional/option bootcamps and other first-year programs, are essential vehicles for achieving this objective.

Reduce financial barriers for students and their families

Several efforts to reduce financial barriers that may deter students from attending Caltech or hindering their persistence are also in place. For example, the Richard N. Merkin Startup Grant program provides incoming low-income students with support in the form of travel to Caltech in September and their return trip home in December and dorm supplies to ensure they have what they need when they arrive on campus. This is separate and apart from financial aid. Caltech has also expanded its participation in the Questbridge program, welcoming more than two dozen high-achieving, low-income students to campus each year. Questbridge scholars are awarded full four-year scholarships and receive advising from staff within Caltech's Center for Inclusion and Diversity (CCID). Additionally, several Divisions have offered a signing bonus to incoming graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds to help them defray moving costs, or provide support to their families as they transition to Caltech. Emergency funds are also available at the Institute level to assist students in need.

Examine disaggregated data to identify equity gaps at critical milestones in Caltech community members' academic and/or career trajectories

In partnership with various offices across campus, Caltech's Office of Institutional Research (IRO) continuously monitors the state equity in student outcomes and experiences using holistic and quantitative performance indicators. Through analysis of student outcome data disaggregated by gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors, IRO works with Caltech administrators, faculty, and staff to determine whether and when equity gaps might emerge through the student experience and to identify effective strategies for redressing such gaps. IRO also collaborates with faculty and staff to understand what factors are associated with student success and identify appropriate points of interventions, recognizing that these relationships may not function the same for every student. The office also conducts regular assessments to characterize Caltech's institutional climate and outcomes to ensure that all community members are served and engaged equitably.

Scaffold academic and co-curricular student support

Caltech provides a breadth of scaffolded academic and co-curricular support for students to facilitate access to the resources they need to succeed. By employing a holistic approach, the Institute seeks to promote student success and wellness. Caltech's CARE Team brings together professional staff from across campus to connect students who may be experiencing academic, social, or health challenges with support and resources. The CARE Team works with undergraduate and graduate students to develop and enact individualized plans to mitigate challenges and promote success. Additionally, students may take courses on managing work-life balance, time management skills, and career planning in order to facilitate their academic progress and help them to develop capabilities that will serve them well at Caltech and beyond. First-year undergraduates benefit from Caltech's first-year faculty advising and staff mentoring program. Formal problem-set workshops, academic tutoring in one-on-one and group formats support student learning and collaboration. Support for students is also embedded within Caltech's residential community through the Institute's peer advocate programs, residential life coordinators, and faculty-in-residence.