In June 2000, Ohio State University adopted a Diversity Action Plan. One initiative that has helped support this plan is the Commitment to Success Program (CSP). CSP staff research how diversity impacts and enhances both educational and work settings at Ohio State.
Commitment To Success Program (CSP). A diverse environment is central to both the mission and academic plan of The Ohio State University. CSP is a collaborative diversity enhancement program that assists academic units to create and maintain a welcoming and supportive climate both in and outside the classroom. The program provides units with customized climate assessment and engages in dialog with units to increase the retention and successful completion of academic programs by all students with an emphasis on historically underrepresented student populations (including––but not limited to––students of color, women, GLBTQ students, nontraditionally aged students, and students with disabilities). CSP grew out of close collaboration between the offices of Academic Affairs (OAA), Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), and University Center for the Advancement of Teaching (UCAT).
CSP mission is to assist academic units identify, promote and implement strategies for inclusive climate to ensure that all students matriculate in a learning environment that acknowledges, respects, and responds positively to their unique educational needs and histories. The program fosters culturally responsive teaching practices and classroom equity to increase retention and timely graduation of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
The overall goal is to support academic units' efforts to recruit, retain, and promote student success in all disciplines, with emphasis on individuals from underrepresented groups.
CSP Objectives include:
- To enhance the classroom climate on issues associated with diversity throughout the university and various colleges/departments/units.
- To enhance college/department/unit reputation, courses, and curricula in regards to diversity issues.
- To assist in the retention of faculty and students of color at this university.
- To support and supplement existing efforts to increase the retention, and successful academic completion of all students.
- To enhance the recruitment of more students and faculty of historically underrepresented population at this university.
- To challenge all members of the university community through initiatives to continue to improve the academic, social, and professional climate for diversity and inclusion.