Title 5 Updates: DEIAA

Competencies & Criteria Overview

In September 2019, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors adopted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Integration Plan, which called for the creation of a DEIA Implementation Workgroup. This group was tasked with establishing the conditions necessary for colleges and districts to incorporate DEIA competencies into employee evaluations and tenure review processes. A regulatory DEIA framework was adopted in 2022, with final approval from the Department of Finance granted in March 2023. The regulations took effect on April 16, 2023. On May 5, 2023, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office issued guidance to districts on implementing the new DEIA evaluation and tenure review requirements. Districts were given 180 days from the effective date to update their policies and procedures in compliance with the regulations.

These updates required that evaluations and tenure review processes for district employees, particularly faculty, include criteria that assess contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (DEIAA). These changes emphasize culturally responsive teaching and service, align evaluations with each district’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan, and call for anti-bias training for review committees. The goal is to ensure that employee performance reflects not only professional competence but also a demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Competency and Criteria Task Force

In early 2023, a task force reporting to College Council was formed to develop DEIAA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Antiracism) competencies and criteria for Palomar College’s employee evaluation and tenure review processes. Through shared governance, the task force aimed to define the knowledge, skills, and behaviors essential for all employees to effectively work, teach, and lead in an inclusive and diverse community. The finalized competencies were designed to promote continuous employee growth in alignment with statewide DEIAA goals, and the criteria are currently being negotiated with employee unions prior to implementation across all constituent groups.

Impact

These updates provide a common foundation across the California Community College system to ensure consistency, while allowing for local nuance. It also shifts institutional culture toward greater accountability, transparency, and equity. Once details are negotiated at Palomar, professional development will be provided to align with the updated employee evaluations.