Institutional Excellence Framework

Defining Institutional Excellence

Institutional Excellence at SJSU is the practice of weaving student success into everything we do. We align teaching, advising, and campus services to identify and fix barriers that slow students down. We focus on results—admission, persistence, graduation, well-being, and career readiness—so every student has what they need to thrive and contribute. Excellence grows when every Spartan can succeed.

Institutional Excellence Framework

The framework is structured around five core dimensions — Access & Success, Climate & Intergroup Relations, Education & Scholarship, Infrastructure & Investment, and Community & Partnership — to guide the university’s efforts in making high-quality, transformative education and holistic support available to all students.

Access & Success

Striving for equity of access and outcomes for all students and employees across diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on reducing and then eliminating equity gaps. 

Climate & Intergroup Relations

Aspiring to be a positive and collaborative community that creates and sustains climate and culture that are equitable and inclusive and that supports opportunities to thrive.

Education & Scholarship

Interrogating the ways in which curriculum, teaching, research, scholarship, and student and employee development contribute to our passion for discovery, innovation, community engagement, service, and social justice.

Infrastructure & Investment

Utilizing an organizational structure that facilitates the coherent implementation of institutional strategic goals and enacts policies and practices that sustain inclusivity, equity, and innovation.

Community & Partnership

As a place-based organization, engaging reciprocally and in a participatory way to co-lead progress for equity and engagement with our surrounding neighborhoods, counties, and the state.