Using the DAT/DALI Model for Inclusive Program Change at a Primarily Undergraduate HSI

The Departmental Action Teams/Leadership Institute (DAT/DALI) model provides a data-driven approach to program change based in the principles of EP3. At all stages of the DAT’s work, there is an emphasis on inclusion, shared vision, and consensus. One aspect of the DAT model that differs significantly from typical departmental committees is the inclusion of stakeholders beyond the program faculty. In particular, student involvement in the change process is not only welcome, but critical. Using the tools introduced during the DALI, DAT facilitators work to make all stakeholders comfortable in contributing to the change process. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on institutionalizing and assessing the completed actions of the DAT so that they become a permanent part of program culture. This model was an excellent fit for the Rhode Island College Physics program. Since RIC serves many underrepresented minority students, the physics program used the DALI/DAT experience to revise the curriculum to be more welcoming to students from underserved high schools who may not have had the opportunity to take physics or calculus. The department has also used aspects of the DAT model to improve student recruitment and engagement. Student input into all these changes has been essential and has changed the vision of the physics program.