Conducting a Meta-analysis of Student Data

Embedding equity and diversity into every aspect of university life. Image shows a woman embracing a graduate at commencement.

At CSULB, we strive to lean on data-driven practices to inform our decisions about the future. That’s no different when it comes to making smart and impactful choices to enhance student outcomes.  

Yet while CSULB is rich in data gathered for numerous internal and external projects, the results from these aren’t often widely shared, and don’t always allow for integrated data-informed decisions and planning. 

A meta-analysis of studies on CSULB students was the focus of a project spearheaded this past academic year by the Beach 2030 team working to build an equitable and empowering culture at The Beach. In an effort to aid CSULB in its application for the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification awarded to institutions committed to serving Latino students — this meta-analysis initiative was steered by an on-campus team called El Concilio for Latinx Success.  

A group of 25 faculty, staff, and students — led by College of Education Dean and BEEC team lead Anna Ortiz, Director of Equity Program Eduardo Leyva, and Latino Studies Prof. Jose Moreno — this team analyzed student data from an array of programs, surveys, dissertations, and theses in efforts to compile relevant information necessary for the Seal of Excelencia application.  

Using disaggregated student, faculty, and staff demographic data, El Concilio created a Latinx Success Dashboard to display and analyze this essential information. To demonstrate CSULB’s ability to serve Latinx students, the team also selected 21 campus programs to highlight, providing evidence to support their impact.  

Compiling and analyzing the trove of available data allowed this team to assemble both the application and a comprehensive report on its work in this space, available in October 2023. The Seal of Excelencia, established by Excelencia in Education, has been awarded to 30 colleges and universities that strive to intentionally serve Latino students, not just enroll them.  

During a national award ceremony in September, CSULB was granted the prestigious honor, symbolizing the university’s commitment to Latinx success. 

Through this action zone team, we are molding CSULB into a campus where equity and diversity are embedded into every aspect of university life, uniting around practices that promote fairness and well-being for all campus community members. Our shared vision for the future is one in which we build a compassionate campus, modeling a diverse, equitable, and respectful community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and administrators.