Continuously improving a diversity-bolstering system through integrating quantitative and qualitative engineering GoldShirt program facets

The University of Colorado Boulder Engineering GoldShirt Program was created and launched in 2009, with the aim of providing an alternative pathway to and through university engineering programs. Using an Inclusive Excellence framework, the program provides a system of initiatives to broaden the participation of students traditionally underrepresented in engineering. The Engineering GoldShirt Program is committed to a research→practice→research cycle. This paper focuses on the implementation of research driven program changes in one facet of the Engineering GoldShirt Program - the Explorations through Physics course - an essential first year preparatory course preceding calculus-based physics. Results from our work demonstrate the need to combine and carefully weigh quantitative and qualitative research results real-time to make well-informed and timely programmatic decisions that directly impact student performance and retention. We advocate for engineering colleges to move away from single intervention approaches for bolstering diversity to systems approaches that encompass myriad academic, social and engineering identity development components to attract and retain underrepresented students in engineering.