Gonzaga Task Force Reports Significant Progress on Efforts to Strengthen Belonging, Safety and Accountability
Six months after its formation, Gonzaga University's Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging is reporting substantial progress on a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening campus culture, improving accountability systems and fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all students.
The Task Force's Summer 2026 Status Report highlights the completion of several major commitments, including the launch of a centralized reporting system, updates to university policies, new student programming focused on belonging, and expanded efforts to support student leadership, faculty development and community engagement.
Led by Vice Provost for Student Affairs Kent Porterfield, the Task Force has met weekly throughout the summer to advance recommendations and maintain momentum on initiatives that emerged from extensive campus conversations during the spring semester.
"The work of belonging is never finished, but this report demonstrates that Gonzaga is turning commitments into action," Porterfield said. "Students, faculty, staff, community members and administrators have worked together throughout this process to make meaningful improvements that will help create a campus where every person feels respected, supported and valued."
Among the Task Force's most visible accomplishments is the creation of a new university-wide reporting system that brings multiple reporting pathways into a single location. The new "Report a Concern" link now appears on every Gonzaga webpage, providing easy access to reporting options related to bias incidents, harassment and discrimination, Title IX concerns and student conduct matters.
The Task Force also completed a comprehensive review of existing accountability systems and developed visual process maps that will help students better understand how various reporting and response systems work.
"This dedicated work of those on the task force has been about making our systems more accessible, transparent and understandable," Porterfield said. "Students should know where to go when they need support, how concerns are addressed, and what resources are available to them. We're making important progress in all of those areas."
Another significant accomplishment this summer was the creation of a new paid student liaison position designed to strengthen communication, trust and partnership between students and university leadership. Developed in collaboration with leaders from Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC), Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs (UACC) and Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA), the position will serve as a bridge between student organizations and campus administrators, helping elevate student perspectives, identify concerns early and connect students with resources and decision-makers. The liaison will work alongside the GSBA Director of DEI, GSBA Director of Clubs and Organizations, and the UMEC Liaison as part of a coordinated student voice network. By making the role a paid position and establishing a formal governance and mentorship structure, Gonzaga is investing in a sustainable model for student engagement that ensures students have meaningful opportunities to shape conversations about belonging, inclusion and campus climate.
At the same time, the Task Force advanced work designed to strengthen belonging and community building from a student's first days on campus. New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome Weekend programming were redesigned around themes of mission, inclusion, connection and community and also included best-selling author and keynote speaker Monica Guzman. New residence hall experiences, affinity-based opportunities, and assessment tools will be introduced throughout the academic year.
The report also highlights progress in leadership development and training. A campus-wide Inclusive Excellence training framework for student leaders is now under development, bringing together offices across Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to create a more coordinated approach to leadership education. Additionally, restorative practices training was piloted with student leaders this summer, with monthly listening circles planned throughout the fall semester.
Beyond student-facing initiatives, the Task Force's efforts have extended to faculty and staff engagement. Approximately 200 faculty members participated in professional development sessions this summer focused on student support, trauma-informed teaching practices, classroom climate and strategies for fostering belonging in academic environments.
Longer-term initiatives also continue to move forward. Recruitment and retention efforts remain a significant focus, with ongoing collaboration among Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and faculty leaders. Existing programs that support student success and access continue to expand while new partnerships and pathway opportunities are being explored.
The report notes progress in several additional areas, including expanded support for student publications and media, a regional NAACP-Gonzaga welcome event planned for October 4, and development of a Spokane cultural resource directory intended to connect students with local cultural organizations and businesses.
Gonzaga President Katia Passerini believes the breadth of the work reflects Gonzaga's commitment to sustained change rather than short-term responses.
"Real progress happens when institutions commit to consistent effort over time," she said. "We're building systems, relationships and practices that will serve students for years to come. The goal is a campus culture rooted in dignity, accountability, accompaniment and belonging. While there is still work ahead, this report shows that our community is moving forward together."