The curb cut effect refers to a phenomenon in which solutions designed to improve access for people with disabilities end up benefiting a much broader population. Originally developed to allow wheelchair users to navigate sidewalks, curb cuts are now used by parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, delivery workers, cyclists, and many others. 

At CCSF, this concept reflects our commitment to designing systems, practices, and learning environments that improve access, equity, and success for all members of our community. When we design courses, services, and institutional processes with accessibility, clarity, and inclusion in mind, we create conditions that support the success of all students and employees. 

These All-College Flex Days invite faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to explore how thoughtful design, inclusive practices, and collaborative innovation can create positive ripple effects across the college. Proposals should connect to one or more of the following CCSF Master Plan strands.

Read here for the full description of this year's theme.

Four Flex strands were identified to support these efforts, which is important for the success of the College in meeting the needs of our students by assisting in further enhancing student achievement and providing additional innovation opportunities for all. They are goals of CCSF’s Education Master Plan (EMP), which serves as the College’s long-range strategic blueprint for all institutional planning and program development from 2018-2027.

Institutionalize Equity: Institutionalizing equity requires intentional adoption of evidence-based, equity advancing policies and practices to provide support and resources to disproportionately impacted student and employee groups. Please reference the equity definitions here. 

Improve the Student Experience: Improving the student experience means designing learning environments, services, and systems that are intuitive, supportive, and student-centered.

Improve Communication: Effective communication strengthens collaboration across the college and ensures that students and employees can easily access the information they need.

Strengthen Community, Education and Industry Partnerships: This strand focuses on how CCSF builds and sustains meaningful connections beyond the campus to support student success. Whether through transferring, dual enrollment, workforce pipelines, or community-based initiatives, these partnerships expand learning opportunities and career pathways for students.

Read more here for the full description and definitions of these four strands.