USU Diversity Campus Climate Survey
In fall 2019, Utah State University partnered with Campus Climate Surveys, LLC to conduct a comprehensive diversity and inclusion survey for the campus community. Four surveys (administrators, faculty, staff, and students) were open for participation Oct. 28 – Nov. 22, 2019.
Survey Purpose
Understanding the USU campus climate is an important step toward ensuring our institution’s future success — and that of our employees and students. President Noelle E. Cockett established a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in spring 2019. The campus climate survey was designed to help the task force and university administrators measure and assess both strengths and weaknesses around diversity and inclusion efforts. Survey results provide insight into the factors that shape the experiences and perceptions of diverse individuals on USU campuses.
Survey Response Rate
Students at all USU campuses and centers across the state were invited to participate in the survey from Oct. 28 to Nov. 22, 2019, through several direct emails, and students who participated could enter a drawing for an Amazon gift card. Out of the 28,292 individuals across USU’s statewide system who received the survey, 5,176 participated, an overall participation rate of 18%.
How Survey Data is Used
Data from the campus climate survey is used to help the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to establish priorities for a five-year strategic plan, the ultimate goal being the creation of an environment where everyone feels safe, welcomed, valued and respected.
Overview of Survey Results
The survey included questions about belonging and inclusion specifically aimed at minoritized groups including: people with disabilities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, religious minorities, veterans, and international members of the USU community. Surveys were tailored for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to assess differences in perspectives and experiences.
The survey findings included the following:
- Students with any minoritized identity status experienced USU’s campus climate as less satisfying and reported less of a sense of belonging on campus.
- Students with a disability, LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, and international students reported feeling significantly less safe in the classroom and found USU to be less welcoming.
- A majority of USU members believed promoting diversity and inclusion is very important or somewhat important to the campus leadership. However, less than 26% of faculty and staff believed there is adequate financial support to drive campus diversity efforts.
Campus Comparison Survey
Campus Climate Surveys, LLC, provided a report comparing USU data to the aggregated data of three other similar institutions. These institutions included Arkansas State University, Kansas State University, and the University of North Texas. Each institution had the opportunity to customize their survey questions, so some of the questions may not match for each of the peer schools. Only common questions were included in the reports.