Climate Survey

Introduction

The Diversity and Equity Campus Climate survey was conducted in spring 2023.  This is the second UAF Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) campus climate survey, the first was conducted in spring 2021. The purpose of implementing a campus climate survey was to gather a comprehensive assessment of the campus environment. It measures participants' perceptions of how UAF supports diversity and equity, and experiences with discrimination and harassment.  The main objectives of this survey are as follows:

  1. Assessment of campus climate- understanding the overall atmosphere and overarching attitudes on campus. This assessment focused on perceptions and experiences of discrimination, diversity, and inclusion. 

  2. Identifying areas of improvement- with information gathering, programmatic and training efforts could focus on where the challenges exist and where improvements should be made. 

  3. Fostering accountability- we are committed to a safe, inclusive, respectful working and learning environment.

  4. Measuring success in meeting the UAF Strategic Plan 2027, Goal #5 Embrace and grow a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion, and caring. Along with Accreditation Mission fulfillment indicator 14.

 The Higher Education Data Consortium (HEDS) was chosen in 2021 to administer the first climate survey and was used again in 2023. The survey is composed of the base survey instrument, an optional question bank that asks undergraduate students about their experiences as they relate to their identities, and optional supplemental questions provided by UAF DEIA Climate Survey Group, a total of 76 questions. The survey was open for 6 weeks from February 14 to March 28, 2023.

  Demographics
  Campus climate
  Experiences of negative remarks
  Experiences of discrimination or harassment
  Institutional support
  Impact

 

Key findings

The data obtained from this survey is reflective of a low response rate for the campus community.  This survey received 703 responses or an 11% response rate for the six weeks it was administered.

 

Conclusion

The HEDS analysis of the climate survey found that having negative experiences influences all of the measures of campus climate that were reviewed. Specifically, the survey found the more often respondents (a) hear insensitive or disparaging remarks about people’s identity or (b) experience discrimination or harassment:

  • The more negative their views are on the overall campus climate.
  • The less satisfied they are with how welcoming their institution is to all members of the community.
  • The more they believe their campus has tensions related to individual or group identity.
  • The less likely they are to believe that diversity improves interactions and experiences on campus.
  • The less comfortable they are sharing their views on diversity and equity.