What is “Campus Climate?”
- A Campus Climate Study is a tool that provides a baseline of data that helps our University better understand our living, learning and working environment, and how members of the campus community relate to one another on a daily basis. It is not just the experience of individuals and groups on campus; it is the quality and extent of the interaction between those groups and individuals that determine a healthy campus climate. This study will help us better understand what is working and not working in this regard—both current and historically.
Who is conducting the survey?
- The anonymous survey is being conducted by USI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council (EDIC), and is being administered by an outside vendor, the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS).
What is diversity? Inclusion? Equity?
- Diversity: For this survey, HEDS defines diversity in terms of differences among people in their race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, national origin, religious beliefs and identity, age, disability status, and political perspective.
- Equity: For this survey, HEDS defines equity as a commitment to working to challenge and respond to bias, harassment and discrimination against people from diverse identities and backgrounds.
- Inclusion: For this survey, we define inclusion as a diversity of ideas, approaches, disciplines and learning that is free from discrimination and harassment that might alter the terms or conditions of employment or substantially limit the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational and/or social programs.
Why is this survey being done?
- The survey data will provide a baseline for the University to better understand our living, learning and working environment, and how members of the campus community relate to one another on a daily basis. It will help the University better understand what is working and not working in this regard—both current and historically.
Is this survey really anonymous?
- Yes! USI will NOT see ANY of your personal information or be able to link your responses to any identifying information. This is part of the reason we chose to work with the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium. When survey responses are submitted, they go to HEDS with all identifying information stripped away. USI will only receive aggregated responses. For more details on how your anonymity is protected in this survey, contact Gregory Johnson, USI’s Interim Chief Data Officer at gjjohnson1@usi.edu.
Will submitted information about events I’m aware of be reported to the University, Public Safety or law enforcement as a result of providing that information for this survey?
- No, all answers are completely anonymous and will not be investigated as a result of this survey. However, If you would like to report an incident of discrimination or harassment that you have not previously reported, please go to USI’s Crime Reporting website at usi.edu/public-safety/reports-and-forms to learn how to make a report. Additional reporting information is available on the Institutional Equity Office page: usi.edu/institutional-equity For more details about reporting information, please contact Chelsea Givens, Title IX Coordinator Affirmative Action Officer at ccgivens@usi.edu
How will the responses be used?
- Aggregated survey results (of course not linked to any identifying information) will be shared with the campus community in fall 2024. Additionally, HEDS will be conducting focus groups on campus in fall 2024 as a next step in determining how data can best be used to support the EDIC strategic plan, the strategic plan for the University, and to drive action items with an emphasis on tangible outcomes. Real solutions require multiple perspectives, so this is your chance to have your voice heard, help drive meaningful change, and impact future students, faculty and staff.
How do I get my candy bar for taking the survey?
- In appreciation for completing the survey, we are offering you a candy bar. To redeem your candy bar, please present your unique code at the location where you took the survey or go to the Multicultural Center.
Is the survey really anonymous if I'm receiving a code?
- This redemption code is in no way linked to your survey responses – it is auto-generated, and your survey results will remain completely anonymous. However, please be aware that, by using this code, you are revealing to the Multicultural Center that you participated in the survey. That office will keep your participation confidential.