Colgate University
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

Each year the campus does a Senior survey. Diversity and equity are important aspects of the survey. In 2009, Colgate undertook an entire Campus Climate Study In 2011, the university conducted a faculty and staff climate survey that included an equity and diversity section..

The CCLS is a “climate” study that describes the relationships between perceptions of institutional characteristics (e.g., academics, social life), student characteristics (race, gender, socio-economic status), and student satisfaction at Colgate. The CCLS achieved an excellent participation rate (60%) enabling conclusions with strong statistical significance. While in many ways the responses to the faculty and staff climate survey affirmed that Colgate is an excellent place to work, we also became more aware of the opportunities for improvement. In an effort to better understand the survey data and determine what changes could be most effective and valued at Colgate, the president appointed a committee to review the staff responses, gather additional feedback that is needed, and report back with recommendations. Some of the changes in policy, programs and initiatives that came out of these and other efforts include the following: 1. A new university policy has been established regarding equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of harassment. The policy, which has been reviewed by the Board of Trustees’ Legal Affairs Committee and its Executive Committee, clearly defines harassment and bias behavior and requires a unified, timely response to such incidents. 2. The university created a new position – associate provost for equity and diversity. This position will focus on integrating diversity practices into the campus environment and serve as a resource that supports diversity in the curriculum. The position is held by Professor Lyn Rugg. 3. The university created a cross-divisional, campus-wide equity and diversity leadership team. The team members work closely with the Human Resources Office to promote an inclusive campus environment. 4. Under the leadership of this team, the university developed a statement articulating Colgate’s commitment to equity and diversity. 5. Curricular enhancements have been designed to further cross-cultural interaction and understanding, including the Core -- particularly Communities and Identities, Core 152, and the new global engagement component -- as well as many other relevant courses across departments and interdisciplinary programs. Colgate has also created three new faculty positions that add diversity to the curriculum.

Every other year the staff is surveyed as well. http://www.colgate.edu/offices-and-services/equity-and-diversity