Colorado College
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

In the fall of 2011, the Diversity Task Force conducted a campus climate survey as part of the new president's "year of listening" to evaluate the quality of experience of all students, staff, and faculty. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative questions to assess diversity and inclusion at Colorado College. Survey results were used in construction of the College's strategic plan and in the planning and execution of diversity and equity programming by the Butler Center. Following the campus climate survey, the Diverse and Inclusive Campus Action Team held a number of focus groups with students. The intention of the focus groups was to follow up on the climate survey and to hear students' personal accounts and experiences with diversity and inclusion in and out of the classroom.

The 2011 campus climate survey included data from a random sample of 153 students. Analysis of survey results has influenced the strategic plan and the programs of the Office of the Butler Center.

The 2011 campus climate survey included data from a random sampling of 162 CC employees. Survey results led to an initiative to provide broader and more inclusive health coverage for LGBTQ employees and to improve the gender selection options on employment applications. Following the campus climate survey, the Diverse and Inclusive Campus Action Team held a number of focus groups with faculty and staff members in order to hear personal narratives and experiences with diversity and inclusion on campus. Following the campus climate survey and focus groups, the college restructured the Office of Minority and International Students to be renamed as the Butler Center with the Director of the Butler Center also serving as Assistant Vice President to the college. The creation of the Butler Center integrated diverse students and faculty more fully into the administration and governance of the college.

The college is currently involved in the third year of a strategic planning effort that includes an assessment of diversity and equity throughout every level of college governance and public engagement. The president's "Building on the Block" plan states that, "Strong programs for developing and retaining diverse faculty and staff are among the priorities for the Workplace Excellence initiative of our strategic plan." The college's commitment to diversity and equity extends throughout the community to all levels of leadership and governance. On the Board of Trustees, 10 out of 33 members are women and 4 out of 33 members are people of color. The college is committed to diversifying the board even more in the coming years. On the college's senior cabinet level of leadership, 4 out of 10 people are women and 2 out of 10 people are people of color. More specifically, 2 of the top 3 senior positions are held by women and 2 of the top 3 senior positions are held by people of color. Additionally, 35% of the the extended leadership team (people who report directly to members of Cabinet) are persons of color.

https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/diversity/