Estrella Mountain Community College
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

Core Values are intended to communicate what the college embraces and demonstrates within its operating principles. Established to guide the everyday actions of employees and overall college planning, these Core Values represent the campus climate the college community desires. The college believes it operates most effectively when employees’ exhibit, daily, the principles outlined in the Core Values. The college remains committed to continuously self-assessing this climate. The Core Value “Diversity” considers the contributions and worldviews of others; promoting an inclusive campus culture that supports social awareness; and committing to comprehensive inter-cultural learning and awareness. This Core Value is assessed after each survey administration and analyzed results are presented in a Report Card format. All board-approved employees are asked to evaluate themselves, co-workers, supervisors and senior administration. Other than the employee group identifier, all responses remain anonymous to invite honest and candid feedback. Employee groups are “graded” on a four-point scale and results are presented with scores representing overall means for self, division employee, supervisor, vice president, and president. Historically, the College uses Core Values as the primary vehicle to assess and improve the climate at Estrella Mountain. The first Core Values assessment occurred during the spring 2000 semester and has continued, with slight reiteration, during 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2013. Continuous evaluation of these core planning components contribute to college efforts in measuring Learning College effectiveness. Previous Core Value surveys have resulted in implementation of improvement strategies.

Survey results assist the college in gauging how well we are living our Core Values. The results also contribute in identifying whether additional college improvement strategies are needed. Prior results helped clarify employees’ understanding of the term “diversity”, formed a campus Diversity Committee, extended diversity of ideas within committees and councils, and promoted event planning. This self-evaluation process helps strengthen a collegial and foundationally rich environment necessary for a caring and purposeful institution. Results consist of both qualitative categorical narrative comments and registered quantitative responses. Employee responses from the 2013 survey indicate “Diversity” as the most demonstrated Core Value measured by the campus, and the value needing the least overall improvement.