Portland State University
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

Diversity Assessment at Portland State: DAPS presents information about PSU’s progress towards meeting our diversity goals. We have defined 12 key indicators to track our progress. These indicators relate to campus climate, education and scholarship, student success, and institutional commitment to diversity — all of which are central to our institutional mission. (http://www.pdx.edu/diversity/diversity-assessment-portland-state) PSU administers the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) every two years to first-year students and seniors. With regard to student perceptions and experiences, several questions from the NSSE are relevant. (http://www.pdx.edu/diversity/daps-a1-perceptions, http://www.pdx.edu/diversity/daps-a2-experiences) Surveys of faculty and staff were too general or too small to analyze. Regarding staff and faculty perceptions, we have found very little. A 2007 survey of tenured faculty generated some general information about satisfaction and morale within that group, but does not offer specific information about perceptions of climate for diversity. Regarding staff and faculty experience, we have found no relevant information to date.

Diversity Action Plan Portland State's present Diversity Action Plan was written by the Diversity Action Council (DAC) in 2001, following the recommendations made in the 1999 Report of the Commission on Campus Climate and Life. The Diversity Action Council continues to work towards the realization of the Commission's recommendations and the goals set out in the Diversity Action Plan (see progress reviews from August 2008, January 2007, and October 2005; also see a brief history of the ODE). In brief, the four major goals of the Diversity Action Plan are: Goal 1: Enhancing the institutional environment, curriculum, and scholarship. Goal 2: Increasing numbers of students from under-represented groups. Goal 3: Increasing numbers of persons from under-represented groups in faculty, classified staff, and administration. Goal 4: Strengthening connections with diverse communities in the region. (Source: http://www.pdx.edu/diversity/diversity-action-plan)