Principia College
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

Surveys aimed at gathering information "about the attitudes, perceptions and experiences of campus stakeholders and underrepresented groups" are routinely (at least annually) directed toward both students and employees. In addition, special attention is paid to international students through the Office of Student Life, which provides an outlet for international students to express issues or concerns. The Office of Student Life employs Resident Counselors in all dormitories; in freshmen housing, trained upperclassmen also live in the houses as Resident Assistants to mentor and support new students. Regular reporting to the Office of Student Life ensures that issues related to campus climate are addressed in a timely way.

In the 2013-14 academic year, Principia students came from 32 different countries. All students are surveyed in their freshman year and at the end of their senior year to garner feedback on their academic experience, educational equity, and character development. The results from these bookend surveys are compared to provide the college with real-time feedback on progress, shortcomings, and priority issues - and results and recommendations are shared with senior levels of administration and governance. In addition, by the nature of our small (ca. 500 students) 100% resident student body, issues of diversity and equity are discussed in the context of house meetings, religious teaching and conversation, course content, and social interaction. The intimacy of a Principia education lends itself to constant self-evaluation and progress.

An Employee Engagement Survey distributed annually asks all faculty and staff to rate the following questions as to "Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree". The results and recommendations are shared with employees, as well as with senior levels of administration and governance. -I have all the tools and materials I need to do an effective job. -The amount of work I am given is about right -I clearly understand what is expected of me in my job -I am treated with respect by others -I enjoy working with people in my group -My colleagues are committed to doing high quality work -People follow through with their commitments--they do what they say they will do -I believe that Principia employees conduct themselves in ways that evidence trust of each other -My talents are used effectively in my work -I have the authority to do my best work -I feel as though my job is viewed as vital to Principia's mission -In the past six months I have had conversations about my progress with colleagues, my supervisor, or administrators -I am consistently recognized for the work I do by my colleagues, my supervisor, or administrators -I believe that Principia cares deeply about its employees -Principia treats its employees fairly -Principia provides many opportunities for growth and development -I am proud to say that I work at Principia -In general, I believe that Principia is a great place to work

No formal assessment has been done, but speaking to the criterion ("For example, by assessing access to and participation in governance on the part of underrepresented groups and women, the centrality of diversity and equity in planning and mission statements, and diversity and equity in public engagement efforts.") it's noteworthy that access to and participation in governance is open to all students - and employees - regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and so on. Women and minorities are represented on the governing body, as well as at the highest level of administration (below the President) and all student governing bodies.