Overall Rating Bronze
Overall Score 32.08
Liaison Theresa Ladrigan-Whelpley
Submission Date June 29, 2023

STARS v2.2

Salve Regina University
PA-6: Assessing Diversity and Equity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.88 / 1.00 Mary Pelletier
Program Manager
Mission Integration
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Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:
The University researched the most effective way to conduct the campus climate survey and looked for a common platform that can provide comparison data with other institutions. The University decided to utilize the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Consortium’s Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey.

Does the assessment process address campus climate by engaging stakeholders to assess the attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of employees and students, including the experiences of underrepresented groups?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success?:
Yes

Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity?:
Yes

A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs, and initiatives:
During the Fall of 2021, as a President’s Commission on Equity and Inclusion initiative, Salve Regina University participated in the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Consortium’s Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey. This national survey asks students, faculty, and staff about their perceptions of campus climate, how the institution supports diversity and equity, and experiences with discrimination and harassment at the institution. HEDS also provides comparisons for these measures, which include all 155 other participating institutions (including 87,000 students and 52,000+ employees) that administered the survey in the 2018, 2019, 2020, and/or 2021 academic years. The survey was administered by HEDS from March 18, 2021, to April 9, 2021, with two reminders sent to the Salve community.

Key findings Demographics:
There were 701 total respondents, which represents 18.6% of the total population (3,751) at Salve Regina University. The response rates were 14% for students and 34% for employees (the HEDS average response rates were 17% and 43%, respectively). This represents 47% of administrators, 44% of staff, 28% of faculty, 16% of undergraduate students, and 7% of graduate students at Salve. There were an additional 7 undergraduate students coded as non-degree as their class year did not calculate.

Salve respondents consisted of undergraduate students (50%), faculty (21%), staff (19%), graduate students (7%), administrators (2%), and those who did not disclose their role (1%).

This sample was 75% White, 70% cisgender women, 80% heterosexual, and 80% Christian. Although the institution does not systematically collect sexual orientation or religion for students and employees, the sample is representative in terms of race (population 78% White). Twenty percent of respondents identified as LGBQ+, which is 2% higher than comparison institutions, while non-binary and/or transgender respondents were comparable with comparison institutions (2%).
The demographic makeup of respondents resembled other institutions with regard to sexual orientation, religion, and disability status. Among undergraduate students (352) at Salve, 62% of respondents were freshmen or sophomores.

Respondents at Salve are more liberal (54%) than those of comparison institutions (45%).

Climate for Diversity and Equity. The overall satisfaction with the campus climate at Salve was similar to all other institutions, with a majority (72% Salve, 74% comparison) satisfied with the campus climate.

Respondents overwhelmingly agree (89%, both Salve, and comparison) that diversity improves campus interactions. The majority of respondents (68%, both Salve, and comparison) are comfortable in sharing views on diversity and equity.
Most respondents (51%, both Salve, and comparison) were satisfied with the extent to which all community members experience a sense of belonging. Some agree (45% Salve, 44% comparison) that the institution is free from tensions.

Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
Yes

A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:
The President called for a University-wide town hall meeting and presented the findings along with The Presidential Commission for Equity and Inclusion. During the meeting, the President and The Presidential Commission for Equity and Inclusion asked community members for feedback and ways to improve the campus climate survey based on the findings and best ways to move forward.

Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
No

The diversity and equity assessment report or summary (upload):
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Website URL where the diversity and equity assessment report or summary is publicly posted:
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Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s diversity and equity assessment efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.