State University of New York at Oneonta
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

Campus Climate Survey

The first Campus Climate Survey Research project was conducted by Rankin and Associates in 2005. During 2006, Dr. Rankin presented the survey results to the campus community. The 2007 Strategic Action Plan on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Goal 1, Objective 3, Strategy A, Initiatives 1 & 2) requires the College to research the Campus Climate on a regular basis using the 2006 Campus Climate Survey by Rankin & Associates as the baseline. The report provides a summary of the process and the results of the second Campus Climate Survey, including comparisons when possible between 2005 and 2009. Dr. Charlene Christie, Psychology, and Dr. Patricia Frances, Institutional Assessment & Effectiveness, and conducted the second Campus Climate Survey Research project during 2009. The 2009 Campus Climate Survey contained 99 questions and additional space for respondents to provide commentary regarding their experiences. Most of the survey questions were the same as those in the 2005 survey, which served as points of comparison between the two campus climate surveys. A few additional questions were included in the 2009 survey. The answers to most of them were arranged on 5-point Likert scale. The survey was designed for respondents to provide information about their personal experiences with regard to campus climate matters, their perceptions of the campus climate, and their perceptions of institutional actions, including administrative policies and academic initiatives regarding campus climate matters and concerns on campus. All members of the campus community were invited to participate on the survey, which was conducted on a secure on-line server from October 27, 2009 through November 20, 2009. A total of 1,062 persons participated in the survey, but only 801 provide demographic information, which impacted the data analyses. The results of the survey will guide the President’s Council on Diversity and the Office of Equity and Inclusion, in consultation and/or collaboration with pertinent College entities, in establishing initiatives to address unmet needs and to further working and learning environments based on civility, respect, and solid knowledge, which are at the core of a welcoming and safe campus climate.