University of California, Santa Barbara
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

The University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) is regularly administered at UCSB. The UCUES is also used at other major reserarch universities, and researchers and administrators from these institutions and many others helped design the survey. The survey is funded by the participating institutions. This survey asks students to rate how their ability to appreciate, tolerate, and understand racial and ethnic diversity has developed while at college. They are also asked whether they believe they (and their fellow students) are respected regardless of their economic status or social class, gender, race or ethnicity, religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Several questions are also asked about how their economic situation affects their studies and ability to participate in campus life. During departmental external reviews, each department also surveys students and faculty about the culture of diversity and equity within the department. Though these are done at the individual department level, all academic departments go through this process.

Data from UCUES is used to support campus accreditation and inform decision making about student services and long-range planning. The data is also made public.