University of Montana
PA-6: Assessing Diversity and Equity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.62 / 1.00 |
Eva
Rocke Sustainability Director Office of Sustainability |
Has the institution engaged in a structured assessment process during the previous three years to improve diversity, equity and inclusion on campus?:
A brief description of the assessment process and the framework, scorecard(s) and/or tool(s) used:
In fall 2021, the University of Montana Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) administered a Campus Climate Survey on Diversity & Equity. The survey was sent to 4,000 students (randomly selected by Institutional Research) and 402 students participated. The list of recipients included main campus students, Missoula College, part-time and full-time students, graduate students, undergrads, and full-time online students. Participation was completely voluntary.
In addition to this assessment, UM's DEI efforts are reviewed annually and measured against the goals and strategies named in our DEI Plan. Members of the Student Affairs sector, including the Director of Branch Center for Diversity and Inclusion, participate in an ongoing assessment of their work towards advancing the strategies and goals identified in the plan. Area Directors and staff meet regularly to revisit the Plan while identifying barriers, progress, and new goals.
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?:
Does the assessment process address student outcomes related to diversity, equity and success?:
Does the assessment process address employee outcomes related to diversity and equity?:
A brief description of the most recent assessment findings and how the results are used in shaping policy, programs, and initiatives:
The most recent Campus Climate Assessment found that 51% of respondents agree that UM demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to diversity. Additionally, the assessment found that 19% of students have experienced discrimination or harassment on the UM campus or in attendance at an off-campus affiliated program or event. 24% of respondents stated that they were unsure of whether they had ever experienced discrimination or harassment. These responses and others from the assessment have led to focused attention on addressing student awareness of resources available at UM to address discrimination and harassment as well as to steps to increase employee participation in DEI trainings offered through the Office for Organizational Learning and Development.
The ongoing work of the Student Affairs sector and diversity staff have led to the creation of ElevateU, a program that increases underrepresented student access to internship opportunities and career success activities. It has also led to the redesign of student orientation activities and onboarding programs to promote retention and diversity through community-building and identity-based resources.
Are the results of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment shared with the campus community?:
A brief description of how the assessment results are shared with the campus community:
The results of the Campus Climate Survey were shared with members of the President's Cabinet first and then shared via public forum and campus news with the broader UM community.
Are the results (or a summary of the results) of the most recent structured diversity and equity assessment publicly posted?:
The diversity and equity assessment report or summary (upload):
Website URL where the diversity and equity assessment report or summary is publicly posted:
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Primary sources include:
Devin Carpenter, Interim Director of the Branch Center
Adrianne Smith, Director of the University Center
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.