University of New Haven
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

The University of New Haven conducts a series of campus climate surveys every two years. Two separate surveys are delivered - one for students and the other for all faculty and staff. The most recent surveys were completed using two different instruments. The Student's Campus Climate survey was distributed to all University of New Haven students using the online survey tool – Baseline from Campus Labs. The employee Campus Climate survey was administered through a consulting firm, Spectra Diversity. Each of the surveys were available online and open for approximately three weeks. Participants received an initial email from the University President, as well as two reminder emails. The student survey analysis was conducted by the Ric Baker, the Senior Associate Dean of Students and a graduate student. Basic longitudinal data analysis was conducted to assess change in responses over time.

o The Student Campus Climate Survey was administered in Spring 2017. The goal is to understand the frequency, type, and location of exclusionary/ intimidating/offensive behaviors on campus and gain a better understanding of the overall campus climate, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The following bullets points outline key findings collected from the survey’s responses:  Exclusionary/ Intimidating/ Offensive Behaviors • When asked if individuals have experienced exclusionary, intimidating, offensive, and/or hostile behaviors on the University of New Haven’s campus, 60% of the respondent said yes. • In addition, about 52% agreed that their complaint was taken seriously after the incident was reported.  Perceptions of Campus Climate: When individuals were asked about the perceptions of campus climate, respondents indicated that they “agree” or “strongly agree” to the following: • I would recommend the University to friends or family members looking for a campus that is welcoming of people with diverse backgrounds and beliefs. 87% of participants • The University is taking sufficient steps to support racial/ethnic/national diversity among the students. 90% of participants • This University has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. 87% of participants • This University promotes the appreciation of differences in sexual orientation. 84% of participants • This University promotes the appreciation of cultural differences. 89% of participants • This University has campus administrators who regularly speak about the value of diversity and inclusion. 77% of participants o The Staff and Faculty Campus Climate Survey also administered in Spring 2017 focused on management in terms of diversity and inclusion, and culture specifically highlighted norms and beliefs.  Management – how management sees itself and how management is seen by employees in terms of diversity and inclusion. • When individuals were asked whether management show that diversity is important through their action, 55% agreed. • When individuals were asked whether management has a clear understanding of what diversity and inclusion meant at the University of New Haven, 66% agreed. • In addition, 54% of the respondents felt that the University’s leadership has set a strong and positive example for the University in terms of diversity and inclusion.  Culture – the organization norms and beliefs • When asked if individuals understood what diversity and inclusion means at the University of New Haven, 85% agreed. • In addition, 59% of the respondents felt that the University does not tolerate disrespect and non-inclusion behavior.  Policies, Practices, and Procedures (3Ps) – how diversity and inclusion efforts are put into practice on an organizational level • 47% of the survey participants felt that the University has done a good job hiring people of diverse backgrounds. • In addition, 36% of the respondents felt that everyone has the same opportunities for professional development. o The results from both the employee and student campus climate survey were used by the IDEA Council and its subgroups to determine action items to continue the university’s efforts to promote a diverse and supportive campus community. An example of an initiative taken by the IDEA Council because of the survey, was a strategic restructuring of the recruitment process for faculty and staff to have a more diverse employee population that reflects the diverse student body on campus.

The University of New Haven shared the survey results in the University’s newspaper the “Charger Bulletin.” In addition, the campus community has access to the raw data and data result in the University’s internal site “MyCharger.” https://chargerbulletin.com/campus-climate-survey-gives-details-student-experiences/