University of Pennsylvania
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

Student Body Surveys Penn conducts a number of surveys of its student population in regards to many aspects of diversity and equity on campus. The Enrolled Student Survey (ESS) and the Perception of Undergraduate Life and Student Engagement (PULSE) assess students' general satisfaction with the collegiate experience, as well as their perceived acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities as a result of attending college. This information is gathered through 40 core questions in ESS and 60 core questions in PULSE, covering the academic environment, faculty and advisors, intellectual gains and progress, employment, extracurricular activities, health and well-being, and demographics. Penn also includes a set of questions related to the culture and climate of the institution. The ESS is conducted biannually, with 2013 being the most recent survey. Additionally, Penn conducts an annual Freshman and biannual Senior survey with similar questions regarding diversity and equity. Gender Equity (last Progress Report in 2013) The Gender Equity Report and its subsequent updates assess the status of women faculty at Penn along several dimensions: their presence in junior and senior ranks; compensation; hiring and departure activity; and promotion to leadership positions. Prior updates also provided information on central and significant school activities to support the recruitment, retention, promotion, and climate for women. Minority Equity (last Progress Report in 2010) The Minority Equity Report and its subsequent updates examine faculty census information (the racial and ethnic composition of Penn's faculty over time and by school, rank, and department), as well as the progress of Penn's efforts to improve minority equity through recruitment, retention, and a supportive climate; enhancements to University data-keeping; and efforts to improve the academic-career pipeline for members of underrepresented groups.

Student Surveys All student surveys are facilitated by Penn's Office of Institutional Research & Analysis (IR&A). IR&A serves the executive administration, as well as the broader University community, through the provision of data and information about Penn and its peer institutions. IR&A collects, summarizes, and analyzes data related to Penn students, faculty and staff, and compiles information related to finances, research, space and facilities, and alumni. Additionally, IR&A provides decision support to the Offices of the President and Provost as well as selected university councils, committees, and subcommittees. Gender Equity Report The 2013 update is situated in the context of Penn’s recently published Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence, which has galvanized efforts to attract and retain diverse faculty, including women in fields in which they are underrepresented. This latest update represents an opportunity not only to revisit data relevant to women faculty members’ experiences at Penn but also to showcase some of the excellent work that has been initiated pursuant to the Action Plan. Minority Equity Report In response to the Report, the University committed to periodic reviews of policy-level responses relating to recruitment and retention, including school and departmental reviews of best practices, effective recruitment outreach, and the identification of “rising stars.” It also agreed to develop pipeline-oriented initiatives; enhanced mentorship of junior faculty and graduate students; improved record-keeping relating to faculty recruitment, promotions, and departures; and publication of periodic updates reporting progress toward these objectives.

Penn IR&A Survey Repository http://www.upenn.edu/ir/surveylist.html University Survey Schedule http://www.upenn.edu/ir/surveys/IR&A%20Survey%20Schedule.pdf Gender Equity Report (2009, progress report published 2013) http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v59/n17/gender-equity.html http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v59/n17/pdf_n17/011513-GenderEquity.pdf Minority Equity Report (2010) http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v57/n14/pdf_n14/Minorityequity.pdf Penn's Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence (2011) http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v58/n02/diversityplan.html http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v58/n01/pdf_n01/faculty%20diversity-action%20plan.pdf