University of Virginia
PAE-7: Measuring Campus Diversity Culture

The University uses a series of assessments to measure and inform campus diversity programs, including: The 2009 Undergraduate First and Fourth-Year Survey was conducted in Spring 2009 and is part of an ongoing series of surveys that will be conducted every fourth year. A random sample of approximately one-half of undergraduate 1st-year and 4th-year students was surveyed. In addition, oversamples of students from the Schools of Architecture, Commerce, Education and Nursing were included, as were oversamples of African-American and Hispanic-American students. Oversamples are used to ensure the ability to analyze the results by these subgroups. Out of a total of 4,155 surveyed, 1,651 responded, for an overall response rate of 40%. The survey asks questions about academics, student services, climate and diversity, financial aid, student learning competencies, research, academic public service, study abroad, and postgraduation plans. The 2011 Academic Survey was distributed to all full and part time academic staff at the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia's College at Wise, with the exception of employees of the Darden School of Business. The response rate was 63%, with 3,076 employees completing the survey out of 4,857 estimated to be eligible. Part IV of the survey addressed diversity and equity on campus with questions on 1) diversity and equal employment opportunities, 2) employee relations, and 3) compensation and benefits. The University of Virginia Faculty Senate is currently preparing to release a University-wide faculty survey this spring. The previous Faculty Senate Survey was administered in 2007 and assessed the attitudes of University faculty about diversity and equity. A total of 2,007 faculty responded to the survey.

The cyclical nature of these surveys allow the University to use these assessments to identify areas of concern and benchmark progress towards meeting goals.