ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans will have a chance to see the results from the “Your Voice. Your ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú” campus climate survey during the week of April 29.

Cristina Alcalde, vice president, Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence, will present the survey results during open forums on April 30, May 1, and May 2. Dates and times for the forums are:

• April 30, 2-3:30 p.m., King Library 320, Oxford campus
• May 1, 9-10:30 a.m., King Library 320, Oxford campus
• May 2, 2-3:30 p.m., Wilks Conference Center Room B, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Regionals Hamilton campus

Each forum features a presentation and an interactive data walk, which allows attendees to directly engage with results, have discussions with other attendees, and provide feedback on next steps. The forums are open to all ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú faculty, staff, and students. 

“We are excited to have this be an interactive and accessible process that reflects our commitment to accountability and inclusion, and to continue to move forward to strengthen ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú as an inclusive community,” Alcalde said.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offered the survey from Jan. 25-March 1, 2023, with a total of 4,368 students, faculty, and staff participating. The survey allowed ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans to share their experiences on all campuses.

ViewFinder, a division of Insight Into Diversity, conducted the survey.

Provost Elizabeth Mullenix said the survey is critical for university communities to better understand its people and where challenges lie as a more inclusive environment is created.

“The survey presentations are an important way for our community to engage in critical analysis and important conversations about the past and the present, so we can build toward a stronger future,” Mullenix said.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s 2023 campus climate survey followed the 2017 “OneÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú” survey. Alcalde noted that while there are frequently smaller, more focused surveys, comprehensive climate surveys tend to take place every 3-6 years.

“As we move forward, the 2023 survey can provide a benchmark for future goal-setting,” Alcalde said.

“The results provide valuable information that allows us to identify areas of strength and areas of opportunity in which we can be more proactive and intentional in our planning to make sure everyone in the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community has the best possible experience.”

Alcalde said they plan to gather feedback from the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community to identify next steps through the development of short and long-term action items, which could include initiatives, programming, and policies or structures to build on strengths and address opportunities for growth.

“Although climate surveys are not required by an entity, they are best practice,” Alcalde said. “We undertook the climate survey precisely because we are committed to an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. The survey is part of our inclusive excellence journey and of the process of identifying next steps on that journey to continue to make progress.”