The UI wants to make sure that each student and faculty and staff member has the best campus experience possible.
That was the impetus for the first universitywide climate survey. On Oct. 26, a user-specific login was emailed to every UI employee and student. Participants will complete a survey based on their affiliation with the university.
The survey will measure people’s perceptions of the atmosphere of the university as reflected in its structures, policies and practices; their attitudes and values; and the quality of personal interactions. It will assess perceptions of inclusiveness, diversity, friendliness, cooperation, professionalism, recognition, respect, accessibility, support and opportunities for advancement.
In order to gain the most accurate picture of the university environment, the task force wants as many people as possible to respond to the survey.
“The idea is to obtain the data we need from the survey and use that data to make positive changes across the university,” said Mrinalini “Meena” Rao, former vice president for academic affairs who has led the project.
Christophe Pierre, who joined the university in October as the vice president for academic affairs, stresses “the extent to which members of the university experience inclusiveness, professionalism and recognition creates the climate for working, learning and living at the university. We need each and every person here to participate.”
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The last day to complete the survey is Nov. 23. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for prizes specific to their campus, including campus parking passes.
Those who have not yet completed the survey will receive reminder emails. The email will contain a unique URL and login information. Responses to the questionnaire will not be associated with personally identifying information, such as names, email or IP addresses. All responses will be kept confidential to the extent possible by law.
Planning for the survey began a year ago when President Michael J. Hogan directed the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to conduct a universitywide climate survey. A subcommittee of the Universitywide Diversity and Access Task Force then began reviewing more than 500 questions from historic climate surveys on each UI campus and similar institutions.
The survey is being administered by the Survey Research Laboratory on the Chicago campus. Once the results have been finalized, expected in spring 2012, a report will be placed on the Climate Survey website. A cross-campus advisory committee will review the results and make recommendations. The survey will be conducted every two to three years, in order to track changes.
More information on the survey and how it is being administered is available online.
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