SU Releases Campus Climate Study Results

SALISBURY, MD---Some 85 percent of Salisbury University community members responding to SU’s 2019 Campus Climate Study survey believe the University’s classrooms provide a safe environment.

That was just one revelation from the results of the study, released to the campus community in late October.

“A campus climate study is a campus-wide assessment to gather data related to institutional climate, inclusion and work-life issues to assess the learning, living and working environments for students, faculty and staff,” said Humberto Aristizábal, SU associate vice president of institutional equity and co-chair of the study.

“The objective of the study is to identify and address institutional climate challenges, reveal and replicate successes, and promote overall positive institutional change.”

Aristizábal proposed the study in 2016 after serving on the University System of Maryland Chancellor’s Inclusion and Diversity Council. It was approved in 2018, and Pennsylvania-based Rankin & Associates Consulting, a nationally recognized higher education leader in this area, was hired to conduct the study in 2019.

Planning began that summer, with the formation of an SU working group, followed by a series of focus group sessions that fall. All students, faculty and staff were invited to complete an extensive survey for the study during the spring 2020 semester, shortly before the physical campus closed as a precaution against COVID-19.

With a 21 percent response rate, SU officials received a look into the demographics of which University community members feel most comfortable on campus, and ways in which the University can improve the comfort of others in certain instances. Among the findings:

• 90 percent of faculty responding felt valued by students.
• 85 percent of all respondents said they felt safe in SU’s classrooms.
• 79 percent of staff responding said they were provided with the resources to maintain a good work-life balance.
• 74 percent of students responding identified with faculty role models.
• 71 percent of staff and 70 percent of faculty responding said they believed SU is a good place to work.

“SU climate findings were consistent with those found in higher education institutions across the country, based on the work of Rankin & Associates Consulting,” the report said.

Looking ahead, the University plans to form a Campus Climate Implementation Committee to make recommendations to address the study’s findings by the end of the year, based on the report and input from SU community members. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to share their thoughts on the study.

“Institutional climate has a profound effect on our academic community’s ability to excel in learning, teaching, working, research and scholarship,” said Dr. James King, professor of English and study co-chair. “This assessment is a powerful tool to ensure that all members of the community live in an environment that nurtures a culture of inclusiveness and respect. We all have a responsibility to make those around us feel welcome, valued and accepted, and share a sense of belonging.”

For more information visit the SU Campus Climate Study website.