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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Campus Climate Survey

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Campus Climate Survey

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force is partnered with the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) to administer the Diversity and Equity Climate Survey for current students, faculty, and staff. HEDS is an organization of colleges and universities committed to sharing data, knowledge, and expertise to advance undergraduate liberal arts education, inclusive excellence, and student success. 

 

The results of the climate survey will assist the Task Force to fulfill its charge to make recommendations for initiatives that will be ongoing for the purpose of effecting permanent cultural change on matters of diversity, equity and includsion. 

Campus Climate Survey Timeline:

  • Campus Climate Survey opened: October 12, 2020
  • Campus Climate Survey closed: October 30, 2020
  • Focus groups began: November 2020
  • Results expected from HEDS: December 2020
  • Initial Analysis completed with next steps: May 2021
Wentz Science Center and pathway

About: 2020 Campus Climate Survey

  • North Central College has administered a comprehensive campus climate survey through a partnership with the Higher Education Date Sharing Consortium (HEDS) to administer the Diversity and Equity Climate Survey
  • The HEDS Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey asked current North Central College students, faculty, staff, and administrators about their perceptions of the College's climate, perceptions of how the College supports diversity and equity, and their experiences with discrimination and harassment at the College. Campus specific questions were also added.
  • It was open to the entire College community. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to participate in the survey and provide their perspectives.
  • The survey is an anonymous tool to assist the college community in gathering information that can be utilized to help achieve a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse College.

Focus Group Research Team:

Each focus group will engage approximately 8 students in a 60-90 minute discussion about their experiences on campus. Student researchers will be engaged in the process of developing, facilitating, interpreting, and reporting findings from the groups. The goal is to complete a total of 8 focus groups between fall 2020 and spring 2021. Data will be summarized and reported to the campus community. Student researchers will also have the opportunity to consider other reporting mechanisms for the project in collaboration with the project leaders. 

Students walking on path

Data Analysis and Reporting Research Team:

Undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and majors, as well as those committed to the College's anti-racism work, will work on a research team with faculty and staff members to organize, explore, and report data obtained from the anonymous campus climate survey. The collaborative team of faculty and students will analyze the data for patterns and themes about our campus climate and draft reports about the findings to be shared with the campus community. 

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Links to Correspondence: 

Campus walkway

3/19/21: President's Invitation to Spring 2021 Forums

campus walkway by Old Main

4/12/21: DEI Task Force Campus Forum

North Central College path

9/8/2020: Climate Survey Working Group Invitation

Students walking on campus

10/6/2020: Email to campus from President Hammond

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10/9/2020: Email to campus from DEI Task Force

Students sitting outside at table

10/12/2020: Climate survey invitations and reminders

Climate Survey Participation: 

Role Count Total Percentage
Undergraduate Student 668 2444 27%
Graduate Student 64 355 18%
Faculty 147 309 48%
Staff 141 265 53%
Administrator 29 94 31%
Other 8 23 35%
Total 1057 3490

Climate Survey Working Group Members

Dorothy Pleas
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Affairs
email: djpleas@noctrl.edu

Rebecca Gordon
Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
email: rgordon@noctrl.edu

Suzanne Chod
Associate Professor of Political Science: Coordinator of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Political Science
email: smchod@noctrl.edu

Nicole Rivera
Associate Professor of Psychology
email: nrrivera@noctrl.edu

Jennifer Shah
Assistant Professor of Education
email: jkshah@noctrl.edu

Partnerships

Incentives for participation in the climate survey and focus groups were funded by Student Governing Association, Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion and Healing Illinois, an initiative of Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust

Students in front of sign

The College's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Recognition of the need for change is only the first step. The commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is ongoing, and this is how we are devoting ourselves to this cause-- both now and in the future. 

Old Main tower