Through looking at results from several previous studies, the University administration already knows the demographic breakdown of students on campus — almost 70 percent are white — but a new survey aims to see what the campus atmosphere is like for minority students.
Sponsored by the offices of the vice president and student and multicultural affairs, a four-page survey was recently sent out to a random sample of 5,500 students in an attempt to see how diversity is viewed on campus.
“What the purpose is is to get a snapshot of what students and faculty really think of the diversity atmosphere,” said Chicora Martin, director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Educational Support Service in the Office of Student Life.
She said the survey is unique in that it will get “to the heart of a lot of under-represented populations on campus,” by focusing not only on ethnic minorities but also on those with different sexual orientations and disabilities.
Martin said results from the survey will be compiled by the end of final exams week and studied throughout the summer. She said she was confident that by fall term 2001, the results of the survey would be in and new diversity programs would be implemented or existing ones would be modified.
Minority students, Martin said, should then take advantage of the survey.
“If they want a voice, it’s a great way to get a voice and make change,” she said.
University Advocate and Director of Multicultural Affairs Carla Gary said she was looking forward to a plethora of information that the University could use to ensure an accommodating campus.
“It’s a wonderful idea, and it’s a survey we’ve needed to do for quite awhile,” she said.
Gary said there has been a growing “hostile environment” in classrooms toward students who bring up diversity issues. She said she has heard that when students bring up issues from a minority viewpoint, some students respond with annoyance or are dismissive of those students.
With the survey, Gary said the University will be able to see how prevalent this attitude is and what steps can be taken to ensure every voice is heard. She said doing so will make the campus a better place for everyone, not just minority students.
“Once a climate is good for those who stand out in class, it’s typically better for everyone in class,” she said.
Anne Leavitt, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, said the survey, which will cost approximately $15,000, will be more accurate then other surveys because it will “over-sample” under-represented groups to gain specific data on those groups.
She said this gives the University administration better information on how to implement plans for its new institute to study diversity and it will also help “clarify enrollment and recruitment goals.”