UC Diversity Survey Spring 2011

What have we learned?Where do we go from here?

Mission Statement Unity College aims to have an

environment in which each individual is treated with respect as part of the college community and to ensure that differences—including but not limited to race, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, political ideology, socio-economic status, and Veteran’s status—are recognized with respect.

Committee ChargeThe Diversity Committee will work to provide leadership

on campus diversity issues. Some of these include:Promoting a climate that accepts and engages

diversity as intrinsic to the fabric of our culture;Aiding in the continued development of mutual respect

and understanding among all members of the college community;

Enhancing strategies for recruiting a diverse student, staff and faculty population and;

Exploring curricular/co-curricular programming to ensure that students have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to function as global citizens.

Background

Three questions designed to:

1)Identify diversity issues2)Identify positive steps taken in support of

diversity3)Suggest further

programming

42 respondentsStudents: 23Faculty: 7Staff/Admin: 10Other: 2

2008 Survey

The Issues:• Sexual Orientation (~50%)• Intolerance toward individuals with disabilities• Lack of ethnic and racial diversity

Positive Initiatives Noted:• Diversity flag display• Roots Week Activities• Safe Zone• Increase in representation of minority students,

faculty, staff

Suggestions for Improvement:• More diversity speakers• Integration with course curriculum• More events involving ethnic foods, music, etc.

Diversity Programming, ‘08-’11Ethnic and Cultural Celebrations:

Roots WeekEthnic specials in SCBelly Dancing, African DrummingCoffee House Performances

• Training and Education:• Professional development (LGBTQ, ethnic diversity

speakers)• RA trainings • Some curricular integration (travel courses,

electives, Unity Experience)• Library Resources• Diversity and Equality Club• Safe Zone Training

The Present2011 Spring Survey10 questions Aimed at:

Assessing effectiveness of efforts since 2008Gauging current campus climate on issues of

diversityMeasuring behavioral and attitudinal perceptions

among students, faculty and staff 137 respondents

Students: 89Faculty: 20Staff: 28

The Most Pressing Diversity Issues at Unity College

Given the current campus atmosphere toward inclusivity and acceptance of diversity, what do you think are the most pressing diversity issues that need to be addressed at Unity College? Select all that apply:

Ethnicity Gender National Origin Perspective on the Environment Religion Sexual Orientation Other

According to Students

Ethnicity

Gender

National Origin

Perspective on the Environment

Political Ideology

Religion

Sexual Orientation

Other

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

42.5%

11.5%

9.2%

36.8%

26.4%

20.7%

50.6%

9.2%

According to Staff

Ethnicity

Gender

National Origin

Perspective on the Environment

Political Ideology

Religion

Sexual Orientation

Other

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

57.1%

7.1%

3.6%

39.3%

35.7%

21.4%

57.1%

17.9%

According to Faculty

Ethnicity

Gender

National Origin

Perspective on the Environment

Political Ideology

Religion

Sexual Orientation

Other

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%

52.4%

9.5%

9.5%

28.6%

42.9%

19.0%

52.4%

19.0%

Consolidated ViewEt

hnici

ty

Gend

er

Natio

nal O

rigin

Pers

pect

ive

...

Polit

ical I

deo.

..

Relig

ion

Sexu

al O

rien.

..

Othe

r0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

52.4%

9.5% 9.5%

28.6%

42.9%

19.0%

52.4%

19.0%

57.1%

7.1% 3.6%

39.3%35.7%

21.4%

57.1%

17.9%

42.5%

11.5% 9.2%

36.8%

26.4%

20.7%

50.6%

9.2%

UC Diversity Survey Results for Question OneFaculty Staff Students

Question: Based upon your own observations, is the college making progress in its efforts to support diversity within the campus community?

Yes No I don't know0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

71.4%

9.5%

19.0%

66.7%

11.1%

22.2%

48.8%

20.0%

31.3%

Faculty Staff Students

Examples of Positive Campus Efforts to Support DiversitySupport for Diversity and Equality Club (13)Flags in the gym, including diversity flag (9)Safe Zone Training (7)Roots Week (7)Improved student sex ratio (3)Reporting hate crimes or racist acts, with

proactive response (3)

Suggestions for Activities or Programs in Support of DiversityMore serious administrative repercussions for slurs and

harassment (3)Race and sexuality education outside of just a few classesMandatory diversity and sensitivity training for offenders

of race, gender, sexual orientation diversityBetter training for RAs and instructors to stop harassmentSchool needs to avoid discriminating against white malesMore support for religious freedom and tolerance More forums and open moderated discussionMore diversity professional development for faculty and

staff

Question : How would you rate ACTIONS towards others on campus with regard to the following: Ethnicity Gender National Origin Perspective on the Environment Political Ideology Religion Sexual Orientation

The options for ratings were:

Embracing Tolerant Indifferent Intolerant Don’t Know

Actions: According to StudentsStudents perceive other students’ actions as:

Most Embracing of: Gender and National Origin (32% each, n=24 each)

Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (31.9%, 8)

Students perceive staff actions as:Most Embracing of: Gender and National Origin (43.5%

each, 30 each)Most Intolerant of: Perspectives on the Environment and

Political Ideology (2.9% each, 2 each)

Students perceive faculty actions as: Most Embracing of: National Origin (50.7%, 38)Most Intolerant of: Political Ideology (8%, 6)

Actions: According to StaffStaff perceive students’ actions as:

Most Embracing of: Gender (23.1%, n=6)Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (32%, 8)

Staff perceive other staff’s actions as:Most Embracing of: Ethnicity, National Origin, and Gender

(36% each, 9 each)Most Intolerant of: Political Ideology, Religion, and Sexual

Orientation (4% each, 1 each)

Staff perceive faculty actions as:Most Embracing of: Gender (42.3%, 11)Most Intolerant of: Perspective on the Environment and

Political Ideology (7.7% each, 2 each)

Actions: According to FacultyFaculty perceive students’ actions as:

Most Embracing of: Gender (21.1%, n=4)Most Intolerant of: Sexual Orientation (44.4%, 8)

Faculty perceive staff actions as: Most Embracing of: Gender (22.2%, 4)Most Intolerant: Sexual Orientation (5.9%),

Political Ideology and Religion (5.6% each)Faculty perceive other faculty’s actions as:

Most Embracing of: Ethnicity and National Origin (44.4% each, 8 each)

Most Intolerant: Political Ideology (16.7%, 3)

Campus-Wide ScanThe Big Four

Sexual OrientationEthnicityPolitical IdeologyPerspectives on the Environment

What Are We Doing?

Where Are We Doing It?

What Have We Learned?

The IssuesStudent Satisfaction-Needs Improvement

(48%/20%/32%)Strengths-Celebrations, Gatherings, Some Education

Weaknesses- Limited opportunities (those offered are mainly

elective) Curricular integration Not taking on the tough issues?

Moving ForwardThe Opportunities-

Build on existing efforts-Goal Setting

Enhance Professional Development, Training through formal programs (?)

Provide increased, regular opportunities for education, awareness, skill building on “the big four” and other

Work with existing departments to embed diversity goals and deliver the charge, as appropriate

Begin filling the gaps

To Learn More…November 30th presentation in Student CenterSurvey results available in library (hard copy)Contact a member of the UC Diversity

Committee:Candice BlodgettKathleen HaleDon LynchMelissa MerrittLisa Nason Jen OlinAlysa Remsburg