Findings will aid in development of Inclusive Excellence Action Plan

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh released the results of its campus climate survey Oct. 31. The survey, conducted in April, was part of a series of proactive assessments of the University’s progress toward providing an inclusive, supportive environment for students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.

UW Oshkosh was joined by UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Milwaukee and UW Colleges to participate in the UW System Climate Project. As part of the project, a Campus Climate Survey was conducted March 31-April 18. It was open to everyone on campus – students, staff, and faculty. More than 3,100 people – or roughly 23 percent of the campus community – took part in the survey.

The climate survey collected information regarding how various constituent groups on campus currently feel about the campus climate and how the community responds to them. The survey results will be used in conjunction with other data, such as the Equity Scorecard, to develop a next-step action plan called “Inclusive Excellence Action Plan.” The plan will integrate, coordinate, assess and create accountability for institution-wide results.

“The survey speaks to the University’s climate of openness and showcases our commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for the entire campus community,” said Pam Lassiter, director of Equity and Affirmative Action.

On Oct. 31, an executive summary of the report was posted at www.uwosh.edu/affirm-act/. Two campus-wide open forums presented by Dr. Sue Rankin of Rankin and Associates, a nationally renowned consultant who conducted the survey, will be held at 10:20 a.m.-noon. and 1:50-3:15 p.m. Nov. 5 in Room 227 of Reeve Memorial Union. A student forum will be held at 3:30 p.m. in 227 Reeve Memorial Union. Spokespeople from across campus will be available to meet with media at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in Room 307 of Reeve Memorial Union.

After the campus has an opportunity to review the survey results, Chancellor Richard H. Wells will ask the campus community to provide recommendations in response to the results of the survey. In his role as provost at Indiana State University, Chancellor Wells led a team that conducted an institution-wide climate study in 1997. In 2001, he made a presentation on climate studies to the UW Board of Regents.

“The UW Oshkosh community has been promoting the need for such campus climate surveys at UW institutions for several years,” said Chancellor Wells. “Therefore I am proud that UW Oshkosh and four other sister institutions have agreed to conduct these surveys so we can create more inclusive, welcoming campuses.”

Central to the University’s Governing Ideas, adopted in 2002 by all internal and external constituents, are six sets of Core Values. With respect to diversity and inclusively, “We believe that a university community connects the perspectives and backgrounds of diverse social and academic groups of people. To meet this aim, a university community must be inclusive in its composition and support a civil atmosphere and a tolerant environment for learning.”

To review an executive summary of the Climate Survey, visit www.uwosh.edu/affirm-act/ on Oct. 31.

Editor’s note:

The complete results of UW Oshkosh’s recent Campus Climate Survey project is available online. Click here to read the full narrative and the executive summary.