Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingCAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY

WCU’s campus climate survey asks students, faculty, and staff to reflect on their experiences at the University overall and as it relates to diversity and inclusion. Topics covered in the survey include a range of experiences related to learning and working at West Chester University locations.

 

All students, faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to participate in the Spring 2022 Campus Climate Survey taking place
January 31, 2022- March 4, 2022.

 

West Chester University is committed to fostering a campus community that is welcoming and inclusive for all. Diversity and Inclusion are institutional priorities, intrinsic in the University’s Mission statement, Values and Vision Statement, and Strategic Plan.

 

Video Thumbnail of Chris Fiorentino

a bullhorn with the text share your voice

 

Reports:

Incentives:

We are strongly encouraging the participation of EVERYONE! As a result, we are offering the following incentives to encourage YOUR participation. The earlier you complete the survey, the more chances you have to win one of the weekly giveaways. The Viewfinder Survey staff will randomly select and provide the names of weekly winners to WCU’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Tracey Robinson, based on completion dates. Students that complete the survey during week one will remain in the drawings for subsequent weeks if they are not selected as a winner.

Student Incentives

  • Week 1 Incentives- Drawing on Monday, February 7, 2022
    • Student Winners were: Daniel Hofmann, Olivia Asso-Gonzalez, Marigrace Lynch, Ragha Mohan, Madison Emery, Sarah Vengen, Emily Long, Emily Shoemaker, Eric Hanson, and Ava Dobbs
  • Week 2 Incentives- Drawing on Monday, February 14, 2022
    • Student Winners were: Peyton Materdomini, Amina Koroma, Delanie Boyk, Scott Sweeney, Hannah Stevens, Bridget Kane, Margarete Davila Ortiz, plus 4 other student winners
  • Week 3 Incentives- Drawing on Monday, February 21, 2022
    • Student Winners were: Andrew Sharpe, Amanda Hepner, Alexandria Chura, William Hook, Tanya Hedderman, Emily Jusczak, Shaley Christensen, Anna Bogen, Olivia Durning, plus 2 other student winners
  • Week 4 Incentives- Drawing on Monday, February 28, 2022
    • Student Winners were: Barrilyn Bender, Kimberly Nguyen, Matthew Baldridge, Astrid Caraballo, Roger Tsayo, Ashley Kidd, Jackson Conte, plus 4 other student winners
  • Week 5 Incentives- Final drawing on Monday, March 7, 2022
    • Student Winners were: Kyle Pruss, Catherine Carey, Hally Everett, Maria Morresi, Cynthia Thorngate, Bob Durborow, Joseph Plavin, Ky Barris, plus 3 other student winners 

**Note: Student names are published here with their permission.

  • Semester Parking Garage Permit (1 per week starting February 14th - March 7th/ 4 total)
  • Apple AirPods (2 per week/ 10 total)
  • $100 Amazon Gift Card (2 per week/ 10 total)
  • $50 Amazon Gift Cards (2 per week/ 10 total)
  • $25 Starbucks Gift Cards (2 per week/ 10 total)
  • $25 WCU Bookstore Gift Cards (2 per week/ 10 total)

Faculty, Staff, and Administrators’, YOUR participation can add to these student incentives

If we get to the following completion rates for all university employees, we will add the following additional incentives to students through the final drawing. These student scholarship awards will be distributed through the Office of Financial Aid.

  • 40% completion rate= one $1,000 student scholarship
  • 60% completion rate= two $1,000 student scholarships
  • 80% completion rate= three $1,000 student scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Campus Climate Survey?

West Chester University will administer a university-wide climate survey to all students, staff, faculty and administrators from January 31-March 4, 2022. This provides an important opportunity for everyone at the University to share their voices and experiences as we assess our progress and continually strive to foster a campus community where we all thrive and share a sense of belonging.

This survey is part of a systemwide effort of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and includes all 14 PASSHE university, as well as staff within the State System Office.

Climate Surveys assess how different individuals and groups experience various environments at their university, including: the classroom, social events, and the surrounding community. The survey will provide evidence that helps us understand whether, how, and for whom universities and the PASSHE system are (not) promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments as well as what can be done to improve these environments, both at the university and system level.

Who is distributing the Climate Survey?

To ensure that survey participants remain anonymous, Viewfinder, a third-party vendor, will be distributing the Climate Survey to all faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Participation is voluntary.

When the survey launches on January 31, 2022, all faculty, staff, administrators, and students should expect an email from Viewfinder. Anyone not receiving this email should check their spam folder.

How often does West Chester conduct Campus Climate Surveys?

Many universities administer a campus climate survey every 3-5 years. The last University wide climate survey for all students and employees was conducted at West Chester in 2015-2016. In addition, a campus-wide undergraduate racial climate survey was conducted in Spring 2019. Climate surveys serve as a snapshot in time to assess and compare perceptions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging over time, as well as address needed areas of improvement and engagement.

Why are all 14 state universities, including West Chester, conducting a common climate survey at this time?

One of the five priorities in the State System's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy Framework is Inclusive Communities. The Systemwide Climate Survey is a key way that inclusivity of our university and system communities will be measured. The survey allows us to:

(a) assess current strengths and challenge with university and system climate;

(b) understand why and how those strengths and challenges exist and can be improved; and

(c) measure the impact of future campus and system-level initiatives to promote inclusive communities.

While many campuses have conducted their own climate surveys, there has never been a Systemwide Climate Survey conducted across the State System. This will allow us to see—for the first time—trends within and across universities, which will establish a baseline for each university. This data allows the State System and university leadership to use evidence to support and measure the impact of initiatives and systemic changes within and across universities.

How will the Climate Survey benefit West Chester University?

Findings from the campus climate survey will be used to understand areas of growth and to make any needed improvements that foster and promote more inclusive environments which facilitate the success of our students, employees, and campus community.

How will data from the University’s Campus Climate Survey be shared with and/or used by universities?

The staff at Viewfinder will provide the anonymous data and a summary report to show overall averages and trends. The data will be disaggregated by demographics such as race and ethnicity; gender; and role (e.g., student, faculty, staff). The findings will also be posted on this website and shared through open forum presentations and discussions with the campus community to further identify areas of progress, areas to address, and next steps.

For additional information visit the Systemwide Campus Climate Survey.