Campus Climate Assessment (2002-01, revised 2003-04)

Abstract

Institutions of higher education seek to create an environment characterized by equal access for all students, faculty and staff regardless of cultural differences, and where individuals are not just tolerated but valued. A welcoming and inclusive climate is grounded in respect, nurtured by dialogue and evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction. I believe that the first step in creating such an environment is to assess the current campus climate in order to identify issues and challenges and then to create ways for individuals, departments and the university to address them. This report is an analysis of the data that was collected at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, one of nineteen institutions of higher education participating in this project. l am grateful to the University community for your participation and support. In particular, I would like to thank Angela Nichols for her dedication and commitment to this project. I am hopeful that the results of this assessment will assist the University of Minnesota - Duluth community in creating and maintaining a community environment that respects individual needs, abilities, and potential. It is very important for all of us that a positive climate exists on our campuses, one that encourages attention to fairness and discourages expressions of injustice.