Wayne State University strives to create an inclusive environment where equity, diversity and accessibility are valued broadly and every person has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. A welcoming and inclusive campus climate is grounded in mutual respect, nurtured by dialogue, evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction, and is one of the foundations of our educational model. 

We appreciate the ability of each stakeholder to contribute to our diversity of thought. In this, we recognize the importance of: 

• Recruiting and retaining students, faculty and staff from diverse underrepresented groups
• Celebrating the university's many diverse populations (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, LGBTQA, people with disabilities, international and veteran)
• Promoting cultural awareness and understanding
• Sharing our experiences with the university and wider community

With Wayne State marking its 150th anniversary in 2018, this is a time not only for celebration, but also for reflection as we consider the strengths and challenges our campus has faced throughout its history. Assessing WSU's climate — how well our institution values all of its members — provides a unique opportunity to think critically about how we can leverage the knowledge we have gained as we continue to create and maintain an environment that respects individual needs, abilities and potential. Such a study is key to our continuing improvement as a premier, public urban research university.

The study launched on January 16, 2018, with the help of the University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC) Survey Research Laboratory. Following a broad exploration of peer institutions' climate assessments, WSU selected the UIC Survey Research Laboratory as a partner for this initiative. The UIC Survey Research Laboratory has extensive experience with conducting higher education climate studies, which helped guide our study design, survey and assessment process.

The Campus Climate Study Committee conducted a pilot survey at the beginning of the fall 2017 semester. This pilot was used to help the team refine the survey questions in preparation for a campuswide survey launched in January 2018. 

The data analysis started in winter 2018. The reports are in development and the committee plans to share the reports in April 2019. During spring 2019, the Campus Climate Study Committee plans to develop strategic action steps with the Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Working Group. The Campus Climate Study Committee is also developing plans to conduct focus groups with faculty, staff and students to supplement the survey. 

Climate Survey prize winners

Thank you to all Climate Survey participants. Make sure to congratulate the survey raffle winners if you see them on campus. 

Timeline

September - November 2017
Prepare campus community, pilot climate survey

January 16 - February 19, 2018
Administer climate survey

Winter 2018 - Fall 2018
Analyze data and prepare report

April 16, 2019
Campus Climate Study 

Spring 2019 - Fall 2020
Initiate strategic action steps and ongoing data analysis for schools/colleges