Climate is the social environment that either lifts or limits our collective potential. From policy to personal attitudes in the classroom, the residence hall, the Dean's office, the laboratory, and the bookstore, climate is often defined by individual experiences, perceptions and institutional efforts.

To study WSU's climate, we worked with the UIC Survey Research Laboratory to distribute a survey to all of our students, faculty and staff beginning January 16, 2018. This component of our climate study was designed to measure perceptions and experiences of diversity, inclusiveness, fairness, conduct, safety, support, and opportunities for advancement and academic success.

The goal of our climate study is to:

1. Identify what is working to build a positive environment
2. Discover challenges that exist within our community
3. Develop strategic initiatives to build on successes while addressing challenges

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 for a campuswide survey launched in January 2018. 

The committee started analyzing the data in winter 2018 and the survey report was shared with the campus community on April 16, 2019. The Campus Climate Study Committee is working with the schools and colleges to develop a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the responses to help guide action plans for each school/college.