Murray State University's President's Commission on Diversity and Inclusion is a governing body on campus responsible for planning, developing, improving and evaluating diversity efforts including the Campus Diversity Plan. On Sounds Good, Dr. Don Robertson, Vice President for Student Affairs and chair of the Commission, and Caroline Atkins of the Department for Continuing Education join Kate Lochte to talk about how the latest Campus Climate Survey from 2014 compares to one conducted in 2005.
The Campus Diversity Plan has am emphasis on looking at diversity and the community, seeks a greater sense of belonging among campus life and efforts to enhance the diversity on campus. The first plan went out in 2005 and surveyed students, faculty and staff with questions on demographic make-up, achievement levels and programs available. On a more in-depth level, it focused on what is being done administratively to enhance the diversity on campus specific to individual departments and levels.
There are some notable differences in response from 2005 to 2014. In 2005, more freshmen responded and in 2014 more seniors responded. A good number of faculty and staff responded in both surveys. As for areas of strength and concern in the recent survey, Caroline Atkins points out that some areas of concern include comfort levels with freedom of expression among faculty and staff - particularly in how their work positively impacted their area. Another concern was 56% of faculty and staff wanted a formal mentoring program.
Dr. Robertson says since the results came back, Provost Dr. Jay Morgan has established a committee task force to develop a mentoring program for underrepresented faculty and staff as well as leadership development classes so that people can learn more about how administration works to advance their career levels.
Students said they generally felt respected on campus. They felt professors, faculty and staff appreciated the diversity. Overall, between 84-86% of students said they felt treated well in stores and restaurants in the community. A few respondents felt their culture or religion may cause some concern or fear. The Commission wants to look at what might be causing that and what can be done to educate the campus and community.
An area of concern among the student respondents was that some are still not aware of the diversity services and programs being provided. Dr. Robertson says he's looking for ways to get the message out there more.
What's next for the Campus Climate Survey? The Commission is in the process of developing a revised diversity plan. They'll be evaluating their current plan and the survey feedback and will submit a new plan to the CPE.
More about the President's Commission on Diversity and Inclusion
