What is a campus climate study?

A climate study is a measure of the real and perceived quality of interpersonal, academic, and professional interactions on a campus and consist of "the current attitudes, behaviors and standards of faculty, staff, administrators and students concerning the level of respect for individual needs, abilities and potential" (Hurtado, 1992; Rankin, 2001).

Engaging in a climate study allows us to move beyond representation to an assessment of the lived experience of the community as a measurement of progress towards our DEI goals. The results of this study will provide a level of transparency about the climate that does not currently exist and act as a foundation from which to identify areas of strength and concern to guide our efforts.

Understanding the campus climate is important in that it helps us as a community understand personal experiences and observations and identify opportunities for change to better the experiences of all community members. Campus climate plays a critical role in helping faculty, staff, and students feel connected to the institution, valued, and included.

A regular assessment of the campus climate study at Bentley University will provide us with the ability to:

• Strengthen Bentley's mission, refine our values, and improve our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Provide greater transparency and hold the University community accountable to maintaining a positive culture and community environment
• Better understand the perceptions and lived experiences of our community members related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Work with the community to foster and implement critical institutional change
• Make data-informed decisions that will create meaningful impact at Bentley and in higher education

The campaign is being sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and is being managed by Patrick Couillard Hale, Director of Diversity and Inclusion. The Inclusive Excellence Council will be the campaign champions working to communicate about the campaign and helping to facilitate engagement activities. The Business Intelligence team is supporting the survey administration, data collection and analysis activities associated with the survey more specifically.