The results of the Campus Climate survey were presented on Friday by its designer, Dr. Sue Rankin of the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Rankin has been working with this kind of survey since the 1990s, and has in fact written the book on the subject: 'Campus Climate Assessment and Planning.' (Washington, D.C.: ACPA Books and Media.)

The survey was designed to reflect how individuals perceive the climate of an establishment, how an individual might think others feel in this climate, and what can be done to improve it. Numerous studies have shown that the overall social climate can affect learning and developmental outcomes, and that a negative environment has a deleterious effect on the ability to learn. Another result of studies is that a diverse student body and faculty, while making teaching harder, enhances learning outcomes. One caveat that Dr. Rankin insisted on was that she would not compare the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus to any of the sister campuses; however, she would compare this campus to other campuses nationwide.

Statistics that stood out included the large international and Native peoples populations on campus. The Office of International Programs spoke up quickly to take justifiable credit for the high international population. Dr. Rankin said that only Minot University had a higher number of Native American students enrolled.

An unpleasant finding is that around 20% of students felt uncomfortable, either in their classrooms or on campus. Professor Rankin recommended that the campus community continue to talk about all the “isms” - racism, classism, sexism, etc. – and work to improve the 80% satisfaction score.

“You all have your own sphere of influence,” said Rankin, encouraging everyone in attendance to talk to the people they come in contact with to discuss what can be done. She emphasized that the administration is committed to this process, saying that it was optional for the campuses to request that she come back to explain the results, and that not all UW campuses did.

While the overall turnout was less than the 30% that was hoped for, Dr. Steve Rosenberg said that the turnout was particularly good for the faculty, crediting having students approaching the faculty to request that they participate. There was some discussion as to whether a higher student input could have been achieved by using the new social media to reach out to them, and that it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

The power-point presentation and executive summary are available on line from the “Share Your Voice” button on the University of Wisconsin Superior home page.