Review of 2010 Climate Student Survey and Recommendations College of Education Diversity Committee

Spring 2013

In the Fall 2012, the Diversity Committee

decided to review data from a 2010 student survey in order to determine what issues of climate might have been identified.

As the semester progressed, Dr. Mendoza’s graduate students reviewed the open-ended items to make some qualitative sense of the entries.

In January, the graduate students presented their findings as part of the review process.

Diversity Committee Activities

In Fall 2010 the Diversity Committee conducted an online

survey among graduate students using Likert-scale and open-ended questions focused on: academic environment for students from diverse

backgrounds social climate discrimination and/or harassment relevant curriculum for a culturally diverse global

society

Survey Overview

Survey COE UF

Female 88% 86% 54%

White 67% 69% 58%

Black 10% 7% 8%

Hispanic/Latino 15% 13% 14%

Asian 9% 3% 8%

International 7% 4% 8%

Graduate 71% 69% 33%

Demographic Characteristics

Respondents 8.7% of COE students. N = 165

Overview Responses

Item Agreement1 Importance2

Faculty, staff, and administrators at the College make themselves readily available to students who need advice and help. 84 95

The social climate of the College is welcoming and comfortable for female students.

88 80

Respect and dignity of all persons is included in the curriculum. 81 86

Introducing differing perspectives based on diversity into the classroom is valuable. 95 88

1: Percentage of respondents indicating they Agree/Strongly Agree2: Percentage of respondents indicating the item is Very Important/Critical

Responses with more than 80% above 4 in a 5-point Likert-scale in level of agreement

Overview Responses

Item Agreement1 Importance2

The academic environment in our College fosters academic success of all student groups, including students from diverse backgrounds. 75 78

The environment in the College supports students from diverse backgrounds in the student body and aims to enhance their quality of life. 62 66

The social climate of the College is welcoming and comfortable for all students, including students of color. 67 75

There is a strong sense of community in the College that includes all student groups, including students of color. 57 70

Discrimination and/or harassment of students based on race and/or ethnicity are not a problem in our College. 69 89

Discrimination and/or harassment of students based on gender are not a problem in our College. 73 73

Discrimination and/or harassment of students based on religious affiliation are not a problem in our College. 68 77

Discrimination and/or harassment of students based on sexual orientation are not a problem in our College. 66 73

The social climate of the College is welcoming and comfortable for male students. 59 68

The social climate of the College is welcoming and comfortable for students with disabilities. 53 70

The social climate of the College is welcoming and comfortable for international students. 63 67

Students are exposed to a curriculum that prepares them for experiences in a culturally diverse global society. 70 86

Is there anything else you want us to know about the diversity climate in COE? Do you have any recommendations for specific training or programs about diversity? (53 responses)

Students perceived incidents of discrimination and isolation based on race (#18), SES (#8), sexual orientation (#5), religious affiliation (#6), political views (# 2)

Open-Ended Question

Lack of diversity related topics/discussion in classes and

in curriculum (#8) Perception of homogeneity in the student body (White,

upper middle class females) (#4) Lack of opportunities to challenge students out of their

comfort zones (#4) Norman Hall not structurally friendly for students with

disabilities (#4) ProTeach cohorts too homogenous creating issues of

grouping and exclusion (#3)

Open-Ended Question

Counselor Education cited as welcoming and inclusive (#2) Comment on a student seeing international students being

ill-treated by staff and hearing complaints about this issue from other international students (#1)

Stigma associated with teaching as a profession reserved for people who are not smart (#1)

COE Office of Recruitment, Retention, and Multicultural Affairs not visible for current students (#1)

Lack of diversity among faculty (#1)

Open-Ended Question

2012-13 Committee

RecommendationsThese recommendations are based on

experiences of the members of the committee and the data from the 2010

student survey.

Institute a COE orchestrated effort to improve diversity

and climate at all levels aligned with the strategic plan

Leverage the Office of Recruitment, Retention, and Multicultural Affairs w/ additional resources to:

Expand recruiting efforts to strengthen recruiting of student minorities

Investigate the possibility of: Enhancing retention programs Developing a teaching resource center

Recommendations

Work with the Lectures, Seminars and Awards Committee

to investigate the possibility of: Recognizing exemplary programs and faculty Conducting workshops/seminars Building resources for faculty on ways to infuse diversity in

their teaching/syllabus Hosting intragroup dialogues and retreats Funding programs and faculty scholarship geared towards

diversity and multiculturalism

Recommendations

Investigate the possibility of:

Improving physical access for students with disabilities Improving physical spaces for social gatherings and study

groups Strengthening graduate orientation by providing information

of resources on campus Reviewing exit interviews to include climate items Making the internal grievance process more visible

Recommendations

Thank you!