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Saginaw Valley State University

Climate Survey

Why Campus Climate Matters

Research literature consistently confirms that campus climate profoundly impacts the success and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Individuals who feel connected and supported by their campus communities are more likely to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

The influence of campus climate on the well-being and success of faculty, staff, and students, particularly those from marginalized communities, is extensively documented. Retaining faculty of color poses a challenge across disciplines, with negative campus climates often prompting their departure from academia. Furthermore, negative campus engagement can impede staff's professional development opportunities and hinder students' academic persistence.

Positive perceptions of a supportive environment foster a sense of belonging and support among faculty and staff. Conversely, experiences of discrimination or bias can cause stress and hinder academic success.

This body of research underscores the importance of climate assessments as vital tools for engaging, learning, and enhancing the overall community experience for all campus members.

Impact on Faculty

The research literature underscores the significant impact of campus climate on the well-being of faculty members, particularly those from marginalized communities, such as faculty of color. Across various disciplines in higher education, there exists a notable struggle to retain faculty of color. Studies reveal that the experiences of these faculty members often contribute to their departure from predominantly white institutions and sometimes from academia altogether. Negative campus climates can result in several detrimental outcomes, including the lack of retention of faculty of color, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, and the absence of clear and equitable promotion and tenure processes.

Perceptions of a non-supportive environment can profoundly affect faculty members; however, those who perceive their campus climate positively tend to feel personally supported and view their work unit as more supportive. It's imperative to recognize that climate assessments offer a crucial opportunity to engage, learn, and take action to improve the community experience for all faculty members.

Impact on Staff

Individuals who feel a sense of connection and support from their campus communities are more likely to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

The impact of campus engagement on the personal and professional growth of employees is widely recognized, with both positive and negative effects. Negative campus engagement can result in limited professional development opportunities, feelings of undervaluation, and restricted chances for career advancement.

Conversely, when the workplace fosters a supportive atmosphere, staff members experience a heightened sense of belonging. For instance, LGBTQ staff members who perceive their workplace as supportive and encounter less discrimination based on their identity tend to report lower levels of stress.

This collection of research emphasizes the significance of assessments as a valuable opportunity to engage, learn, and take action towards enhancing the community experience for staff members.

Impact on Students

The research literature affirms that the campus climate significantly impacts students' ability to thrive academically and personally.

When students feel a strong "sense of belonging," they tend to report higher levels of perceived academic success and are more inclined to persist in their studies.

Conversely, experiences of microaggressions or biases can lead students to contemplate leaving their academic pursuits. A sense of belonging is particularly crucial for the persistence and retention of students from marginalized communities, including students of color, LGBTQ+, and first-generation students.

This collection of robust research underscores the importance of climate assessments as an invaluable opportunity to engage, learn, and take action to further enhance the overall community experience for students.