The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Campus Climate’ cold

  Chief Diversity Officer Wanda Heading-Grant delivered the results of the Campus Climate Survey (CCS) to the Board of Trustees Feb. 3 and made recommendations to address some of the results.   The CCS was conducted in April 2011 and garnered responses from 25 and 50 percent of students and faculty, respectively.    The results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the UVM experience and mutual respect among faculty, staff and students. These groups, however, felt significantly less respected by senior administrators and advisers — a result that was worrisome to some trustees.   “That’s a finding that jumped out at many of us,” Provost Jane Knodell said.   Although few faculty, staff and students reported having been sexually harassed in the past year, a minority group claimed to have experienced bias and/or discrimination, and those numbers are higher among faculty and staff of color or LGBTQA.   The results indicate a general lack of civility.   Heading-Grant made three recommendations to the board for creating a more inclusive community:  

  • Focus groups should be conducted to identify and understand areas of concern.

 

  • Professional development and training should be expanded and improved for all members of the community.

 

  • UVM should be benchmarked against other institutions to identify areas of strength, as well as those that need improvement.

  Heading-Grant said that the survey results will allow UVM to improve upon the already-impressive campus climate.   “I am confident that given the strong foundation of support that exists for 

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Campus Climate’ cold