Climate survey results in, next steps detailed

Preliminary results from the 2015 myGVSU Climate Survey showed that 87 percent of members of the Grand Valley community reported feeling “comfortable” or “very comfortable” living, learning and working on campus.

Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity, discussed results during a March 2 meeting in the Kirkhof Center. A summary of the preliminary findings from the November climate survey is posted online at www.gvsu.edu/mygvsu.

Bernal called the participation from students, faculty and staff members overwhelming and an immense success. The overall survey participation rate was 42 percent, compared to a national average of 28 percent, and 27 percent for the 2011 Grand Valley climate survey.

While nearly 90 percent of the overall community reported feeling comfortable, 75 percent of people of color, and 59 percent of people who identified as transgender said they were comfortable or very comfortable on campus.

Bernal said a full survey report will be available in mid-March. The independent consultant, Amber Gonzalez, will visit campus later this month to meet with action teams.

“We want to look even deeper into the data with action groups for students, faculty and staff,” Bernal said.

Faculty and staff members who are interested in participating in an action group can send an email to [email protected]. Bernal said he expects recommendations from the climate survey to be discussed this fall.