This semester, the Division for Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Offices of the President and Provost, launches a campus climate survey. The purpose of which is to assess attitudes, behavior and perspectives of faculty, staff and students about diversity, equity and inclusion and how it impacts the quality and extent of interactions on campus. Halualani and Associates are administering the survey.

According to numerous studies, students' experiences on campus influence both learning and developmental outcomes. Faculty and staff who consider campus climate to be healthy and inclusive are more likely to feel personally and professionally supported and connected to the campus. Everyone benefits from a positive, healthy and inclusive campus climate.

Dr. Jozi De Leon, vice president, Division for Equity and Inclusion, said, "From the Provost's Diversity Council, to the various ad hoc committees and task forces that have been assembled over the years, the need for an honest and accurate assessment of the climate on our campus has arisen time and time again. We are pleased to have an administration that supports the launching of the first campus climate survey to assess diversity, equity and inclusion perspectives on our campus."

To learn more about the survey, students, staff and faculty are invited to an informational presentation Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 9-10 a.m. in Student Union Building rooms Lobo A & B. Rona Halualani, principal of Halualani and Associates, will describe the survey process and methodology and will be available to answer questions.

De Leon said, "The campus climate survey will be an important first step in reinforcing diversity and inclusion as strengths and assets of the University of New Mexico. Any diversity plan must begin with a sense of where we are so that we can assess where we want and need to go."

Click for more information about Diversity at UNM or call 505-277-1238.

Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277-5920; email: cgonzal@unm.edu