This outreach kit was created for use in the lead-up to the survey, as well as for the survey period itself. We are leaving it up for your reference as the UW prepares to receive survey results and take action in 2020.
Why a campus climate survey?
At the University of Washington, we value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives; strive to create welcoming and respectful learning, working and living environments; and promote access, opportunity and justice.
To guide actions that improve the experiences and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, the UW conducted a University-wide climate survey on the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses (including the Seattle health sciences), Oct. 8 through Nov. 8, 2019. This confidential survey offered an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to share their experiences related to learning, working and living at the UW. Each person’s feedback matters; responses will be used to create more equitable environments and shape our work to prevent and respond to sexual assault and misconduct.
Current UW students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) at all three campuses were invited to participate in the survey, as were faculty and staff of UW schools, colleges and administrative units.
The UW’s 2017–2021 Diversity Blueprint recommended a university climate survey to inform efforts to cultivate an inclusive campus climate. A climate survey was also identified as a priority for the UW Race & Equity Initiative’s work to confront bias and racism at the individual and institutional levels and transform institutional policies and practices. Additionally, the survey included questions related to sexual assault, harassment and misconduct as part of the UW’s responsibilities under Title IX.
What was the response rate goal across our communities?
We wanted to hear from every undergraduate, graduate and professional student and every faculty and staff member. The greater the response, the better our University can understand how to improve the climate on each campus for everyone. Survey projects of this magnitude typically call for a response rate minimum of 30 percent. The UW had an aspirational goal of at least 40 percent.
The survey received active participation and support from many programs on each campus. This outreach kit was created for use in the lead-up to the survey, as well as for the survey period itself. It included timelines, templates, suggested outreach tactics for different audiences, and digital and print-on-demand materials. We encouraged units to customize kit tools in ways that worked best for their communities.
If you would like to know more about communications and outreach strategies during the survey, please contact Meg Matthews (x65475 or megmm@uw.edu) or Erin Rowley (x67648 or erowley@uw.edu).