University of Virginia
PA-5: Assessing Diversity and Equity

The University uses a series of assessments to measure and inform campus diversity programs. One such survey is the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) which has been administered in 2012, 2013 and 2014. SERU is not specifically focused on campus climate, but does ask students several questions related to the campus climate. The survey is worded is such a way to evaluate improvement (or lack of) in a student's Ability to appreciate, tolerate and understand racial and ethnic diversity and their ability to appreciate cultural and global diversity among other things. There is also a battery of questions that evaluates how well students are respected based on their socioeconomic status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

The Institutional Assessment and Studies Office conducted voluntary surveys in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The survey, Student Experience in the Research University (SERU), examined the following: Academic Experience and Globalization Skills, Civic and Community Engagement, Student Development, and UVA-specific questions. Below are data from the 2014 assessment. More than half of the student respondents (930 respondents) indicated they had taken courses that involve themes related to diversity or global learning. Slightly less than half of respondents interacted with students from outside the U.S. in class (e.g., through section discussions, study groups, or class projects) and slightly less than half developed a friendship with a student from outside the U.S. Half of respondents interacted with students from outside the U.S. in social settings (e.g., in clubs or student organizations, or in informal settings). Survey results showed that students' abilities to work with people from other cultures increased from 4.17 when they arrived at UVA to 4.77 at the time of the survey (on 6 point scale). Similarly, survey results showed that students' comfort working with people from other cultures increased from 4.34 to 4.90. On a 4 point scale, students reported a mean of 2.32 with regard to the following data point: UVA encouraged contact among students from different economic, social and racial or ethnic backgrounds. Also on a 4 point scale, students report a mean of 3.68 with regard to: Provide programs for helping students to take care of their mental health. Students indicated a range between 1.24-1.77 that they heard teaching faculty or instructors express negative or stereotypical views about various minority groups. This is less than rarely which would be a mean of 2. Undergraduates heard students express negative or stereotypical views about various minority groups in a range between 1.74-2.99. Out of 956 respondents and on a scale of 6, students reported a mean of 4.07 (Somewhat Agree) with regard to the following: Diversity is important at this campus.

Employee satisfaction surveys for staff and faculty are administered by HR and the Faculty Senate at least every 5 years. Results are shared with UVA President Sullivan, her cabinet and all staff and faculty. In addition, the Faculty Senate conducted the 2012 UVA Faculty Senate Survey which includes assessment of diversity and equity by the faculty. Please see summary and results at the following URL: http://www.virginia.edu/facultysenate/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FacultySenateSurveyOverview1.pdf.In addition, the Office for Diversity and Equity maintains the Diversity Dashboard which reflects demographic data for students, faculty, and staff. The URL is: http://www.virginia.edu/DiversityData/

The University of Virginia Board of Visitors has a Special Committee on Governance and Engagement which examines these issues. At a February 2014 meeting of the Special Committee the members had a governance workshop with an outside facilitator.