Comparing Faculty and Staff Perceptions of Campus Climate for Diversity

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Experience and Perceptions of Campus Stakeholders on Institutional Climate

Abstract

This study investigated faculty and staff perceptions of campus climate and the factors contributing to their satisfaction with campus experience. Analyses of a campus climate survey from 825 faculty and 1478 staff members in one university in the United States revealed that faculty and staff members of underrepresented social groups reported less satisfaction, more stress, and considered the campus climate less welcoming. Multiple regression analysis indicated 44.3% of the variation in their satisfaction could be explained by their perceptions of a welcoming and respectful campus climate, their gender, salary, and position, their on-campus interactions, mentoring experience, and experience of stress. The findings can inform higher education institutions to create a welcoming campus climate and enhance faculty and staff retention.

Authors

• Xumei Fan, University of Northern Iowa

• Kathryn Luchok

• John Dozier

• Sabrina Andrews, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Jonathan Poon, University of South Carolina