Assessing Measures for Departmental Climate Among Graduate Faculty in the Biomedical Sciences

• In Event: Graduate Students: Development, Practice, and Advising

Abstract

This study developed departmental climate measures for the Biomedical Sciences using a pilot survey of faculty perceptions and behaviors. Using an organizational learning lens and campus racial climate framework, these measures can be used to assess departments and how faculty can be change agents in modifying behaviors that shape a department’s climate. Results show most faculty perceive a positive departmental climate, but many also see potential for improvement. Further, faculty are unsure about underrepresented students’ sense of belonging within the department. Three factors were identified that describe faculty resistance to diversity, agency for change, and inclusive departments. The new measures will be validated longitudinally at 30+ research intensive institutions with faculty participants in culturally aware mentor training.

Authors

• Bernard Reyes, University of California - Los Angeles

• Sylvia Hurtado, University of California - Los Angeles

• Amanda Carrasco, University of California - Los Angeles