This content is being reviewed in light of recent changes to federal guidance.

Climate Surveys

What are climate surveys? 

Climate Surveys are opportunities for departments and units to anonymously receive feedback from undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty. When units or schools conduct a survey with the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX), participants can be assured of anonymity because only OCRTIX will have access to the primary data. Participants may be more willing to respond to a survey knowing an external third party is responsible for the analysis of the data. Using the analyzed and collected information, your unit or department can make data-informed decisions about programs and initiatives.  

Common survey topics include, but are not limited to:  

  • Communication 
  • Community & Connection 
  • Value & Belonging 
  • Discrimination & Harassment 

Climate surveys should not be used in place of: grievance processes for faculty and graduate assistants, faculty teaching evaluations, or reports of discrimination and harassment that should normally be reported to OCRTIX.  

What we offer 

  • Customized climate surveys to fit your department’s or unit’s needs with consideration of the most up-to-date guidance from federal and state law.   
  • Step-by-step guidance of developing and launching a survey.  
  • Analyzed results with an executive summary, detailed report, and a presentation PDF for broad sharing.  
  • A presentation to the department or unit to share highlights of results accompanied by a Q&A.  
  • Ideas and review of recommendations created by your department or unit.  
  • Consultation and review of independent department or unit surveys launched separate from OCRTIX.  

Click the following link for a more detailed breakdown of each step to launch a climate survey and how OCRTIX can help. 

Other Resources and Considerations