Last spring, the university participated in a campus climate survey administered by the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS), an organization of colleges and universities committed to sharing data, knowledge and expertise to advance undergraduate liberal arts education, inclusive excellence and student success at member institutions.

Last week the results of the survey were presented to the Board of Governors (page 489 of agenda).

HEDS compared our results with those of other institutions that participated in the Diversity and Equity Campus Climate survey—a group of 52 large and small institutions of higher education.

Increased satisfaction on campus climate

The results indicate that we have done good work over the last several years.

Missouri State respondents reported higher satisfaction on questions related to overall campus climate for diversity and equity than comparison institutions. They also reported higher agreement on their belief that Missouri State supports diversity and equity, higher positive perceptions regarding diversity and equity, and higher participation in diversity and equity activities.

Areas needing improvement

The results also indicate that more work remains to be done.

Gaps in positive perceptions and experiencing discrimination or harassment exist for respondents who identified as non-binary, persons of color, LGBTQ+ and liberal.

Missouri State respondents also indicated they heard insensitive or disparaging remarks slightly more often than comparison institutions. However, a much higher percentage of Missouri State respondents indicated they heard these remarks in the off-campus community than the percentage indicated by comparison institutions.

The board, our leadership team and I take our campus climate very seriously. It is imperative that all of our students, faculty and staff feel welcome at Missouri State.

We will continue to analyze the results of this climate survey. In the coming months we will develop plans to incorporate the results in our initiatives and programs.

Complete the city’s survey

The climate survey makes clear the experiences of our students, faculty and staff in the Springfield community have a dramatic impact on their relationship with the university. We have an opportunity right now to voice these experiences and express our opinions about the kind of community we want to live in.

The City of Springfield is engaging in a planning process for a new comprehensive plan—a 20-year blueprint for the future of the Springfield community.

The city has asked for input from Missouri State students, faculty and staff as part of their planning process. This week you will receive an email from the office of the president asking you to complete a short survey that the city will use when developing their next comprehensive plan. I encourage all members of our campus community to take a few minutes and complete the survey.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!