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Dear Members of the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Community,

In late October, we unveiled the findings of the “Your Voice, Our SU: Campus Climate Study,” conducted in late 2019 and early 2020 at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. That report remains available on the Campus Climate Study website to members of the campus community.

As next steps, we announced that a Campus Climate Study Implementation Committee (CCSIC) would be formed this month to propose recommendations based on what we learned from the report by early spring. The following individuals have accepted appointments to that committee:

1. Eli Modlin, chair
2. Humberto Aristizabal, liaison between the Campus Climate Study Steering Committee and CCSIC
3. Vanessa Collins, representing the Staff Senate
4. Kara Raab, representing the Strategic Planning and Budgeting Committee
5. Dorien Rogers, representing the Student Government Association
6. Joan Williams, representing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
7. Adam Wood, representing the Faculty Senate

As we continue to work to create a more inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff, I have asked this group to help identify opportunities that could be immediately addressed based on the information and data received from the Campus Climate Study.

Sincerely,
Charles A. Wight
President

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Thank you to everyone who participated in the virtual Town Halls today regarding the results of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Campus Climate Study. All of the information that was discussed may be viewed on this website. This includes the executive summary, presentation slides and full report.

As noted by SU President Charles Wight and Campus Climate Study Steering Committee Co-Chairs Humberto Aristizábal and Dr. James King, the conclusion of the study is just the first step toward developing strategic action items to build on successes and address challenges. You are encouraged to send any additional feedback, questions or input on the report to equity@salisbury.edu. Thank you to everyone who has participated in this important initiative regarding our campus climate.

Sincerely,
Campus Climate Study Steering Committee and
Co-Chairs Dr. James King and Humberto Aristizábal

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

You are invited to participate in a virtual Town Hall on Friday, October 30, regarding the results of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Campus Climate Study. Two sessions will be held via Zoom Webinar: 10-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

The virtual Town Hall will include a welcome from SU President Charles Wight; an introduction from Humberto Aristizabal and Dr. James King, co-chairs of SU’s Campus Climate Study Steering Committee; a presentation of findings by external partner Rankin & Associates; and a discussion about next steps led by the President and co-chairs.

There also will be an opportunity for questions. Participants may ask questions in real-time via a moderated chat or email them in advance to equity@salisbury.edu by Thursday, October 29.

SU decided to undertake this study last year to help create a more inclusive campus where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. The results will enable us to develop strategic initiatives to build on successes and address challenges.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this important initiative.

Sincerely,
Campus Climate Study Steering Committee and
Co-Chairs Dr. James King and Humberto Aristizábal

Dear ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Community Member,

At ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, we seek to create an environment that is open, fair and welcoming, and provides equal access for all students, staff and faculty. To that end, I invite you to participate in the Your Voice, Our SU: ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Campus Climate Study.

SU decided to undertake this study earlier this academic year to help create a more inclusive campus where everyone realizes a true sense of belonging. The results will enable us to develop programs and policies that build on existing opportunities and increase inclusivity at SU. 

As part of the study, an online survey has been developed to provide information about both positive and challenging aspects of our campus climate. I encourage you to help us understand the current climate by taking time to participate in the survey.

This is your chance to describe your personal experiences and observations, and to offer suggestions for positive, lasting changes that might enhance the campus climate at SU. 

Be assured: All of your answers will remain confidential. The survey is being conducted by an external partner, Rankin & Associates Consulting, which has overseen more than 200 similar studies at academic institutions nationwide. Project results will be reported in group form only; you will not be identifiable as an individual. Your participation is voluntary. This research has been approved by the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Institutional Review Board.

The survey will remain open now through late March. I urge you to take the 20-30 minutes needed to answer the questions. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this vital project.

Charles A. Wight, President
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Dear ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Community Member,

At ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, we seek to create an environment characterized by openness, fairness and equal access for all students, staff and faculty. A welcoming and inclusive campus climate is grounded in mutual respect, nurtured by dialogue, evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction and is one of the foundations of our educational model. Creating and maintaining a community environment that respects individual needs, abilities and potential are critically important.

This academic year, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ will undertake a vital and relevant campus climate study. This is our chance to make a difference in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s future and our opportunity to make positive, lasting changes and to help create a more inclusive campus where everyone believes they belong and can thrive. To ensure full transparency and to provide a more complete perspective, we have contracted with an independent firm, Rankin & Associates, to help lead this effort. Rankin & Associates has conducted over 200 campus climate assessment projects over the last 20 years.

A team from Rankin & Associates will be working with a committee of students, staff and faculty from ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ to develop and implement the study. The SU Committee will be led by Dr. James King, Associate Professor of the English Department, and Humberto Aristizábal, Associate Vice President of Institutional Equity.

The goals of the SU Campus Climate Study are multifold:

1) identify successful initiatives,
2) uncover any challenges facing members of our community, and
3) develop strategic initiatives to build on the successes and address the challenges.

The results will enable us to develop programs and policies that will increase inclusivity and belonging at SU.

This SU campus climate study website has been developed to provide communication on the project process and results.

I hope that you will join me in supporting this important project.

Charles A. Wight, President
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September 6, 2019