In keeping with Wayne State’s commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse community, all students, staff and faculty are encouraged to complete the diversity campus climate survey.
The survey — sent to all wayne.edu email accounts on Jan. 16 — is voluntary and completely confidential. Anyone who completes it by Feb. 19 will be entered into a drawing to win one of several prizes, including bicycles, computers, TVs, headphones, waterproof speakers and up to $200 OneCard dollars.
Marquita Chamblee (pictured), associate provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, along with members of the Campus Climate Study Committee, have been reaching out to student groups, academic advisors, faculty and staff to encourage everyone to have their voices heard.
“But as I’ve talked to people across campus, I have heard a few concerns from those who have yet to take the survey,” Chamblee said. “I try to address these concerns.”
For example, some said they are afraid to be honest, and that if they share negative feelings or are critical of the campus or their department, they will be punished in some way.
“I assure everyone that not only will they not be punished, but no one at Wayne State will have access to individual responses.”
The data will be managed and stored by the University of Illinois-Chicago’s (UIC) Survey Research Laboratory, the external consultant administering the survey.
“One of the reasons we chose to go with an outside consultant was because we wanted to provide peace of mind to those taking the survey that their responses and identities would be kept confidential and anonymous. UIC will ensure that,” Chamblee said. “I hope everyone will respond honestly to the questions and share their thoughts in the comment sections of the survey.”
The second concern is that the university won’t do anything with the results, and that the information will be put into a report, set on a shelf and ignored.
“All of us, including the president, provost and key leadership across campus are committed to using what we learn to take action to address those things we can take on immediately, and begin organizing and planning for those things that will require longer-term approaches,” Chamblee said. “We’re already discussing ways to mobilize teams to take action on what we learn.”
While links to the survey were sent to everyone with a current Wayne State email address, it’s possible that some people might not have received it or that it may have been sent to spam or clutter folders. Anyone who has not yet received the survey should contact Chamblee at diversity@wayne.edu.
“It is important everyone on campus knows we care deeply about their personal experiences and challenges, both as an individual and as part of the broader campus community,” said Chamblee. “Reflecting on those experiences and challenges will help Wayne State improve and become a more inclusive place to learn and work.”
Additional information about the Campus Climate Study and how to participate can be found online. Individuals with questions about accessing the survey can contact UIC Survey Research Laboratory representative Marina Stavrakantonaki at mstav3@uic.edu.
For assistance completing the survey, please contact Student Disability Services via phone at 313-577-1851 or via videophone at 313-202-4216. They can also be reached via email at studentdisability@wayne.edu.
For more information about diversity and inclusion initiatives at Wayne State, please write Wayne State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@wayne.edu.