Why DEI Matters — #SpeakUpCougars in Kean Campus Climate Survey

Beginning March 2, Kean USA students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about Kean in the University’s first Campus Climate Survey. The confidential, anonymous questionnaire asks about student academic success, workplace climate, the sense of belonging at Kean and much more. It seeks to learn about the experiences of everyone in the Kean community so the University can take steps to further develop a campus climate of respect, growth and achievement.

A fun kickoff event at Miron Student Center tomorrow, Thursday, February 24, from 12-2 p.m., will introduce and launch the effort. The online survey itself will be open from March 2 through April 15.

To further explain how the survey will work and why it’s important, Kean News interviewed Tamika Quick, executive director of the Kean Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and a co-chair of the Climate Survey Working Group.

Q. Why did Kean decide to conduct this survey?

Kean President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D. set his institutional priorities to include equity and excellence. As a display of his commitment, he created the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). As the office of DEI, we understand the importance of our work being data-driven, planned and results-oriented. 

The campus climate survey will provide the University with the opportunity to assess and understand the experiences of our students, faculty and staff here at Kean. The data received from the survey will allow us to plan and create results that will drive the needle forward in cultivating equitable and inclusive experiences. 

Q. Who selected the questions that will be on the survey?

Kean has contracted with Rankin & Associates Consulting to help lead this effort. Rankin & Associates has conducted more than 200 campus climate surveys over the past 20 years. Rankin & Associates is working with the Climate Survey Working Group composed of Kean students, faculty and staff; collaboratively they developed the assessment tool. 

Q. What are some of the topics the survey will ask? 

The topics include: Sense of Belonging, Academic Success, Workplace Climate, Personal and Observed experiences on campus, Employee and Student retention.

Q. The survey is taken online, right? Are the answers multiple choice?

Correct.

Q. Are the answers confidential?

Yes. We realize confidentiality is vital to the success of campus climate research, particularly since sensitive and personal topics are discussed. The consultant will take multiple measures to enhance individual confidentiality.

No data that is already protected through regulation or policy, such as Social Security number, campus identification number or medical information, will be collected in the survey. Finally, in the event of any publication or presentation of findings, no personally identifiable information will be shared.

Q. How will the survey results be used? 

The survey will give us the opportunity to plan for the future and improve the climate for all Kean community members.

Q. Are there prizes for completing the survey?

People who take the survey will be able to enter a separate, unrelated drawing after they complete the confidential survey. We are giving away a MacBook Pro Air, a Barnes & Noble $500 Gift Card, Kean Dollars, hoodies and other Kean merchandise.

Q. Finally, when do you expect to have final results of the survey, and how will the results be publicized? 

The reporting of results will take place in Fall 2022. Rankin & Associates will return to campus to present the findings of the survey. 

Q. What will the Campus Climate Survey Kick-off Event, on Thursday, February 24, include?

We will have music, food, novelties and giveaways at the kick-off event at the Miron Student Center, starting at noon on February 24. We want to have some fun as we get the word out about the Campus Climate Survey and how important it is for everyone take part. Join us!

Q. How can I find out more about the Campus Climate Survey?

For more information and an FAQ, visit the Kean Campus Climate Survey webpage. The webpage will be updated throughout the survey and beyond as we prepare for the results to be revealed by Rankin & Associates in the Fall.