Starting Tuesday, Jan. 8, UCLA students, faculty and staff will be polled about their experiences with diversity and inclusion as part of the UC's system-wide Campus Climate Study, which is believed to be the largest survey of its kind ever done in American higher education.
All 10 UC campuses will participate in the survey, as well as the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), all five UC medical centers, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The confidential survey, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete, is expected to help UCLA maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone who calls the campus home. Each student, faculty member and staff member will receive an email invitation to participate, which will include a link to survey.
The ultimate goal is not only to find out what's working well at UCLA but to identify areas where improvements can be made to foster a more positive and inclusive campus climate for everyone.
In an email strongly encouraging the campus community to complete the survey, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block summarized its importance. "The responses you provide will be invaluable in assessing the living, learning and working environment for all those who attend, work at or visit UCLA. Please take the time to make your voice count and help UCLA continue to be a leader in inclusion and diversity in higher education," the chancellor wrote.
The accuracy of the survey's data will increase with higher levels participation. That's why UCLA is aiming for at least a 30 percent participation rate from students, faculty and staff.
For those who may need an extra nudge, participants in the survey will be automatically entered into a drawing that will include prizes from both the system-wide office and the UCLA campus. One lucky undergraduate could win a $10,000 scholarship; other prizes include iPads, tickets to football and basketball games, Bruin Cards and more.
The survey will run from Jan. 8 to Feb. 22 at UCLA.
Detailed information about the survey — including how it is being administered, and how the results will be used — can be found at the Campus Climate Study website developed by the UC Office of the President. UCLA-specific information, including campus prizes, as well as videos from students, faculty and staff discussing their views on diversity, can be found at UCLA's Diversity Website.
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