At the beginning of March, Kent State began a new study to identify and understand the present climate of the university community. The study, called a Climate Survey, is the first of its kind in two decades, will close this coming Tuesday, April 5.

The confidential survey, which takes only 20-30 minutes to complete, provides students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to describe their personal experiences and observations of Kent State.

Participants are asked about their comfort levels in and outside of the classroom while on campus, as well as their opinion on how individuals are treated based on their race, sexual orientation and their religious affiliation.  

Conducted by Rankin & Associates, a Pennsylvania-based consulting company, the survey aims to allow participants to share their input and offer suggestions in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all.

The idea to conduct a university climate survey stemmed from the interest of students, faculty and staff on campus who believed the data collected might be useful in planning for the future and improving Kent State’s climate, according to the Kent State website.

According to Shay Little, interim vice president of the Division of Student Affairs, in order for the survey to accurately be representative of the campus, however, it is pertinent that the student response rate is high. 

Little encourages all students to take the survey and to encourage their friends to do so as well.

“Information learned from the climate study will be incorporated into the university’s strategic roadmap and initiatives in the future,” Little wrote in an email. 

Students who participate in the survey have the chance of earning FLASHperks by opting to enter to win a $250 Amazon or Kent State University Bookstore gift card as a thank you gift.

“We value and want to hear more student voices in this assessment,” wrote Todd Diacon, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, in an email to the Kent State faculty on March 30.

To take the survey, students should visit kent.edu/voices.

Alex Delaney-Gesing is a general assignment reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].