A group of students stand in front of a wall of art while others sit.
 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Student Survey

OVERVIEW

In February 2020, student interns from the office of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion conducted a survey with the intent of getting a better understanding of how students think of and experience matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the college.

This survey was conducted as a part of an internship during a Civic Media Master’s program.

Role

Researcher, Designer

Research Strategy, User Research, Visual report design

 

Methodology

Using QR codes, booths, and word of mouth, the survey received responses from 2% of the student population. Enough information was gathered to recognize trends while also warranting additional research.

A survey consisting of seven questions with an option to share contact information was created using Google Forms. Three out of seven questions were quantitative and four were qualitative.

Questions

  1. Major

  2. Have you seen or experienced discrimination at Columbia?

    • If so, please feel free to share

  3. Have you been worried about your mental or physical safety on campus as a student?

  4. Choose Agree, Meh, or Disagree

    1. I am treated with respect from all faculty

    2. I am treated with respect from all staff

    3. I have found one or more community group(s) at columbia where i feel welcome

    4. I have to work harder than others to be valued equally at columbia

  5. Have you considered leaving columbia because you felt unsafe or unwelcome?

  6. In your opinion, is the diversity of the student body reflected in the faculty nad curriculum?

  7. If you'd like to share more about any responses or give more information about your experiences, share that here.

Observations & Takeaways

Minimization mentality. Students minimize the harm they’ve experienced or witnessed; students compare negative situations to worse situations 

Noticeable lack of diversity. Students are aware of the lack of diversity on campus, particularly amongst faculty and staff. Marginalized students need professors who can understand and relate to their experiences.

Lack of accountability process. There are no clear routes toward accountability or resolution.

Cross-campus issues. These issues are extant across departments and offices.

Next Steps

In response to the main themes found in student’s responses, we offer the following suggestions: 

Minimization mentality. Create a student bill of rights available in both class syllabi and college-wide Canvas.

Lack of diversity. Additional residencies and fellowships in addition to the ongoing DEI-focused hiring process.

Lack of accountability. Create a resource guide for reporting DEI issues with a run down of the relevant process.

Further research. Conduct a larger student survey including questions on demographics.