Want Change? Take the Campus Climate Survey

The campus climate survey, why does it matter?

A diverse, inclusive and safe campus is an enriching and educational space. SSU prides itself on being diverse, but there is always room for improvement. The priority of the university  is that students feel safe, seen and included on campus. The need for more diversity in administration, faculty and staff and more programming about diversity and more are needs that have been brought up by students recently. There is now a clear pathway to SSU prioritizing these needs as well as expediting the programs that may put these needs in place.

This pathway to more diversity is an ever-important, 20-30 minute Campus Climate Study. Great initiatives that have come from other schools that have done campus climate studies include gender-inclusive bathrooms, more diverse faculty, more classes about diversity and social justice and funds for more programming to enhance sense of belonging for all community members. Some of these initiatives already happen at Salem State but some that the community could benefit from do not happen on campus yet. They very well could given you take the short 20 minutes to complete the survey.

The survey is not just a diversity initiative, it is for all community members to voice their experiences in order to reach a better campus climate. Climate can be described as:

Lived experiences, cultural attitudes and perceptions.

How does it work?

Administrators have committed to making the changes that appear as needed from the survey results. It’s up to you to take the survey and let them know what we need. They’re willing to help the student body, they just need to know what we need to change in order for this campus to feel safe and inclusive.

“This is a chance for your experiences to be quantified into important data that will help improve the climate and overall experience of students” – Rebecca Comage, director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs.

The study needs at least 30% student participation for the study to be statistically significant. There is currently only 7.8% student participation. Participating will help stop uncomfortableness from impeding your educational and extracurricular experience.

What’s in it for you besides a better campus climate? Once you take the survey, you’re entered in a raffle to win either:  a credit for an undergrad and grad course, up to $100 for any entertainment ticket, $50 clippercash, a $100 book voucher, a free meal plan, grad school app waiver and more.

How to get involved:

LOOK OUT FOR THESE FUN OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE THE SURVEY AMONG PEERS:

• Survey parties in residence halls this week (March 8^th)
• Spring Break Part 2: Survey Party in the Center for Diversity & Cultural Enrichment: FREE FOOD and information about the survey!

Take the 20 minutes to take the survey here, for a better campus climate.

Take the survey here and if you post about it anywhere, use the hashtag #wecandobetter.

Rising Up to Make #HERstory

She climbed the ranks from a campaign assistant in 2007 to a top aide to former President Barack Obama in 2016. She’s an inspirational woman who has been on the frontline of history for years. Talk about HERstory! Now, she’s going to be at the frontline of the 2017 Women’s Leadership Conference as the keynote speaker.

image credit

She is an Iranian-American woman who will bring her intersectionality into the conversation regarding women’s rights. In her life, she has faced many tests to her will, but in the end that is what’s gotten her to where she is today. She now helps other women succeed through her work with the Iranian American Women Foundation (IAWF). This organization is mentorship-based and strives for the empowerment of Iranian-American women through conferences. Here is their mission statement:

 

 

 

The Vision of the Iranian-American Women’s Leadership Conference is to inspire and empower Iranian-American women to achieve their maximum potential. Join us to celebrate the achievements of your Iranian-American colleagues. credit

In a political climate where times are tough for women, LGBTQ, and minorities, she is an example of rising above no matter the circumstances. She will serve as an inspiration for many individuals at the conference who have big dreams as well. We can’t wait for her to inspire students through her life experiences while on the road to becoming successful.

After Govashiri’s address, enjoy lunch and help us build the HERstory timeline. Following that will be a panel of even more inspiring women telling their own stories. There will also be a day-long pop-up shop featuring goods from women business owners from around the North Shore. Finally, join us at 7 PM for the body-positive dance group Pretty Big Movement. Check out their work here:

Video credit: The Scene

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE HERE.

credits:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferial_Govashiri

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/davar-ardalan-/ferial-govashiri-7-insigh_b_12911738.html

IAWF Foundation