Campus Diversity and Inclusion Survey

In an effort to help all members of our community feel welcome, safe and know that they belong, the University Inclusion Committee has prepared many inclusion initiatives this academic year.

Of prime importance is our Seton Hall Campus Climate Survey – a way we can take a collective pulse on our community's views on inclusivity and help in our efforts to measure and report accurately on climate at the University. The survey was launched via an email to the entire community – students, faculty, staff and administrators on August 26, 2018.

2018-19 Academic Year

This year, the Inclusion Committee focused its efforts on analyzing the results of the Campus Climate Survey for returning undergraduate and graduate students, in order to take a collective pulse on students’ views on inclusivity and help in our efforts to measure and report accurately on climate at the University. We define diversity in terms of differences among people in their race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, family income levels, national or regional origin, religion, age, disability status or political perspectives. We define inclusion as the extent to which all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued. We define a sense of community as the feeling of being part of an inclusive community based on mutual respect and appreciation.

Survey Results

• A total of 972 students responded to the survey, representing a 17% response rate (n=5,715). A total of 623 students completed the survey, representing an 11% completion rate. The majority of students who took the survey self-identified as female (62%), White or Caucasian (59%), straight or heterosexual (83%), Catholic, Protestant, or “Other” Christian (69%), or having a liberal political perspective (32%). Eight percent of respondents self-identified with having an existing or temporary physical or mental impairment. With the exception of gender, the measured demographic characteristics of the respondents seem to align with the current returning student body.
• Of the respondents, 94% agree that faculty members at Seton Hall, generally, are welcoming. 91% of respondents agree there is at least one community at Seton Hall where they feel included. Overall, 77% agree that Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community and 73% of respondents are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment.
• However, we found significant differences in the levels of agreement depending on the respondent’s self-identified race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability status. Students who identified as students of color, LGBTQIA+, or having an existing or temporary disability are less likely to agree that Seton Hall fosters an inclusive community. 53% of students who self-identify as Black or African American agree that Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community. 47% of students who identify as Black or African American are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment.
• Across all respondents, students also characterized Seton Hall as a less supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. 63% of students who self-identify as LGBTQIA+ believe Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community, while 58% are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment.
• Sixty-four percent of students who self-identified as having an existing or temporary physical or mental impairment agree Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community, while 62% are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment.
• Similarly, we found significant differences in the levels of agreement depending on the respondents’ political view or faith tradition. Of the respondents who have a liberal political view, 67% agree Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community, while 64% are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment. Of the students who identify with a faith tradition other than Catholic, Protestant, or “Other” Christian, 70% agree Seton Hall is welcoming to all as members of the community and 69% are satisfied with Seton Hall as an inclusive environment.

If you would like to request access to the full Campus Climate Survey results, please contact Ms. Connie Beale, Director of Institutional Research, via e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (973) 761–9401.