What is campus climate, and why is it important?

Dr. Susan Rankin of Rankin and Associates Consulting, which served as the outside consultant for the 2021 URI climate survey, defines campus climate as “the current attitudes, behaviors, standards and practices of employees and students of an institution.” The climate is often shaped through personal experiences, perceptions, and institutional efforts.

Climate surveys can be helpful with “demonstrating institutional effectiveness, assessing mission alignment, and supporting both equity and retention goals.” (Insight into Academia, Using Climate Survey Data to Support Accreditation & Strategic Planning, July 14, 2025).

University Resources

We encourage you to learn more about the numerous departments and organizations that support, affirm, and represent the various needs and identities of our community.

Why do we conduct climate surveys?

Legislatively-mandated annual reports submitted pursuant to RI Gen L § 28-5.1-3 and RIGL §16-32-2.1 evaluate compliance and composition, assessing the University’s effectiveness in fulfilling its land-grant mission to provide equal access and opportunity for all. Community is more than composition. Community requires connection—intentionally cultivating a climate and culture where each of its members can thrive.

The University of Rhode Island will be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community—a vibrant, integrated university that celebrates the uniqueness of its members and fosters a culture of valuing people, excellence, and giving back.
Focus URI, 2023-2033 Strategic Vision, Priority 3

URI conducts climate surveys to measure progress towards the strategic goals outlined in Focus URI, including the University’s pledge to: “Cultivate a sense of community—‘one university’—where all students, faculty, and staff find themselves included and their work valued,” and “Institute regular assessments of the workplace environment, provide community updates, and make related improvements.” (Focus URI, Priority 3, Goal 1, Action 2).

Why should you participate?

URI is committed to sharing climate survey results as broadly as possible. Transparency enhances trust. That commitment to institutional transparency, however, must be balanced with an unwavering commitment to protecting individual privacy. The entire University community learns and grows from sharing these results. Community members are encouraged to engage and participate in future surveys so that we can continue to learn what factors impact campus climate, collectively identify and prioritize actions, and continue to make progress, together.

What do we do with the data?

Climate surveys allow the University to identify obstacles that are hindering progress toward the strategic priority of fostering an inclusive, people-centered culture, and opportunities to build on, including what community members indicate contributes to a sense of belonging. Survey results have led to meaningful actions including:

  • Hiring key staff including the inaugural Vice President for Human Resources, the first full-time Title IX Director, the Director for Community and Organizational Development, and the first coordinator for the Military and Veteran Education Center (MAVE);
  • Leveraging partnerships between administrative offices and academic colleges to advance student retention, success, and mentorship initiatives;
  • Collaborating on initiatives for faculty and staff to promote learning and development, engagement, and a sense of belonging and community.

URI continues to evolve as a campus community to meet the needs of all constituents by following the climate survey data where it leads.