Results, insights from JHU's first-ever climate assessment now available online

Johns Hopkins University conducted its first-ever universitywide campus climate survey in the spring of 2023, a broad and inclusive effort to better understand people's experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of life at Johns Hopkins across all campuses. High-level findings and the full report from that assessment are now available online.

Overall, the survey data suggests a positive campus climate. Faculty generally reported feeling valued; staff generally reported feeling supported by their supervisors; and both undergraduate and graduate students reported having positive interactions with faculty and their peers.

The results also pointed to areas for improvement. Though retention and graduation rates are strong overall, for example, some students identified a lack of a sense of belonging as a factor that would lead them to seriously consider leaving Hopkins.

"The campus climate survey findings act as blueprints for our future actions, urging each of us to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of inclusion and equity," said Katrina Caldwell, chief diversity officer and vice provost for diversity and inclusion. "Leverage these findings to understand, plan, and take action within your spheres of influence at JHU."

Key takeaways from the campus climate survey, along with updates on progress made toward goals in the university's Second Roadmap on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, were shared by university leaders during a live, virtual event on April 25. A more detailed presentation on the climate survey findings is now available on the provost's office website.

Johns Hopkins also has made notable progress toward realizing the goals in the university's 2022 Roadmap. During the April 25 virtual meeting, JHU President Ron Daniels and other leaders provided updates on that progress—including recent increases in undergraduate student diversity, the recently released staff pay equity study, and efforts to support career growth and professional development for employees—while also reaffirming the university's commitment to inclusion and acknowledging the challenges that make these efforts essential.

"The Roadmap has withstood the test of time," Daniels said, "because it reflects the substantial consensus at Hopkins around the importance of building a pluralistic community that welcomes and supports a wide diversity of people, perspectives, thought, and backgrounds in achieving excellence in all aspects of our mission—research, education, and service."

Johns Hopkins enlisted Rankin Climate, an external data assessment firm with more than two decades of experience, to lead the campus climate survey effort. The survey design and administration were guided by a JHU working group with broad representation of students, staff, and faculty.

The final survey, launched in March 2023 and open to all members of the JHU community, had 120 questions, including 17 open-ended questions. Nearly 11,000 respondents completed the survey, for a response rate of 21%. Going forward, the survey will be conducted regularly, and the university aims to increase participation.

In many cases, survey findings point to the importance of ongoing efforts outlined in JHU's Second Roadmap to enhance faculty, staff, and student experience as well as foster a sense of belonging.

Key findings from the survey include:

• A strong majority of affiliates said they felt comfortable in their campus environment.
• Key reasons faculty and staff cited in considering departure include salary concerns and a lack of advancement opportunities.
• Significant differences in experiences related to campus climate were noted across various demographics, including gender, race, and disability status.
• Notable portions of students reported experiencing financial hardships, with housing and food being the top concerns.
• 17% of respondents reported experiencing exclusionary or hostile conduct, emphasizing the need for continued improvement in creating an inclusive environment.

"It's clear from the data shared that while we have made notable progress, there remains much work to be done," said Caldwell. "This journey we are on together is challenging, but it is also profoundly rewarding because it moves us closer to the university—and the community—we aspire to be."

More information about the campus climate survey can be found on the provost's office website. An archived broadcast of the April 25 virtual event is also available at https://hub.jhu.edu/roadmapupdate.