Campus Climate Survey Report

Executive Summary

How the members of our university community feel about campus is important to UW-River Falls. In pursuit of goal 2.2 of the “Soaring to New Heights” strategic plan, the Survey Research Center conducted a Campus Climate Survey of 4,513 students and 830 faculty and staff to gauge the perspectives of students, faculty and staff. 1,294 responses were received, a response rate of over 24%.

The survey included questions about a variety of topics, ranging from satisfaction with overall experiences at the university to how welcome people feel at UWRF and whether respondents feel supported in their campus endeavors. Responses in many categories show high levels of satisfaction, with some areas indicating opportunities for improvement. 

Among notable survey findings: 

• Eighty percent of students, faculty and staff said they are either “extremely” or “somewhat” satisfied with their experiences at UWRF. 
• Seventy-six percent of respondents stated they are either “extremely” or “somewhat” likely to recommend UWRF to friends and family. 
• At least eight of every 10 respondents either “strongly” or “somewhat” agreed that UWRF respects their national origin, race/ethnicity, age, level of education, sexual orientation and immigration status, while 66% agreed that the university respects their political affiliation or philosophy. 
• More than 75% of respondents are “extremely” or “somewhat” satisfied with the university’s athletic facilities, library, study spaces, IT support and classroom spaces. 
• Nearly seven of every 10 employees are satisfied with their benefits package, however there is widespread dissatisfaction with monetary compensation (73%).
• Student responses showed that the greatest strengths of UWRF include the people and community, the faculty members and the small campus and class sizes. 
• Employee responses showed that the greatest strengths of UWRF include the people and community, faculty, staff, location and the small campus and class sizes.

While the primary goal of this survey was to establish a baseline understanding of our campus climate, information gathered can also help direct changes designed to make UWRF an even more welcoming, thriving community where everyone is provided a path to succeed. Many of the areas identified for improvement directly align with other goals and action areas of our Strategic Plan and should be addressed through those mechanisms.

The Executive Summary of the survey is available at UWRF Campus Climate Survey Report Executive Summary.  

Members of the campus community can access the full survey report at UWRF Campus Climate Survey Report.