Georgetown Releases First Cultural Climate Survey Results

Georgetown DC

22 April, 2021

10:56 AM

Description

Press release from Georgetown University: April 16, 2021 In an effort to continue to gain a better understanding of students' sense of belonging and perceptions related to diversity and inclusion, the university this week released the results from its first-of-its-kind cultural climate survey. Launched last spring, the survey invited degree-seeking students on the Main, Medical Center and Georgetown Law campuses to reflect on a range of issues from diversity, perceptions of institutional diversity, representation of marginalized groups and experiences within the cultural climate on campus. "The survey provides a baseline of information and challenges us to exemplify the values and pillars upon which Georgetown was founded," says Rosemary Kilkenny (L'87), vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and chief diversity officer. "Now that the survey was successfully conducted, we have data to support many of the issues raised by students, especially concerns that Black students in particular have expressed." Key Findings The survey asked students about their satisfaction with their university experience and their sense of belonging, compared to when they first entered Georgetown. About seven out of ten undergraduates felt a strong connection to the community. Amongst all eligible participants, 37% of undergraduates and 33% of graduate students completed the survey. Full undergraduate and graduate reports are available on the cultural climate survey page. The survey data revealed divergent perspectives between white students and students of color. Compared to 76% of white undergraduates, students of color reported lower levels of belongingness, including 43% of Black students. Among graduate and professional students, over half (57%) felt like they were part of the community in their graduate school, compared to only 38% of Black students and 37% of multiracial students. Amid ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and national dialogue about racial injustice and discrimination, President John J. DeGioia shared the release of the results and emphasized the important role they play in shaping the university's future work ahead. "Fostering a culture of belonging is an ongoing imperative," said DeGioia. "The task for us, within our Georgetown community, is to build and sustain a culture that encourages respect, inclusion, equity, and understanding that responds to and rejects all forms of discrimination." This press release was produced by Georgetown University.The views expressed here are the author's own.