IUP’s Campus Climate Study for Diversity and Inclusion, which was published two months ago, found that minorities on campus perceive a less welcoming and supportive environment in university classrooms. Some even feel unsafe on campus. The two principal researchers of the report, Doctors Melissa Swauger and Melanie Hildebrant, will discuss the findings on February 8th at a meeting of the Indiana Branch of the American Association of University Women.
The study ordered by President Michael Driscoll found all groups report they are generally comfortable with the campus climate, but “there are numerous cultural and structural deficiencies at IUP that need to be addressed.”
Some of those problem areas include “concern with institutional commitment to diversity” and ” a disconnect between how the students and the faculty see the campus and classrooms”, with the students seeing “a great deal more” segregation and discrimination. Women and minority faculty also expressed frustration at the lack of formal recognition given for the kinds of “invisible” service work they perform in support of students and student organizations.
The meeting on February 8th is free and open to the public. It will begin with light refreshments at 6:30 PM in Room 126 of the new College of Humanities and Social Sciences building.
