Dear Editor,
There are over 17,000 undergraduate students at the University of Mississippi. Right now, only 1,781 are using their voices to shape how the university supports its students. Do the experiences of 10% of undergraduate students on our campus reflect your own? Perhaps, but probably not.
Many of you have seen the yard signs, posters and social media posts about the Campus Climate Survey. We need to hear from more students because we know that all of your unique and diverse voices are not fully represented in this small sample of responses. You can change that!
Taking the survey not only means that you have the opportunity to use your voice to change your campus; it also means you have the power to reflect your point of view in every response. Take 20-30 minutes to complete the survey and make a lasting impact!
The university hired an outside consultant group, Rankin & Associates, to develop this climate survey. The work with the consultants afforded us two key advantages — the creation of a survey uniquely tailored to our campus community and complete confidentiality to individuals who complete the survey. Your responses are sent directly to the consultant who will then share themes and help us develop programs and policies that will increase inclusivity and promote opportunities for students to have a meaningful college experience.
In order for us to use the student data to shape our plans moving forward, we need at least 4,000 more students to complete the survey. To reach this goal, the deadline for the survey has been extended to Nov. 19. We have a collection of incentives that will be awarded by a drawing, including a $5,000 scholarship, parking passes and gift cards. The real prize is that you get to help shape the future of the university.
Noel E. Wilkin is the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
