Last week, the school-wide “Campus Climate Survey” gained 17% of responses in its final four days, accumulating an overall student response rate of 31%. 

According to a series of emails sent by President Favazza, this survey was administered in partnership with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, so college leadership can “know more about how students, faculty, staff, and administrators perceive Saint Anselm’s climate and level of support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 

A major component of the administration of this survey was directed towards increasing student incentive to participate. Director of Institutional Research, Joyce Larson, said that a small team was put together to work on promotion strategies, which “included things like Instagram stories, posters, encouragement from faculty and organization advisors, and of course, the incentives.”

“We worked with SEAL and SGA to see what incentives might be most appealing to students, and that’s how we ended up with a two-pronged approach: the class competition and the daily gift card drawing. I was so amazed and impressed by the work of the students, especially once it came time to actually implement the strategy in encouraging their peers to take the survey,” she said.

The class of 2024 ultimately won the competition prize of $1,000, coming in first with a 20% participation rate. 

“The senior class was very happy to help increase participation for the campus climate survey, as it is such a valuable tool to initiate change on campus,” shared Senior Class President, Jackie Labovitz. 

“We are hoping to look at our budget and see if there is room to add an extra free drink ticket for the senior formal. Because the tickets were already purchased and students have expressed interest in another drink ticket, this seems like the best choice for using the money,” she continued. 

When asked if they were satisfied with the turnout rate, SGA President and Vice President, Sal Parent and Diego Benites shared that “We definitely recognize that 31% of the student body is a decent sized turnout, but we can always do better.” 

The last time the College conducted a Campus Climate Survey was in 2020, with a response rate of 41%. Despite this 10% decrease in engagement, Larson prefaced that the College did not expect to meet this. “We are still very pleased with the response rate, it will definitely yield good and actionable information,” she said.

According to promotional emails sent by President Favazza, the College responded to the 2020 survey with new scholarships for minority students, adding additional staff in the Intercultural Center and Disability Services, and implementing training services for students and faculty alike. The College plans on comparing the 2020 data with the 2024 data, analyzing the progress and responses to these changes as an institution. 

Surveys continue to be an important mechanism for students to share their experiences on college campuses regarding a variety of issues, ranging from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to sexual misconduct prevention. 

It is important that the student body does not get survey fatigue, because on March 7, students will have the opportunity to give additional feedback in a state-wide survey surrounding college campuses and their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct on campus. 

Marcie Vaughan, the Title IX Coordinator explained to the Crier that unlike the previous Campus Climate Survey, this upcoming survey is a part of a larger state law, RSA 188-H, which sets forth requirements for institutional policies and prevention around sexual misconduct. 

This survey, aimed at gathering non-identifiable information regarding student experiences with campus sexual misconduct, was last conducted in 2022 with an 11% response rate, according to the Title IX Office. 

Vaughan emphasized that student feedback in the form of anonymous surveys are an essential tool in making a difference , “this survey is important because it’s a vehicle for students to anonymously inform the college, and the Title IX office, of what is really happening on campus.” 

She encourages students to reach her with any questions regarding the upcoming survey and Title IX procedures.