Equity in the Arts

Survey Reports

Key findings from the survey are published in two complementary reports: a Summary Report and a Detailed Report. Both are organized according to the six facets of Arizona Arts’ Inclusive Excellence Framework (as shown in the graphic). We invite you to engage with the survey reports. As you do, it can be helpful to remember that our own contexts, prior knowledge, and experiences may influence how we interpret and feel about the survey results. Some readers might be surprised by what the data show, while others may find their own experiences and observations echoed in the findings.

What is an inclusive climate survey?
In general, a climate survey is a way of measuring individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and interactions.

The Arizona Arts inclusive climate survey revolved around the question: “Do all groups in Arizona Arts/College of Fine Arts feel as though they belong, their contributions are valued, and they are supported?”

Why did Arizona Arts administer an inclusive climate survey?
An important step in creating equitable experiences, valuing diverse perspectives, and nurturing inclusive communities is to understand student, faculty, and staff perspectives related to their work and study at Arizona Arts and College of Fine Arts.

The goals of the inclusive climate survey were to help us:

• Better understand systemic and interpersonal factors that affect our experiences of learning and working in Arizona Arts.
• Develop an action plan to improve the environment for learning and working for all members of the Arizona Arts community.
• Provide each school, presenting unit, and administrative unit within Arizona Arts with baseline data to focus and regularly assess our ongoing efforts toward greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.

Who was invited to provide information?
All Arizona Arts and College of Fine Arts undergraduate and graduate student majors and benefits-eligible faculty and staff (including administrators and select designated campus colleagues) were invited to complete the survey.

Who conducted the inclusive climate survey?
The survey was administered by Dr. Amy Kraehe, Associate Vice President for Equity in the Arts, with support from research consultant and data analyst, Dr. Sarah Kyte. Dr. Kyte assisted with reporting results in the aggregate and in ways that protect the privacy of individual respondents

The design of the survey was guided by a well-established framework for understanding campus climate (Hurtado, et al., 2012; McNair, et al, 2020; Milem, Chang, & Antonio, 2005), existing climate survey instruments, and input from College of Fine Arts students and members of the Arizona Art Diversity& Inclusion Committee.

References
Hurtado, S., Alvarez, C. L., Guillermo-Wann, C., Cuellar, M., & Arellano, L. (2012). A model for diverse learning environments: The scholarship on creating and assessing conditions for student success. In J. C. Smart & M. B. Paulsen (Eds.), Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, 27 (pp. 41-12). Springer.
McNair, T. B., Bensimon, E. M., & Malcom-Piqueux, L. (2020). From equity talk to equity walk: Expanding practitioner knowledge for racial justice in higher education. John Wiley & Sons.
Milem, J. F., Chang, M. J., & Antonio, A. L. (2005). Making diversity work on campus: A research-based perspective (Report). Association of American Colleges and Universities.

How is an inclusive climate survey different from the typical student or employee survey?
Student and employee surveys are important opportunities to tell our organizational leaders and decision-makers how you feel. The inclusive climate survey is the first survey that focused in depth on perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff at Arizona Arts.

When was the survey conducted?
The survey began on February 20, 2023 and remained open for approximately five weeks.

Were survey responses confidential?
Yes, participants’ responses to the survey were strictly confidential and not part of any academic, employment, or disciplinary record.

The use of survey information adheres to the University of Arizona’s stringent privacy and security policies. Personal identifiable information is stored in secure systems accessible only to the data analyst, Dr. Sarah Kyte, Senior Research Scientist with the UA’s office of Student Success and Retention Innovation. De-identified data are reported in aggregate form and are not linked to specific individuals. We did not report any sample sizes that are less than 10 to support confidentiality.

Visit the University’s Privacy website to learn more about the University’s privacy guidelines.

Could individuals refuse to complete the survey questionnaire?
Yes, filling out the survey questionnaire was entirely voluntary. Participants were also able to skip any question or part of the questionnaire and just answer the questions they wanted.

Could participation in the survey have an impact on a person’s role at Arizona Arts?
There were no direct impacts on participants’ roles at Arizona Arts or College of Fine Arts. We produced summary and detailed reports containing de-identified aggregate results to create an action plan and measurable goals to improve the learning and working environments within Arizona Arts.

Why did you ask questions about demographic information?
One aim of the inclusive climate survey was to extend knowledge of the demographic make-up of Arizona Arts and the College of Fine Arts by utilizing categories and characteristics not currently included in the University’s student and employee databases.

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
You can email uart-equity@arizona.edu.

Throughout the spring 2024 semester, all members of Arizona Arts’ academic, presenting, and administrative units will be invited to participate in structured conversations about the survey results and to contribute to a collaborative visioning and action planning process. This process will be facilitated by unit leaders, including unit directors and diversity and inclusion committee co-chairs, with resources and coordination provided by the associate vice president for equity in the arts.

These activities will culminate in Arizona Arts’ first EDI Roadmap. We hope you join us in charting Arizona Arts’ unique path forward. Together we can ensure excellence in the arts is inclusive and reflective of the University of Arizona’s mission and values.

If you have any questions or would like to share feedback about the report, please email uart-equity@arizona.edu.

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