Campus Climate Assessments: Limitations of Siloing Sexual Violence and Diversity Surveys

Climate surveys are common tools for assessing and improving the experience at institutions of higher education. However, methodological limitations currently exist as assessment tools tend to be siloed with climate surveys assessing sexual misconduct on campus generally failing to assess issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and vice versa. As a result of this siloing, institutions of higher education possess a limited ability to notice and address patterns of injustice and inequity that cut across campus climate domains. This review summarizes the limitations of siloing sexual misconduct and diversity and inclusion climate assessments and provides a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of utilizing a comprehensive approach to assessing campus climate. From this framework we derive theoretical and practical recommendations for researchers and practitioners to advance scholarship and guide institutional research, planning, and practice.