Sonoma State 2021 Climate Survey Results

Presenter: Gerardo Garcia

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Omayra Ortega

Department: Mathematics

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Connectivity and Community Engagement

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vn0br-7sQDEYQBwtb5iLP4XNordwzuB5

Abstract:
This study examined key campus demographics to determine whether Sonoma State University is effectively promoting diversity, social justice, and equity for all students. This survey serves to highlight the range of student views on academics, institutional services, and student relations on campus. Sonoma State’s first and most comprehensive climate survey was conducted in April 2021 and received more than 900+ responses. The data in this study is qualitative therefore, non-parametric tests, visualizations, and contingency tables were used to compare the results. A chi-square test was performed between generational status and “cost of attendance” and it was revealed that there was a significant difference in responses for both groups. In addition, it was found that 12% of the student sample population identifies a student with a disability. Students were also surveyed on how they pay for their education, and responses were compared between genders. A visual model was created to compare the distribution of gender and race in each academic major. The most impacted majors were predominantly “Caucasian” and “cisgender female”. Finally, students were asked about the level of integration between distinct races and the university's performance in promoting racial integration. Despite having many omitted responses in the survey data, most respondents’ sentiments reveal that Sonoma State is constructively promoting diversity, social justice, and equity. This analysis was completed by students in MATH 467 class.