Pat Oldt, vice president for Planning and Equity, shared the results of the 2005 diversity survey -- taken in the spring by students, faculty and staff members -- before faculty and staff October 26 in the Cook-DeWitt Center. Korrie Ottenwess, research manager at the Community Research Institute of the Johnson Center, helped analyze the numbers.
Oldt said overall most people feel comfortable at Grand Valley. Minority groups and people who identified themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered felt less accepted. The results are posted online at www.gvsu.edu/affirmative (click on Diversity Survey).
Oldt said that President Mark A. Murray requested a survey that focused on personal characteristics like sexual orientation and beliefs surrounding religion and politics. Questioned centered around climate, negative treatment and perception of Grand Valley's commitment to diversity.
"The survey is a snapshot of people's voices at that point," she said.
Oliver Wilson, dean of Multicultural Affairs, said the survey was the right step to address "preexisting conditions" at the university. He said the Intercultural Advisory Council is studying this issue.
"We do intend to see what we can do to make this a better place for all," he said.
