Two of the students who are members of the campus climate study
committee said their involvement means an opportunity to create
positive change at Grand Valley.
Samantha Schenk, a graduate student majoring in education, said
she considers the survey a vehicle for institutional awareness and change.
The myGVSU Survey will be offered online, with some paper
distribution, February 1-14 to students, faculty and staff members.
This is the fourth internally driven climate study in Grand Valley’s history.
Schenk said the committee worked hard to create awareness and
educate the campus community, particularly students, about the survey.
Past student response rates on climate surveys has hovered around 20
percent. “With awareness, buy-in and support from faculty and staff
and students, I believe we can get a high response rate among
students,” Schenk said.
Larry Hamlet, a communications graduate student, said some
students may think the survey has nothing to do with their campus
experiences. “That is not the case,” he said. “We can all help make
Grand Valley a more welcoming and inclusive campus. Everyone has an
opportunity to make their voices heard, but they have to take the survey.”
Schenk, who works as an assistant living center director, said
she’s enjoyed being an active committee member. “I see the autonomy
among faculty and staff to share ideas and perspectives in a
supportive environment. As a new professional, I greatly value that in
a work setting.”
More information about the survey is online at www.gvsu.edu/mygvsu.
