By Jamie Kerner

The University of Maryland launched a survey on Jan. 29 in order to better understand how its students, faculty and staff view the social and learning environments on campus.

The Campus Climate Survey, led by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, seeks to collect perspectives through an online, confidential questionnaire accessible only to university students, staff and faculty. The survey aims to facilitate the creation of a more “inclusive, diverse and safe” campus environment, according to the University of Maryland website.

Sophomore journalism major Samantha Caruso said the University of Maryland has created a progressive social environment, and the survey is a striking example of that.

“The University of Maryland set a new standard for tolerance and respect on college campuses,” Caruso said. “The administration preaches the importance of diversity and inclusion, which translates through to the actions of the students.”

The campus climate survey was developed by a third party that is working with the university. On its website, the university said partnering with an external group is the best way to ensure confidentiality and make students, faculty and staff comfortable enough to share their honest perspectives and experiences without fear of them being shared with anyone at the university.  

The university is offering incentives to stimulate participation. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win various prizes. The residence hall, Greek house, university athletic team and student organization with the highest participation rates will earn additional prizes.

Though he finds the incentives appealing, freshman psychology major Daniel Copland said he would participate regardless.

“I would most likely take the survey in my free time because I do care about the social environment and campus climate at UMD,” Copland said.

Christine Holm, the vice president of diversity and inclusion for the Panhellenic Association at the University of Maryland, said she struggled with, but appreciated the survey.

“I found the questions to be challenging and engaging because they asked questions that could be uncomfortable at times to answer,” Holm said.

Holm also said she believes in creating a climate where dissimilar people feel comfortable reaching out to one another.

“My hope for the social environment at our school is that we can learn to forge more relationships with people who have different views than we do,” she said. “The ability to mesh with someone who isn’t exactly similar to you creates opportunities for growth and maturity of the mind.”

The campus climate survey will close on February 28.