ASER periodically develops and conducts topical surveys of the wider UMass campus community. Click on a survey name to learn more about it.
What are the challenges of creating a respectful and inclusive campus environment?
Gathers data to support University academic, research, and campus initiatives that promote sustainable living practices.
Campus Climate Survey
Survey Design
The Campus Climate Survey (CSS) was sponsored by the university’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) and conducted by ASER. The survey instrument included a set of core questions about campus climate perceptions and experiences at UMass Amherst, and items about social identity aspects. Additional sets of questions were tailored to each of four target populations (undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty). The survey also incorporated two main open-ended questions to gather details about participants’ experiences at the university and specific suggestions for ways to improve the campus climate.
Survey Methods
In fall 2021, all UMass Amherst students and employees (N=34,052) were invited to participate in the CCS to help the university better understand the challenges of creating a respectful and inclusive campus environment.
The following current reports are available on the OEI website:
- CCS 2021: Background and Methods
- CCS 2021: Sense of Belonging
- CCS 2021: Feelings of Connection and Friendships
- CCS 2021: Perceptions of the Campus Climate
- CCS 2021: Classroom Climate for Students and Instructors
- CCS 2021: Workplace Environment
Sustainability Survey
Survey Design
At the request of the School of Earth and Sustainability, ASER surveyed UMass Amherst undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty to support the University's planning for sustainability. The collaboratively developed survey instrument asked students for their input regarding key areas of academics, research, creative work, extension, and engagement. These survey results are intended to inform campus priorities and programming, including the development of new academic programs and course offerings.
Survey Methods
ASER administered the survey in fall 2023. Survey invitations were sent via email to 5,972 undergraduates and 13,825 graduate students, faculty, and professional staff. To encourage and facilitate participation in the confidential survey, up to three reminders were sent to non-participants. The final response rates were 22.6% (n=1,352) for undergraduates and 11.6% (n = 1603) for graduate students, faculty, and staff.