An anonymous survey, launching tomorrow, will invite the Grand Valley State University community to give answers to questions about what it is like to learn, live and work at the university. The myGVSU Survey will serve as the fourth campus climate study since 1994 and will aim to determine what changes could be made to make GVSU a better and more inclusive environment.

The survey, which will be open for participation until the Feb. 14, will feature questions on work, student life, the campus environment and on-campus bias incidents or prejudice, among other topics. A committee comprised of both faculty and students has been meeting every two weeks to select which questions will appear on the survey. Statistics professor and study co-chair Neal Rogness said the survey should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

“We’re seeking input from the Grand Valley community and that includes students,” he said. “We’re wanting people to tell us what life is like at the university and we’re taking that temperature, so to speak, of the community… It’s critical that we know how we’re doing from a student perspective.”

Those who complete the survey will be given a chance to register for a variety of prizes, including an iPad, restaurant gift certificates and dinner and a performance of the Broadway musical “Grease” with President and Mrs. Haas.

“I strongly encourage you to participate in this anonymous survey,” President Haas said in a letter. “As we begin our next 50 years, it is an important time in Grand Valley’s history, and your voice is more important and valued than ever… I look forward to making my voice heard and know that together we can make Grand Valley an even more welcoming, inclusive, and successful university.”

The survey results will then be collected and analyzed by Sue Rankin and Associates, a data consulting firm. Rogness said he hopes that following the initial data analysis, a new “action-based committee” will be formed to react to the data results and determine what types of changes can be made to the campus environment.

Vice president for Inclusion and Equity and study co-chair Jeanne Arnold said results of the survey will be reported to the campus community next year.

“We want everyone to know that this is a very transparent study,” she said in a press release.

Tables will be set up across campus this week to encourage students to take the survey. For more information about myGVSU, please visit www.gvsu.edu/mygvsu.

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