The fifth myGVSU Campus Climate survey opens this Thursday at Grand Valley State University. Students, faculty and staff are asked to answer the short survey any time between Nov. 12 and Nov. 22.

According to the website, the purpose of this survey is to collect data and measure “the real or perceived quality of interpersonal, academic and professional interactions on a campus.” This is especially important when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

You may be wondering why you should take time from your schedule to complete yet another survey. However, there are actually many good reasons to participate. 

This year’s survey will take considerably less time than in previous years (if you were here in 2011, you remember the headache). With 10 to 15 minutes between classes, on the bus or in line at Panda Express, you will have enough time to take this year’s Campus Climate survey.   

The survey will also allow you to take your time, by providing an option to save your progress and return later. If you start taking the survey and realize you’re late for something, you can finish up at a more convenient time.

The Campus Climate survey is a way to let policy makers at GVSU to know what’s going on. It’s a way for them to help discover and solve problems on campus.  

The last Campus Climate survey ran in 2011 and produced fairly immediate results. It led to the creation of multiple identity centers and policy changes that directly affect students, faculty and staff. Four years later, GVSU still uses the data collected in 2011 to influence administrative action.

This can, therefore, be an important way to have your voice heard. One of the most common complaints about GVSU is its lack of diversity, and this survey provides an outlet where Lakers can detail their experiences on campus, good or bad. These voices led to the creation of new services on campus the last time the survey was conducted, so make sure you’ve taken your chance to share your opinions and have them make a difference this time around. 

An opportunity to help sculpt the campus environment that you will live in for the next few years is one you shouldn’t pass up. 

If these reasons aren’t enough, everyone who takes the survey will have the opportunity to win prizes. A few lucky students will receive sizeable tuition grants. Faculty will be eligible for research or professional development grants, and staff can win a professional development grant. That’s money you don’t have to pay back, and all you did was answer some questions. 

Set a reminder in your phone, write it on your giant wall calendar, put a sign on your fridge or do whatever you need to do so you remember the myGVSU Campus Climate survey. 

Starting Nov. 12, administrators will send the survey link and other information to everyone with a GVSU email account. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity of raising your voice to leave a lasting impact at GVSU.