The Results
- Satisfaction with Campus Climate for Diversity and Equity - Lehigh’s overall score was 3.7 compared to 3.5 in 2022. The score ranged from 1 to 5, with 1 being very dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied. Lehigh’s results indicate that on average people were ambivalent to generally satisfied with the campus climate.
- Institutional Support for Diversity & Equity - Lehigh’s overall score was 3.4 which was unchanged from 2022.
- Experience of Insensitive or Disparaging Remarks - In this category and the next, low ratings are positive. The score ranged from 1 to 5, with 1 being never and 5 being very often. Lehigh’s overall score was 1.9. The result was slightly lower than in 2022 when the score was 2.0. On average, these remarks are perceived as rare.
- Experience of Discrimination or Harassment - Lehigh’s overall score was 1.7, down from 1.8 in 2022.
Participation rates were: 8% of undergraduate students, 12% of graduate students, 24% of faculty and 36% of staff and administrators. Results are collected via an email sent by a third-party administrator.
It’s one of Outing's goals to increase participation in the survey. There are multiple theories about why participation in such surveys is low, but it’s not an issue unique to Lehigh, he said.
Among the potential reasons is “survey fatigue” which occurs when respondents lose interest in completing surveys due to the number of surveys they receive or the amount of effort required to complete them. Outing said his office may consider administering the survey in a different way.
Lehigh’s scores were in line with those of other institutions of similar size. However, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and non-binary and/or transgender Lehigh students reported less satisfaction with the campus climate and less favorable perception of institutional support for diversity and equity than their peers at Lehigh.
While it’s true these groups had comparatively lower satisfaction levels with campus climate and institutional support for diversity, their scores still showed general satisfaction across key indicators.
“This suggests that while there is work to be done, progress is being made in creating a more inclusive environment and community of belonging,” Outing said. “We are committed to addressing these gaps by fostering initiatives and support systems aimed at ensuring every member of our campus community feels valued and supported.”
How Do You Measure Belonging?
During the town hall event, held both virtually and at the LTS Circle in Fairchild-Martindale Library, Outing explained why he is passionate about the “A Lehigh for Everyone” initiative.
The concept of belonging is more than just feeling welcome at Lehigh, Outing said.
“What we are really trying to do is establish a foundation upon which academic, social and personal success can be built, and when students, faculty and staff feel that they belong, they are more engaged, they’re more motivated and they’re more resilient,” Outing said.
A sense of belonging is also tied to higher academic outcomes and it reduces barriers to success. When it comes to assessing belonging and measuring success, Outing said, Lehigh relies on several other surveys to collect data in addition to the HEDS Campus Climate Survey.
They include the National Survey of Student Engagement, which measures first-year students’ sense of belonging. Results from this year’s survey include:
- 39% of students “strongly agreed” with the statement, “I feel comfortable being myself at this institution.” That’s compared to 30% who strongly agreed in 2021.
- About 56% of students agreed with the statement, “I feel valued by this institution,” compared to 48.2% in 2021.
- About 56% of students agreed with the statement, “I feel like part of the community at this institution, compared to 49% in 2021.
There’s also an annual “Life at Lehigh” survey administered by Student Affairs for undergraduate students. That survey showed that between 2021 to 2024 the average “sense of community” score grew from 3.3 to 3.9. The results are measured on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree.
That survey assesses students’ feelings about the Lehigh community by asking questions such as whether they feel Lehigh’s community helps them fulfill their needs, and it asks personal questions about their connection to the community, such as whether they have people to help them and to whom they can talk.
Lehigh recently received validation for its diversity work by being named a Diversity Champion and for the sixth consecutive year, received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, both from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
A Continued Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
During the town hall, Outing was asked if he anticipates Lehigh’s diversity work changing when a new federal administration takes over. He believes there could be an impact, but isn’t yet sure how extensive it may be.
“I think people have misconceptions about what diversity, inclusion and equity work is about. That’s why it’s important that we take the mic, if you will, and educate others about what this work really is and what it is not,” he said.
Outing said there’s the misconception that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can be divisive and put individuals into “silos” or certain categories, but “what we are doing is the opposite. Nothing can be further from the truth. Everyone is supported by this work.”
He anticipates diversity, equity and inclusion work could become more challenging, but is hopeful that he has communicated Lehigh’s continued commitment to it.
“As I told my team, as long as you see me standing before you here at Lehigh, this work will continue, because it’s a commitment from the institution,” he said.
