CECE SURVEYS

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CECE Surveys at a Glance

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There are currently five distinct CECE surveys that measure critical aspects of optimally inclusive campus environments, including:

Although the National Institute for Transformation and Equity also conducts traditional climate and diversity assessments for institutions around the nation, the CECE surveys are not traditional climate surveys. They go beyond identification of problems and provide evidence-based tools for campuses that want to focus on what they need to do in order to cultivate inclusive institutions. The CECE surveys are research-based and focused on measuring the most critical elements of an optimally inclusive campus environment. The CECE indicators that are measured by the surveys…

  • Center on the positive elements of the campus environment that need to be nurtured to move toward greater inclusion, rather than the challenges that exist within the climate.
  • Are based on over 20 years of empirical research on what contributes to diverse populations thriving in higher education.
  • Provide a common vision for campuses to advance diversity and inclusion efforts.
  • Focus attention on the most critical environmental factors that facilitate success (e.g., learning, development, and persistence) among diverse populations.
  • Can be integrated into a wide range of policies, programs, curricula, spaces, practices, and activities throughout the entire campus.

The length of the CECE surveys have intentionally been minimized to maximize participation rates. The CECE surveys take an average of 13-14 minutes to complete in one sitting. Although response rates vary drastically from institution to institution, response rates have been as high as 45% at some campuses.

The CECE surveys…

  • Create dialogue that is centered on the things that matter most when serving diverse populations.
  • Diagnose their campus environments from an inclusion and equity perspective.
  • Identify where these environments can be improved.
  • Develop plans to cultivate more inclusive and equitable environments.
  • Create environments that maximize success among all people regardless of their backgrounds and identities.

The CECE indicators…

  • Are generated from the actual perspectives of diverse populations, and knowledge about the factors that contribute to their thriving in higher education
  • Provide a more nuanced understanding of what inclusive excellence or equitable environments look like in actual programming and practice
  • Can be integrated into a wide range of spaces, curricula, programs, and practices across college and university campuses
Note: The CECE Survey also measures several other variables, including demographics (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, family income, parents’ education), precollege factors (e.g., academic preparation), academic dispositions (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy, intent to persist), sense of belonging, academic performance, and learning outcomes.