Campus Climate
Students on Campus
What is a bias-related incident
Campus climate is not about the
local weather. “Climate” on a college campus is a term
that is used to discuss our environment related to the inclusive
nature of our campus. If you turn to your trusty Webster, you’ll
find that
‘campus’ means the grounds of a university, college, or
school. One definition of climate is the prevailing environmental conditions
characterizing a group – or - “the prevailing conditions
that characterize our university.”
Campus Climate – it’s not a new term. We have seen this
term in the world of higher education for years. It feels like most
members of our community know what we mean when we discuss climate,
but occasionally, students will stop and ask – climate? What
do you mean by that? So, a word of caution as we enter conversation
with others – we need to be sure when we start dialog about campus
climate that we make no assumptions about the
meaning of the phrase.
To simplify even more – campus climate – the events, messages,
symbols, core beliefs, feelings, and so, so much more - which make
this a welcoming environment – or not - for all.
What is the Campus Climate Team?
VT Students on Campus
The Campus Climate Team was formalized spring
of 2000 and began as a group appointed
by the Vice President for Student Affairs
with the purpose of “addressing incidents
that might have an adverse impact on student life.” The Dean
of Students was given the charge for leadership and oversight of
the Team. Over time, the Dean of Students staff received additional
interest from members of the community to participate on this team.
Since fall semester
’01, membership on the team has been open to those who wish to
participate and the formal appointment is no longer necessary.
The agenda for the Team meetings includes a summary of bias-motivated incidents
that have been reported and reports from committees or departments responsible
for climate related projects and events.
The Campus Climate Team meets monthly.
What is the Campus Climate Check-Up?
The “Check-Up” is an event held each semester to assess how we are doing as a community related to campus climate. The program includes progress reports from various campus departments and organizations, climate discussion among participants, and an educational component. This event is coordinated by the Student Life Office staff, with committee oversight from the Campus Climate Team.
What
is a bias-related incident?
Virginia Tech defines a bias-related incident as any action that expresses hatred or bias because of someone’s actual or perceived race, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity, and therefore affects an entire class of people.