Gonzaga University's Campus Climate Committee works to maintain the Jesuit tradition of community by recognizing Gonzaga's diversity in an attempt improve the relationships among students and staff.
A meeting held by the Campus Climate Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 18 called Rich Zags, Poor Zags (and Somewhere In-Between) was a combination of data presentations and discussions regarding current socio-economics on campus, according to Dr. Molly Pepper, associate professor of management.
The purpose of the meeting, often called Town Hall meetings was to raise the awareness of the social issues, regarding socio-economics on the Gonzaga campus and give students the opportunity to discuss their perspectives on the issue.
The Town Hall meeting was the result of two years' worth of student surveys meant to gauge the campus climate, according to Pepper.
"The purpose of the surveys is to find any negative climate factors that need to be addressed," said. Pepper.
The Campus Climate Committee's purpose is to improve the relations among students and faculty by reviewing and discussing the results of the surveys. The main goal is to create an environment on campus where students can be themselves.
The meeting had two parts. The first part was a presentation of quotes from student surveys and hard data on financial aid by the Campus Climate Committee. The second half was a discussion about students' experiences.
According to Jim White, dean of financial aid, 96 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid, while 73 percent receive need-based grants. Also, 70.7 percent of students who graduate borrowed an average of $23,522.
The goal of the data collected by White was used to show students the wide variety of social classes among our students and create a sense of community between the different classes instead of alienate them.
"Research finds that a negative campus climate hurts students academically and prevents them from developing a sense of belonging on campus," said Pepper.
The students that attended the meeting had mixed feelings towards the effectiveness of the presentation and discussions. Some students found the session informative and interesting, while others would have liked the committee to delve deeper into the subject. Also, some students were disappointed that other students were there for extra credit, according to Pepper.
The topics that students discussed ranged from stereotypes about Gonzaga, opportunities at Gonzaga that are impacted by the socio-economic status and how to continue the discussion outside of the meeting.
Some students discussed that students who work have a disadvantage because they have to work after school, so they cannot devote as much time to opportunities offered at Gonzaga, both academically and socially.
"You might not have the time outside of class because you are working," said junior Anthony Galvan.
The Campus Climate Committee plans to create another survey for students about perceptions of the campus climate and follow with another meeting based on the results of the survey.
"The committee also just finished a survey of the staff perceptions of campus climate, so the committee will be presenting those results to the staff," Pepper said.
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