Climate Survey Related to Campus Culture and Community
The University of Michigan contracted with Rankin Climate, an external, independent firm, to administer the Climate Survey Related to Campus Culture and Community in March 2026 as part of our continued commitment to fostering an environment free of discrimination and harassment.
The survey was offered to a representative, randomly selected sample of students, faculty, and staff across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, including Michigan Medicine. The survey is now closed, and the data is being analyzed.
The survey asked about perceptions and experiences of the campus community related to discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin, including actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.
Survey participation was voluntary, responses are confidential, and results will be reported only in aggregate by Rankin Climate. Data will be used for university planning and assessment purposes, to help strengthen our community, and inform future initiatives.
Results will be shared with the broader community in Fall 2026. Read more in the University Record.
If you need support or have concerns about harassment, discrimination, or related retaliation, visit:
Timeline
Survey Launch
March 2026
Data Collection
Spring 2026
Data Analysis
Summer 2026
Share Results
Fall 2026
Survey Advisory Group
- Anlyn Addis, Title VI Coordinator, ECRT
- Laura Blake Jones, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Student Life
- Kelly Cruz, Associate General Counsel, Office of the Vice President and General Counsel
- Dana Elger, Communications Manager, ECRT
- Susan Ernst, Director of Gynecology & Sexual Health, University Health & Counseling and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Michigan Medicine
- Christine Gerdes, Special Counsel to the Provost and Associate General Counsel, Office of the Provost
- David J. Luke, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Access and Opportunity, UM-Flint
- Andrea McDaniel, Director and Title IX Coordinator, ECRT – Dearborn
- Devon Redmond, Project Intermediate Manager, Office of the President
- Rachel Roth Sawatzky, Assistant Director of PEAR, ECRT
- Lynnetta Smith, Director of Awards, Committees and Projects, Office of the President
- Tami Strickman, Special Advisor to the President and Executive Director, ECRT
- Tim Wood, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources
FAQ
Who was invited to participate in the survey?
Who was invited to participate in the survey?
A representative, randomly selected sample of students, faculty, staff, and postdocs from U-M Ann Arbor, UM-Dearborn, UM-Flint, and Michigan Medicine received an invitation to participate.
How was the survey administered?
How was the survey administered?
U-M partnered with Rankin Climate, an external and independent campus climate assessment firm. Participants received an email invitation to participate directly from Rankin Climate.
Notice: As of April 2026, Rankin Climate has rebranded to Interwoven Insights. More information is available on their website.
Is my participation confidential and anonymous?
Is my participation confidential and anonymous?
Yes. Confidentiality is a top priority. All responses are completely anonymous. The information you shared cannot be linked to your identity in any way—including your name, U-M ID, email address, IP address, or location—by Rankin Climate, the University of Michigan, or any other group or individual.
What types of questions were asked?
What types of questions were asked?
The survey included questions about demographic information, your role at the university, experiences at U-M related to campus culture and community, perceptions of respect and inclusion, exposure to harassment or discrimination based on identity, and your awareness of relevant university resources. Except for two brief eligibility questions at the beginning of the survey, all questions were optional.
How will the data be used?
How will the data be used?
Survey results will help university leadership better understand campus culture and identify opportunities to strengthen our community. Findings will inform strategic planning, policy development, and targeted initiatives to foster inclusive and respectful environments across all U-M locations.
When will results be available?
When will results be available?
Results are expected to be shared with the U-M community in Fall 2026.
Was there compensation for survey participation?
Was there compensation for survey participation?
Ann Arbor and Michigan Medicine: All participants who completed the survey were offered a $15 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and input.
Dearborn and Flint: Students who completed the survey were offered a $15 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and input.
Who can I contact if I didn’t receive my gift card?
Who can I contact if I didn’t receive my gift card?
For questions about the survey incentives, contact Rankin Climate (now Interwoven Insights) directly at [email protected].
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For questions about the survey instrument or participation, contact Rankin Climate directly at [email protected]. For questions about the overall initiative, contact [email protected].
Did the U-M Institutional Review Boards (IRB) review this study?
Did the U-M Institutional Review Boards (IRB) review this study?
The survey protocol was reviewed by the University of Michigan’s IRB. The application was given a “Not Regulated” determination, which means the IRB determined the survey was not human subjects research and, therefore, no IRB approval or oversight is required. The IRB considered the survey to be “Not Regulated” because it is a quality assurance and quality improvement activity with the intent of improving university services or programs.