The four sample instruments can be completed all at one time or they can be completed individually at different times with different audiences. The most efficient manner of administration is to conduct the assessment in a large group format, such as a course offering or an assembly of persons focused upon a common purpose. The instruments can be administered in a room with a proctor or they can be mailed/electronically sent to individuals or groups for completion and return.
Each instrument should take no more than five or ten minutes to complete – if respondents ask for clarification or examples of a response to a specific item, tell them to apply their own understanding of the wording of the item (you are not measuring the test proctor’s perception of the item). Respondents are being asked for their initial, intuitive impression of how they feel about an item, not a detailed analysis of their thinking about an item. Be sure to collect the instruments as respondents complete them so as to avoid second-guessing, and allow no more than fifteen minutes per instrument (unless additional time is necessary as an accommodation).
Possible Venues for Administration:
- Orientations:
Administering the instruments at new faculty and student orientations can be an effective data collection strategy because of the large group context. Though there may not be enough time for attendees to complete each instrument because of full orientation agendas, orientations have the advantage of being held at least annually, and therefore, scores from one year to the next can be compared.
- Trainings:
As with orientations, regular faculty trainings and brown bag lunches can be an effective data collection strategy because of the large group context. Moreover, taking and evaluating these instruments or discussing their results can be a great way to introduce the topic of disability awareness or diversity and to provide professional development on accommodations, Universal Design, and strategies for ensuring full curricular access for all students. Individual departments and Disability Support Services (DSS) offices may want to utilize the instruments in workshops, trainings, or meetings to attain and provide information about the larger campus climate and microclimates.
- Classes:
Professors have the option of using the climate assessment instruments in their classes. They may want to modify the instruments for the climate of their specific classes, departments, or colleges, but they can model them on the instruments shared in this unit.
