This unit will explore the use of data that is typically collected by institutions for other purposes (budgeting, state accountability, financial aid, etc.) that has a relationship to campus climate. These measures can serve as a substitute or proxy measure for campus climate – perhaps not as rich as conducting surveys and focus groups but easily available because these measures are already collected by the institution for accountability purposes. Much like the temperature light on the dashboard of your car, proxy measures can give you a quick indicator that you need to take a closer look at the campus environment. It is important to remember that campus climate influences an individual’s comfort at an institution or within a program, what is often referred to as “institutional fit.” As with other groups on campus, for persons with disabilities, a positive campus climate that facilitates institutional fit can make all the difference in whether students remain enrolled and eventually graduate from the institution (also known as persistence and retention).
