2026 Campus Climate Survey
About the Survey
From April 7–24, 2026, Sonoma State conducted its third campus climate survey in six years, following surveys in 2021 and 2023. The University administered the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Campus Climate Survey to students, faculty, staff, and administrators. The survey assessed campus climate, belonging, institutional commitment to diversity and equity, experiences of discrimination and harassment, and interactions among people from different backgrounds.
An advisory committee recommended the HEDS survey based on its established methodology, standardized analysis, opportunities for comparison with other institutions, and flexibility to include Sonoma State-specific questions. A total of 1,120 campus community members participated, representing an overall response rate of 19%, including 12% of students and 26% of employees.
The survey took place during a period of leadership transitions, budget reductions, layoffs, program changes, and enrollment challenges. These circumstances provide context for understanding campus experiences, although the survey does not establish their effects on individual responses.
Survey Results
Key Findings at a Glance
The survey findings highlight institutional strengths, areas for improvement, and differences in how students and employees experience campus climate, belonging, and institutional support.
Campus Climate and Belonging
- 74% of students and 60% of employees rated the overall campus climate positively. Both groups reported a stronger sense of personal belonging than they perceived across the campus community.
Institutional Commitment
- Perceptions of institutional commitment to diversity and equity were mixed, with employees generally reporting less favorable views than students. 57% of students and 49% of employees agreed that Sonoma State responds effectively when concerns about equity are raised.
Insensitive Remarks, Discrimination, and Harassment
24% of employees and 15% of students reported experiencing discrimination or harassment. Reported experiences also varied across demographic groups, highlighting the importance of examining differences within the campus community.
Institutional Strengths
Students expressed positive perceptions of welcoming campus spaces (82%), support for basic needs (78%), teaching practices that support students from diverse backgrounds (77%), and Sonoma State's commitment to serving historically underserved students as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (77%).
Explore the Full Survey Results
The following reports provide additional information about the survey findings, including quantitative results and perspectives shared through open-ended responses.
- 2026 Campus Climate Survey Executive Summary — An overview of key findings, institutional strengths, demographic differences, and opportunities for improvement.
- 2025–2026 Campus Climate Survey Report — Comprehensive findings, including demographic analyses and comparisons with other institutions.
- Spring 2026 Open-Ended Response Thematic Analysis — Themes related to campus community, belonging, and barriers to reporting discrimination and harassment.
These findings reflect the experiences of survey respondents and may not represent the entire campus community.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Campus Climate Survey findings will help inform institutional priorities, planning, and efforts to strengthen recruitment, belonging, and campus experiences. As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, the University will continue sharing findings with campus constituencies, including Staff Council, Associated Students, Academic Senate, and faculty and staff affinity associations. These conversations will provide opportunities to examine the results, identify areas for improvement, and consider how the findings can inform institutional decision-making.
This work will continue through cross-campus programming, focus groups, and smaller opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with the data, strengthen dialogue, and build community. Guided by the California State University's Student Success Framework, these efforts will emphasize equity, collaboration, transparency, and data-informed decision-making. The publication of the survey results marks the beginning of continued engagement and collective efforts to strengthen our campus community.
Additional Information & Resources
Support and Reporting
The survey was anonymous, so individual responses cannot be used for follow-up. To report discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, or to learn about available resources and supportive measures, contact the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination (OPHD) at 707-664-4140 or ophd@sonoma.edu.
Confidential support is available through Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at 707-664-2153 and the Confidential Advocate at douglask@sonoma.edu.
Survey Questions and Data Requests
For general survey questions, contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging at diversity@sonoma.edu. Requests for additional data or analysis can be submitted through the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Data Request Form, subject to privacy and confidentiality considerations.
Previous Campus Climate Surveys