One of the stated values of the Division of Student Life is inclusion. We value a community that respects all its members while working toward creating a sense of mattering and belonging. But what happens when that social fabric suffers a rip or tear when a Volunteer experiences something that makes them feel less than welcome?
Enter the Campus Climate Impact Committee.
The campus climate should affirm the dignity of all and encourage the exchange of ideas through discourse in every aspect of campus life. Formerly UT’s Bias Education Response Team, this committee now has a broader scope and assists members of the university community affected by campus climate concerns through outreach, support, and education.
A campus climate concern is an action or incident, either intentional or unintentional, that may discriminate against, stereotype, exclude, or harm anyone in our community. Concerns may stem from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, or bias, and may affect one’s ability to learn and thrive on campus. Campus climate concerns could be anything from vandalism or damaging property to bigotry or racial slurs to bullying and ridiculing a person’s accent. And while the committee is not a disciplinary body, behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct is referred to appropriate offices.
“Anytime there’s a campus climate concern, our goal is to provide student-focused and compassionate care on all sides of the situation,” says Ciara Gazaway, program director for inclusive excellence in the Office of the Dean of Students. “For many students, being on a college campus is their first experience interacting closely with people who come from backgrounds or have lifestyles different than their own. And sometimes it can be challenging to know how to engage others with respect. That’s where we come in to simply have a conversation with students on both sides to help them thrive in their relationships with other students on campus.”
One aspect of Gazaway’s role is ensuring students who report campus climate concerns feel comfortable attending class and persisting at UT.
“At UT, students are learning and growing, developing potentials and skills they never knew existed in themselves,” says Byron Hughes, dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for Student Life. “They can’t reach their full potential if they don’t feel like they matter and belong on campus.”
Gazaway adds that the Campus Climate Impact Committee also provides educational workshops and presentations to campus groups or classes, and she hopes that having conversations with students will support not only their personal growth but campus community growth as well.
“At UT, students explore opportunities on campus that help them understand what belonging means, and how it impacts their community,” adds Hughes. “We all have a responsibility to welcome others, and this committee can help guide students in determining how to handle campus climate concerns when they arise.”
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a campus climate concern can call 911 or report online at studentlife.utk.edu/campusclimate if concerns are not an immediate threat.