A Utah law adopted during the 2024 legislative session has transformed the way state colleges and universities provide student services, recruit faculty and engage with the community around them.
A statutorily required annual campus expression climate survey for students, faculty and staff across the Utah System of Higher Education institutions (see Utah Code 53H-1-504(6)) assesses how well state universities have implemented HB 261—a law limiting traditional efforts to build diversity and requiring institutions to broaden their approach for all students, regardless of “personal identity characteristics.” The law included a requirement that USHE track perceptions of freedom of expression on Utah’s campuses after the implementation of the legislation.
The University of Utah has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct the campus perception survey to better understand the experiences of students, faculty and staff.
This study is crucial as it helps us make informed decisions that enhance our learning environment and community. Your feedback will directly contribute to ongoing improvements and ensure that your voice is heard in shaping our future.
An invitation to complete the survey will be sent to you via email by Hanover Research on Monday, April 6. The email will be sent from surveys@qemailserver.com, with the following subject line: “Share your thoughts with USHE.” If you do not receive an invitation from Hanover Research by Wednesday, April 8, please be sure to check your junk/spam folder for the invitation or reach out to jottwein@hanoverresearch.com for assistance.
As a token of our appreciation, the first 75 students who complete the survey will receive a $10 gift card to a store of their choice. Students who aren’t among the first 75 will still have a chance to win one of five $50 gift cards through a raffle at the end of the survey.
Please note that Hanover Research, as an objective third party, will maintain the confidentiality of all respondents. They will only report the results in aggregate to the university, ensuring that your individual responses remain anonymous.
“We encourage every member of the campus community to participate in this survey,” said Brian Nicholls, the university’s director of compliance. “This is one of the most effective ways that students, staff and faculty can share their feedback about the impacts of HB 261 on our campus.”
Once all the survey data is gathered and analyzed throughout the spring semester, USHE will compile a report to state lawmakers.
Please keep an eye out for the survey!