Chabot College Student Satisfaction Survey: Fall 2005
Highlights
Changes in Campus Climate: Fall 1997 to Fall 2005
      'Campus climate' refers to the ambience or atmosphere of a college—how welcome, respected, valued, and safe students
and staff feel on the campus.  Respect for and tolerance of differences contribute to a positive campus climate.   Students'
perception of a positive campus climate and a respect for differences increased significantly between 1997 and 2001.  Now
in 2005, students report a less positive campus climate than in 2001.  However, levels of respect for differences remain at
the high 2001 levels.  Why was the campus climate so positive in 2001?

     The 2001 survey was conducted one month after the September 11th attacks on the U.S.  During that month, Staff
Development and other campus offices provided forums and  support to counteract any reactions of racism among the campus
community. These forums and support services could have increased the level of tolerance and  understanding among
students.  In addition, students and staff could have reacted to 9/11 with an immediate sense of appreciation for their lives,
including their life at Chabot.  In any case, the campus has retained those levels  of respect for differences that were
fostered then, while the more general campus climate has returned to 1997 levels.

      The Fall 2005 Student Satisfaction Survey was conducted in a representative sample of 75 course sections during
mid-October.  Surveys were completed by 1,605 students (62% full-time and 38% part-time).