Special Report: Campus Climate
“Climate is the way it feels to be here, the way people interact with each other,” says Provost Peter Spear. “It’s the working and learning environment of the university. It translates to students, faculty and staff being valued and respected regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, job class, ability/disability or any other characteristic that makes us different.” The challenge, Spear says, has been in developing policies and initiatives that address an issue that is manifested in so many different ways. Spear recently fielded questions from Wisconsin Week staff on the climate improvement effort.