African American Students\u27 Perceptions of the Campus Climate at Eastern Illinois University

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate African American undergraduate students\u27 perceptions of the campus racial climate at Eastern Illinois University. Quantitative research was utilized through the use of the TOCAR Collaborative Campus Climate Survey. The survey addressed perceptions of campus climate, perceptions of campus racial climate, perceptions of academic experiences, and specific experiences that the students have undergone that have contributed to their overall perception of the campus climate. Findings showed that African American undergraduates perceived the campus climate at Eastern Illinois University to be somewhat welcoming. The data revealed that African American students would like the university to recruit more faculty, staff, and students of color. Participants voiced they would like to have more programming around diversity and for students of color to have more voice in campus wide decision making. The findings of this study are followed by recommendations for future research and recommendations for institutional leadership