Diverse Learning Environments (DLE) Survey

The DLE is a national survey designed to capture student perceptions of institutional climate, learning outcomes, and campus practices as experienced with faculty, staff, and peers.

In 2017, over 4,000 Rutgers University–New Brunswick undergraduate students completed the DLE survey. Rutgers–New Brunswick is a diverse environment where students are encouraged to expand their viewpoints through intercultural understanding and engagement. An inclusive community ensures all students are able to grow and learn successfully.

Survey Highlights

College is a time for students to reflect on who they are...

18.6% often think about their sexual orientation

30.9% often think about their gender

39.3% often think about their economic status

55.6% recognize their own biases

... and engage others on important issues

42.1% challenge others on issues of discrimination

45.5% make an effort to educate others about social issues

47.8% frequently discuss sexism, gender differences, or gender equality

Campus leaders can provide sources of support for diversity

80.7% believe administrators speak about the value of diversity

45.3% are satisfied with the administrative response to incidents of discrimination (39.8% responded neutral)

Diversity courses and centers offer spaces for students to learn...

56% had a course with intensive dialogue between students of different backgrounds or beliefs

72.6% took a course about gender

78.7% took an ethnic studies course

76.2% took a course about socioeconomic class differences

66.8% took a course about privilege

59.7% took a course with readings about sexual orientations

48.4% took a course about disabilities

41.7% attended an event or program organized by at least one of the Cultural Centers

...While trying to foster inclusive environments

52.4% are satisfied with the atmosphere for political differences

63.2% are satisfied with respect for the expression of diverse beliefs

64.2% are satisfied with respect for the expression of sexual orientation

30.4% feel that Rutgers–New Brunswick has a lot of racial tension

...Which may inspire students' long-term goals of becoming engaged community leaders

45.1% want to become a community leader

74.5% want to promote racial understanding

74.7% want to correct social and economic inequities