Campus Climate Survey

Campus Climate Survey

In June 2020, Northwestern Pritzker Law contracted with Rankin & Associates Consulting to conduct a study on the learning and working climate at our law school. Working with the Climate Survey Work Group, Rankin & Associates created a survey which was distributed to Northwestern Law students, staff, faculty and 2020 graduates. The survey took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time where we were working, teaching, and learning remotely. We would like to thank the Climate Survey Work Group for all of their contributions to this effort.

In October 2021, we received the results of the assessment from Rankin & Associates. The central administration recently approved our request to release the detailed executive summary of the report to members of our community. Faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students may use their network credentials to view the report: Northwestern Pritzker Law Climate Survey Report (pdf) 

Although the circumstances under which the survey was conducted were not ideal for an assessment of the learning and working climate, the report does nevertheless highlight areas where work is needed. We have indeed, already begun to take steps to address some of the concerns raised in the report. These steps include:

  • Advancing a major HR Initiative to ensure that we have best practices in hiring, promotion, and compensation. This is ongoing and has included implementing recommendations from a study by Deloitte Consulting with over 750 independent data points.

  • Conducting a national search for an Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement and committing to at least one additional professional position in Office of DEIE.

  • Developing and implementing additional concrete action grounded in active listening based on sessions with students, faculty, and staff.

  • Creating a new position and currently hiring a Law School-based staff psychologist.

While some concrete actions have already been taken, and more are underway, we acknowledge that we have more work to do. We are committed to doing so and look forward to developing additional steps together.

Time will be reserved in upcoming Information and Listening Sessions with students and staff and residential faculty meetings to address any questions regarding the report and discuss next steps. Should you have questions regarding the survey process or wish to view a hard copy of the executive summary of the report, please contact Mike Burns, Interim Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement.


— Dean Hari Osofsky and Interim Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement Mike Burns