Reports

The UNC Board of Governors commissioned a student survey to better understand the student experience related to free expression and constructive dialogue on campus and in the classroom. The initial report was called: Free Expression and Constructive Dialogue in the UNC System.

• Faculty-led study initiated at UNC-CH in 2019 by Dr. Timothy J. Ryan and co-PIs.
  • March 2, 2020
  • September 15, 2021
• Expanded to eight UNC System constituent institutions, including UNC Charlotte, in 2022
  • March 17, 2022
  • Summary of Findings (Kim Buch)
    • Students generally do not perceive faculty as pushing political agendas.
    • Students do express concern over campus climate for free speech–not due to faculty pressures, but due to other students.
    • Conservative students report more concerns about free speech than liberal or moderate students.
    • Students across the political spectrum want more opportunities to engage with those who think differently.
    • Students want to engage in dialogues outside the classroom in informal settings.