According to a UW-Milwaukee campus climate survey, UWM is a positive place to be. Nearly 75 percent of those surveyed had not experienced a negative learning environment at the university.

The campus climate survey was created by the UWM Diversity Leadership Committee to determine notable factors in the UWM learning environment, as well as identify areas of improvement.

Michael Powell, associate Vice Chancellor and co-chairman of the UWM Diversity Leadership Committee, said the university planned to use the results of the survey to enhance the university’s strengths, and address changes that could be made, according to uwm.edu.

Only 9 percent of the students and faculty at the university participated in the survey. UWM officials said they were concerned the low participation could make it more difficult to generalize some results.

One-quarter of those surveyed did experience a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment. According to study statistics, women and people of color were more likely to be in this group. Lesbian, gay and transgendered individuals were more likely than heterosexuals to have a negative campus experience as well.

Among students, 79 percent of survey respondents were comfortable with the classroom climates they encountered on campus. Among faculty, 73 percent were “highly satisfied” or “satisfied” with their working environment.

The classroom environment must be positive if UWM’s diversity initiatives are to succeed, Powell said.

The campus climate surveys were taken in March by faculty and students at UWM. Five other UW institutions are participating in the climate survey, which was conducted by Rankin and Associates consulting firm.

Susan Rankin of Rankin and Associates did return calls from The Post seeking comment.