Stu Cleek, associate dean for residence life, Westmont College, will present “Campus Racial Climate and Sense of Belonging at Bluffton University and Beyond” for Forum at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Yoder Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public. 

As a doctoral student at the Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, Cleek is completing a multi-institutional study that examines the perceptions of campus racial climate and sense of belonging by race/ethnicity, sex, religiosity and faith fit. 

He will present the results of a campus climate survey taken by Bluffton students in November 2016 and will also share initial findings of the entire study. 

The presentation will focus on action steps for individuals and communities that will foster learning and growth to make campuses safer and welcoming to all.  

Cleek has been the associate dean for residence life at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., since 1999. He serves on the college’s strategic planning team, President’s Council, the Situation Readiness and Response Team, and chairs the Student Care Team.