SURVEYS
The Gender Equity Plan Task Force (Task Force) was pleased to receive permission from nationally renowned Title IX expert, Dr. Christine Grant, and her associate, Amy Wilson, of the University of Iowa to use their questionnaire which was created in spring 2005.
This questionnaire’s authors prepared it with the mindset that NCAA Certification is an opportunity for reflection-an endeavor that is often difficult in the hectic-paced environment of an athletic department. The questionnaire was distributed and completed by all head coaches of men’s and women’s sports at Fresno State who fully participated; thus, the Task Force was much more certain that they were evaluating gender equity from a department wide perspective. The questionnaire was also adapted and then distributed to members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and other selected athletes representing all sports both men’s and women’s. The student responses were further input to assist the Task Force in evaluating gender equity among the various sports. The goal of the questionnaires was to provide the Task Force with a multitude of specific data; thus, allowing for there to be an in-depth review of gender equity.
The use of the surveys by the Task Force was a further demonstration of a genuine effort on its part to evaluate a university’s current state of gender equity. A commitment to gender equity requires asking meaningful questions, and even more importantly, presenting the results in a straightforward and comprehensive manner that will create the most favorable environment for improvement.