Abstract

The climate at universities affects students' education and well-being. A comfortable, non-discriminatory educational environment is associated with greater well-being and higher persistence and graduation rates, especially in STEM fields where women tend to be minorities and face less inclusive environments. This study examines perceptions of university climate from a gender perspective in the Computer Engineering program. 288 of 509 first- and second-year students reported both perceptions of educational climate and factors of gender discrimination and emotional well-being. The results show that women perceive more negative factors than men, with a significant difference in ‘mental health problems’ (34% more for women). Women also report a higher incidence of sexist comments and inappropriate behaviors. In addition, one in three women have considered giving up their career, compared to one in four men.