Faculty Survey results show progress, areas to improve

August 24, 2007

Colleagues:

Below please find the results of our third Faculty Survey. The questions within the survey have remained the same over the years so that we can measure changes.

In 2005, we expanded the population of faculty surveyed to include our county extension faculty, P.K. Yonge faculty and assistant and associate in titles. We have held the population constant for the 2007 survey. As you will note, the return rate has increased steadily, growing to 55 percent this year. The response rate is an encouraging sign and shows the utility of the survey.

As in past years, the results of the survey reveal areas of progress and other areas needing attention.

In looking at the results from this year’s survey, we see that we have made progress in eight of the 15 categories: Benefits, Working Relationships, University Image, Strategy & Direction, Recognition & Reward, Engagement, Career Development and Resources & Efficiency.

The most significant area of reported improvement is in the area of Benefits. The increase in satisfaction with Benefits can be linked to a combination of improved administration and communication regarding our plans as well as new offerings.

Two areas remained at the same reported levels as they did in the last survey: Faculty-Administration Relations and Quality of Life. In addition, the results show a decline in the areas of Diversity, Communication, Empowerment, Leadership and Reaction to the Survey. These areas demand additional attention from me and our entire community.

With the results of three surveys, we have included this year a comparison across all three measurement periods. I am pleased to report that the survey results indicate improvements in 14 of the 15 categories from the first survey in 2004. Although these results are encouraging, we must recognize that there is much work to do especially as we enter into a most challenging chapter in the life of the university.

Please take the time to review the results of this year’s survey and reflect upon the reported changes over the past several years. We need to celebrate our successes and identify strategies that will allow us to improve in all areas identified in the survey.

Thank you for your ongoing contributions and service to the University of Florida.

Sincerely,

J. Bernard Machen

2007 Faculty Survey (PDF, 4 MB)

2005 Faculty Survey (PDF, 425 KB)

2004 Faculty Survey (PDF, 3.5 MB)