Saint Mary's College of California
PA-13: Assessing Employee Satisfaction

The Office of Institutional Research administers annual Campus Climate Surveys for students, staff and faculty. Beginning in 2016, an annual USES (Undergraduate Student Experience Survey) replaced the Student Climate Survey. USES is a comprehensive survey that analyzes results by student demographics to assess a variety of undergraduate experience indicators.

Both the faculty and staff Climate Survey and the Undergraduate Student Experience Survey for students is available to everyone through an internal link. The link is pushed out through multiple channels including emails, newsletters, at staff and academic council meetings, etc.

Results of the Campus Climate Survey/USES are shared broadly to the campus community of faculty, staff and students. In addition to presentations to the Staff Council and the Academic Senate, Institutional Research has presented the results during Faculty Day and Staff Day in the early Fall and offered a presentation to all students during Community Time. As the College review’s survey results, it identifies the areas of greatest concern and delegates review of concerns, suggestions, feedback to appropriate committees. For example, the College Committee on Inclusive Excellence reviews items relating to the work environment, experiences of perceived bias or discrimination, and access to resources. Other committees that might receive information include the President's Cabinet, the Council of Deans, the Campus Deans and Directors, Student Success Committee. Committees are asked to develop a plan of action to address the issue of concern.

This survey is not merely a diversity assessment. Categories and questions in this survey include “The Working Environment” (e.g., Do you agree with the following statements: “female faculty receive the same level of support as male faculty”, “faculty morale is good on this campus”, “I feel supported by my dean”, etc.) and “Job Satisfaction” (e.g., Do you agree with the following statements: “Satisfied with aspect of your job including teaching load, class size, office space, etc”, “I have adequate advice on tenure and promotion”, “my service to the college is rewarded by my department” etc.)

As mentioned in PA 6, due to COVID, we have been unable to administer this survey in the past three years; therefore, we do not have a more recent assessment than the one referenced.