In the spring of 2016, the University partnered with the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) to survey non-clinical, full-time tenured, tenure stream and non-tenure stream faculty about their level of job satisfaction. Nearly half of Pitt’s faculty responded, providing valuable insight about how they feel about working at the University.

Based on results from that 2016 faculty survey, the provost’s office worked collaboratively with faculty and administrators across the University to develop an array of programming to directly address areas in which responses from Pitt faculty regarding satisfaction lagged those of other institutions — including the clarity of tenure policies and expectations and the process for being promoted to full professor.

Additionally, in areas where faculty responses were higher than colleagues at other institutions — including the nature of work (research and service), health and retirement benefits, collaboration and mentoring and governance — the provost’s office sought to bolster resources and programming.

And now, Laurie Kirsch, vice provost for faculty affairs, development and diversity, hopes that

faculty will take this year’s survey to share not only feedback about the resources developed to address the 2016 concerns, but also to help identify new opportunities for continued development and growth.

Kirsch explained that the initial survey provided both a benchmark for Pitt’s standing among faculty and a comparison against other COACHE-participating institutions. This year’s results can provide additional insights into whether faculty felt those efforts were effective.

“Change takes time,” said Kirsch. “The programs have been well received … I’m curious whether three years is enough to see change, and what further improvements we could make to further faculty satisfaction, efficacy and excellence.”

About the survey

The COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey has been used at more than 250 colleges and universities and asks participants about the faculty experience. Specifically, topics including leadership development, mentoring, teaching, tenure and promotion processes and other aspects of their positions are addressed.

In 2016, 45 percent of eligible faculty responded to the survey, a number that Kirsch hopes to increase this year.

All  non-clinical, full-time tenured, tenure stream and non-tenure stream faculty are asked to take the survey. Links to the survey were sent out via email directly from COACHE to eligible faculty on Feb. 13 with instructions on how to complete the survey. The survey will close in early April and Kirsch said results are expected in August.

Read more about this year’s survey in University Times.