Colgate University
PAE-12: Employee Satisfaction Evaluation

In 2010, Colgate engaged the services of Baird Consulting and McKnight Associates to help develop and administer faculty and staff climate surveys. On March 28, 2011, surveys were distributed to all employees and responses went directly to Baird Consulting in order to maintain anonymity. Keeping the responses in the anonymous format, results were compiled and shared with the president’s staff in the fall of 2011. A Staff Climate Response Group was created to analyze survey results with an eye to building upon the success of the many positive findings and addressing issues that needed improvement. Bob Tyburski, Vice President, Senior Advisor, and Secretary to the Board, chaired the committee. Members represented a diverse cross-section of university operations and perspectives. Click here to see the full membership. Beginning in early 2012, the group met on a regular basis, focusing on themes that arose from both the survey and their discussions. They included: greater accountability and acknowledgement of achievements, staff communications, community and campus connections, “on-boarding” of new employees, professional development/training opportunities, and wellness. In July 2012, the Staff Climate Response Group presented a detailed report of findings and recommendations to President Herbst. While the report acknowledged many positive aspects of working at Colgate, it also was very candid about areas of concern that it had identified, and made specific suggestions for improvement. The report also acknowledged that since the survey was completed, a number of programs and actions had already been implemented that were viewed as positive steps. The group has been extremely encouraged by the institutional commitment made by President Herbst and the senior administration to the campus survey and their report. Throughout the fall, the group met twice with the president, followed by several discussions among president’s staff members about the report’s recommendations. After much thought and consideration, President Herbst responded to committee members with an outline of actions already underway and plans for the future.