Northland College
PA-12: Assessing Employee Satisfaction

Northland participates in the Chronicle of Higher Education's Great College's to Work For annual survey. Component Two of Northland’s Institutional Assessment Plan calls for an Institutional Culture Assessment to be conducted every three years. After consideration of several different approaches to our Institutional Culture Assessment, including discussion with Northland’s Assessment Council, a decision was made to use the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges” survey for this project. Additionally, processes are being put in place to have enhanced employee feedback and involvement related to educational components of benefits provided through the College. Currently, an Ad Hoc Health Insurance Committee has begun work on information sharing regarding offerings and costs associated with this benefit offered.

Results of the survey are shared with employees. Staff Council, which is made up of all regular staff members employed by the College, have reviewed the information and developed workgroups to address the top four areas identified within the survey. These workgroups have been up and running for the past year and continue to work on progress towards improvement in identified areas. In addition, Northland provides other follow-up opportunities to respond to the concerns raised in the survey, including: reinvigorating the planning, budget, and assessment councils to improve communication; creating listening/work sessions to brainstorm about ways to improve college working conditions; and soliciting feedback through ongoing anonymous means. The staff council and Human Resources provides: professional development, staff appreciation and recognition, and improving communication.