At the annual faculty meeting Thursday, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, announced the formation of a working group to address challenges identified by the University of Nebraska Climate Survey, the results of which were released this week.
The survey asked faculty, students and staff about such subjects as workplace and classroom satisfaction, diversity and inclusion, communication and stress.
"Although there are many areas that we were pleased with, the climate survey also illuminated areas we can and must address to do better," Dr. Gold said. "This working group is the first step in actively addressing the issues our faculty, students and staff have helped us identify to make UNMC a better place to work and study."
The survey was taken by University of Nebraska faculty, staff and students in fall 2021. See the survey results.
Dr. Gold emphasized that UNMC scored well, collectively, in the Gallup engagement hierarchy, reflecting ratings on growth, teamwork, individual contributions and basic needs. Still, he said, UNMC did not score as highly among some populations.
"There are high points, but there is work to do as well, especially in insuring we have a welcoming climate for all workers and learners," Dr. Gold said. "This working group is the first step in taking what we’ve learned from our students and employees and addressing their input to improve the UNMC experience to build the future for UNMC and for the communities we serve."
Among the survey’s more positive responses:
Among UNMC employees:
- 82% agree or strongly agree they are treated with respect
- 79% agree or strongly agree that their colleagues are committed to doing quality work
- 78% agree or strongly agree that their supervisor cares about them
- 75% agree or strongly agree UNMC is an open and trusting environment
Among UNMC students:
- 92% agree or strongly agree they are respected by other students
- 90% agree or strongly agree their studies will lead to a good job
- 88% agree or strongly agree they are challenged academically
- 80% agree or strongly agree they are respected by faculty