Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey
Since 2014, WPI has been a regular participant in the COACHE faculty job satisfaction survey as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. Our process engages faculty governance, faculty-at-large, the President, Provost, Deans, Department Heads, and other stakeholders in making sense of the data and acting on it. COACHE data were the primary driver in a major effort to reform our Associate-to-Full promotion system to recognize and reward a broader of faculty work, for faculty on and off the tenure track. Data compiled as part of our ADVANCE grant show that changes in policy and practices are making a difference.
WPI participated in the survey in spring 2021 to monitor progress and to identify current strengths and weaknesses. We are using the data to initiate conversations and take actions toward our goal of making WPI a place where all faculty members thrive.
In fall 2021, a faculty Steering Committee was formed to lead the first phase of communication and engagement in the data: engaging the community in the top-level survey findings, starting initial conversations, and recommending priority areas for additional inquiry and action based on top-level survey results and community input.
Faculty Retention and Exit Survey
WPI is also partnering with COACHE from 2021-2023 to participate in a first-of-its-kind national study of faculty departures and retentions.