Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Executive Summary
The following document contains the results of the spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey. This survey was
developed, administered, and analyzed by the Division of Institutional Planning, Assessment, and
Research. This survey is administered online annually in the spring semester to WSSU faculty. In the
past, the survey was designed to collect information about the functioning of specific
divisions/departments. The purpose of the 2010 survey was to assess the overall campus climate and to
measure some of the goals put forth in the university’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan.
One hundred and two individuals completed the survey. Forty-three percent (43.1%) of the respondents
indicated that they worked in the College of Arts and Sciences. Other areas represented included the
School of Business and Economics (9.8%), the School of Education and Human Performance (15.7%),
and the School of Health Sciences (31.4%). More than half of respondents (67.6%) reported that they
had worked at WSSU for six years or less. Thirty-nine percent of the respondents (39.0%) indicated that
their current academic rank was assistant professor. Less than half of the respondents (41.8%) indicated
that their professional status at WSSU was tenure track. The majority of respondents (73.5%) indicated
that they taught 7-24 hours in the 2009-2010 academic year. Two percent (2.0%) indicated that they did
not teach in the 2009-2010 academic year. Less than nine percent (8.8%) taught 1-6 hours. Slightly over
fifteen percent (15.7%) taught more than 24 hours in the 2009-2010 academic year. The majority of
respondents (98.0%) reported that they did not hold an administrative appointment above the department
head level.
Results were positive in the areas of physical environment, work climate, and co-curricular activities.
Over half of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that WSSU provided a safe environment (72.5%)
and the physical environment contributed to an atmosphere for effective learning by students (67.6%).
Faculty reported satisfaction with the working relationships among the staff, faculty, and upper
administration. Eighty-three percent of the respondents (83.3%) agreed or strongly agreed that the
working relationships between faculty and staff were satisfactory. In comparison, over half of the
respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the relationships were satisfactory with upper administration
(65.7%) and other faculty within their unit (61.8%).The majority of respondents (77.4%) agreed or
strongly agreed the co-curricular activities at WSSU supported academic goals.
Results were mixed for the questions regarding the emphasis that WSSU places on quality work from
the administrators, support staff, students, and faculty. Faculty tended to rate themselves in a more
positive manner than they rated administrators, support staff, and students. More specifically, less than
fifty percent of the respondents indicated that the WSSU culture emphasizes quality work from
administrators (43.1%), support staff (37.3%) and students (43.1%) most of the time or almost always.
In contrast, more than seventy percent (71.6%) of respondents reported that WSSU culture emphasizes
quality work from faculty most of the time or almost always.
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Topics that received less positive ratings were inclusive governance, leadership and engagement,
branding and resources. Less than half of respondents felt that WSSU upper administration did a good or
excellent job in providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and/or students to be involved in the decisionmaking process (33.3%). Only twenty-nine percent of the respondents (29.0%) thought WSSU was
known quite a bit or very much for a distinctive brand of leadership in most learning experiences and
activities sponsored by the university. Low levels of satisfaction were noted with staffing, supplies,
equipment, computer resources, and physical facilities. More specifically, less than half of the
respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the university provides adequate staff (47.0%), faculty
position (49.1%), supplies (47.5%), equipment (47.0%), computer resources (50.0%), and physical
facilities (42.2%) to support their work unit.
Overall, the results of the survey were positive and indicate that the campus climate is supportive of the
needs of the WSSU faculty. Nonetheless, the survey did help identify particular areas that may require
additional attention. Results suggest that the upper administration should focus more on ensuring
decision-making between all levels is more transparent. Greater attention should be made to ensure all
parties are represented in the decision-making process. A follow-up should be made to further
investigate the underlying reasons for the low ratings and high levels of dissatisfaction on items related
to resources, branding, leadership, and inclusive governance.
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section A: General Information
1. Select the academic program which best describes your educational training.
# of responses
Educational Training
5
Biology
2
Business Administration
7
Chemistry
2
Computer Science
2
Elementary Education(MEd)
4
English
2
Exercise Science
2
Finance
2
Gerontology
2
History
4
Mass Communications
4
Mathematics
2
Computer Science and Information Technology (MCST)
2
Middle Grades Education
2
Management Information Systems (MIS)
3
Music Education
11
Nursing
7
Nursing(MSN)
6
Physical Therapy(MPT)
2
Political Science
2
Social Studies Education
4
Spanish
2
Therapeutic Recreation
17
Other
98
Total
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Percent
5.1%
2.0%
7.1%
2.0%
2.0%
4.1%
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
4.1%
4.1%
2.0%
2.0%
2.0%
3.1%
11.2%
7.1%
6.1%
2.0%
2.0%
4.1%
2.0%
17.3%
100.0%
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
2. Please identify the school/college in which you work.
Faculty's Work College/School
(N=102)
College of Arts and Science
43.1%
School of Business and Economics
9.8%
School of Education and Human
Performance
15.7%
School of Health Sciences
31.4%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Percent of responses
3. Number of years employed at WSSU.
Employed's Years at WSSU
(N=102)
6.9% 3.9%
3.9%
0 - 6 (67.6%)
17.6%
7 - 12 (17.6%)
67.6%
13 - 18 (3.9%)
19 - 24 (6.9%)
more than 24 (3.9%)
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
4. Faculty status at WSSU.
Faculty's Status
(N=102)
Percent of responses
100%
90.2%
80%
60%
40%
20%
9.8%
0%
Full-time
Part-time
Status
5. Please identify your gender.
Gender (N=98)
Percent of responses
100%
80%
63.3%
60%
35.7%
40%
20%
0%
Female
Male
Gender
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
6. Please identify your current academic rank.
Faculty's Current Academic Rank
(N=100)
14.0%
4.0%
Assistant Professor (39.0%)
39.0%
Associate Professor (20.0%)
23.0%
Instructor (23.0%)
Lecturer (4.0%)
20.0%
Professor (14.0%)
7. Professional status at WSSU.
Professional Status at WSSU
(N=98)
Percent of responses
100%
80%
60%
41.8%
40%
27.6%
30.6%
Fixed Term
Tenured
20%
0%
Tenure Track
Professional Status
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
8. Hours taught in 2009- 2010 Academic Year.
Hours Taught in 2009-2010 Academic Year
(N=102)
Percent of responses
100%
80%
60%
39.2%
40%
20%
2.0%
34.3%
15.7%
8.8%
0%
0
1-6
7 - 15
16 - 24
more than 24
Hours
9. Do you currently hold an administrative appointment above the department head level?
Percent of responses
Do you currently hold an administrative appointment
above the department head level?
(N=101)
100%
98.0%
80%
60%
40%
20%
2.0%
0%
No
Yes
Responses
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section B. Work Climate
Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements.
# of
Don't
Strongly
Questions
Disagree Agree
responses know
disagree
1. The number of faculty in my
department is adequate to get the
102
2.9%
18.6%
36.3%
40.2%
job done.
Questions
In general, working relationships are satisfactory between:
# of
Don't
Strongly
Disagree Agree
responses know
disagree
2. Faculty and Staff.
3. Faculty in my department and
the school/college administration.
4. Faculty at Winston-Salem
State University as a whole and
the upper administration in the
university.
5. Overall, I am satisfied with the
organizational structure of my
school/college.
2.0%
Strongly
agree
102
1.0%
3.9%
11.8%
57.8%
25.5%
102
6.9%
13.7%
17.6%
47.1%
14.7%
102
8.8%
7.8%
17.6%
61.8%
3.9%
102
3.9%
11.8%
20.6%
55.9%
7.8%
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Strongly
agree
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section C. Resources
Questions
In order to support my work unit, the university provides adequate...
# of
Don't
Strongly
Disagree Agree
responses know
disagree
Strongly
agree
1. Staff.
102
2.9%
19.6%
30.4%
43.1%
3.9%
2. Faculty positions.
102
2.0%
11.8%
37.3%
47.1%
2.0%
3. Supplies.
101
0.0%
16.8%
35.6%
46.5%
1.0%
4. Equipment.
102
1.0%
17.6%
34.3%
43.1%
3.9%
5. Computer resources.
102
0.0%
16.7%
33.3%
47.1%
2.9%
6. Physical facilities.
102
3.9%
21.6%
32.4%
41.2%
1.0%
7. Salaries to attract capable
faculty to my department.
102
9.8%
9.8%
20.6%
57.8%
2.0%
101
7.9%
10.9%
27.7%
51.5%
2.0%
101
17.8%
8.9%
23.8%
48.5%
1.0%
# of
responses
Don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
102
21.6%
11.8%
13.7%
47.1%
5.9%
102
25.5%
9.8%
18.6%
41.2%
4.9%
102
16.7%
6.9%
22.5%
48.0%
5.9%
102
41.2%
4.9%
13.7%
36.3%
3.9%
8. Salaries to retain capable
faculty in my department.
9. Overall, the university applies
funding resources consistent with
the institutional priorities.
Section D. Business Process
Questions
1. Hiring practices at the
university are fair.
2. Promotion and tenure
procedures are fair and equitable
in my department.
3. My department uses the results
of evaluations for guidance in
improving faculty performance.
4. Grievance procedures are
adequate and contain appropriate
safeguards for the protection of
personal and civil rights.
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section E. Physical Environment
Questions
1. I believe that the physical
environment at WSSU
contributes to an atmosphere for
effective learning by students.
2. WSSU provides a safe
environment (sound building
structures, adequate sidewalks,
adequate lighting) for all
members of the campus
community.
3. WSSU provides a secure
environment for all members of
the community.
4. The university provides
sufficient space conducive to
informal cultural and intellectual
exchanges.
5. The campus has a variety of
spaces to encourage student
learning.
# of
responses
Don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
102
2.0%
5.9%
24.5%
62.7%
4.9%
102
2.9%
4.9%
19.6%
67.6%
4.9%
102
7.8%
2.0%
18.6%
68.6%
2.9%
102
11.8%
8.8%
31.4%
44.1%
3.9%
102
5.9%
8.8%
24.5%
56.9%
3.9%
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section F. Development and Support
Questions
1. My attempts to become a more
effective professional are
supported by my department.
Questions
# of
responses
Don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
102
2.9%
8.8%
14.7%
52.9%
20.6%
To what extent do you feel that the WSSU culture emphasizes
quality work from the following groups:
Most of
# of
Don’t
Almost Some of
the
responses know
never
the time
time
2. Administrators
102
5.9%
9.8%
41.2%
23.5%
19.6%
3. Faculty
102
0.0%
2.9%
25.5%
52.0%
19.6%
4. Support staff
102
3.9%
8.8%
50.0%
31.4%
5.9%
5. Students
102
0.0%
7.8%
49.0%
34.3%
8.8%
To what extent do you feel that the WSSU values professional development
and contributions outside of the classroom in the form of?
Most of
# of
Don't
Almost Some of
Questions
the
responses know
never
the time
time
6. Providing faculty development
102
2.0%
2.0%
22.5%
51.0%
workshops and seminars.
7. Attendance at professional
102
4.9%
8.8%
40.2%
35.3%
meetings/conferences.
8. Research support (e.g.,
administrative support, release
101
9.9%
32.7%
30.7%
21.8%
time, teaching load conducive to
research, etc).
Questions
9. Overall, I am satisfied with the
value WSSU places on my
development and contributions.
Almost
always
22.5%
10.8%
5.0%
# of
responses
Don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
102
8.8%
6.9%
24.5%
55.9%
3.9%
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Almost
always
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section G. Branding
Questions
1. To what extent do you think
WSSU has a distinctive brand of
leadership and service that are
evident in most learning
experiences and activities
sponsored by the university?
# of
responses
Don’t
know
Very
little
Some
Quite a
bit
Very
much
100
9.0%
14.0%
48.0%
18.0%
11.0%
Section H. Inclusive Governance, Leadership and Engagement
In your opinion, how well does WSSU upper administration do each of the following:
# of
Don't
Questions
Poor
Fair
Good Excellent
responses know
1. Listen to concerns of faculty in
102
9.8%
20.6%
30.4%
31.4%
7.8%
your department.
2. Give a straight answer when
102
8.8%
16.7%
36.3%
28.4%
9.8%
asked a reasonable question.
3. Establish clear priorities for
102
6.9%
10.8%
26.5%
35.3%
20.6%
the university.
4. Make decisions transparent to
102
6.9%
23.5%
30.4%
29.4%
9.8%
the university community.
5. Provide opportunities for
faculty, staff and/or students to
102
6.9%
18.6%
41.2%
23.5%
9.8%
be involved in the decision
making process.
6. Overall, how well does WSSU
upper administration do in the
areas of transparency of decision
making, communications
102
8.8%
21.6%
34.3%
27.5%
7.8%
between all levels of decision
making, and providing
opportunities for all to be
represented in decision making?
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section I. Co-Curricular Activities
To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
Questions
1. Co-curricular activities at
WSSU (organizations, special
speakers, cultural performances,
campus publications, student
government, fraternity or
sorority, intercollegiate or
intramural sports) support
academic goals.
# of
responses
Don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
102
11.8%
2.0%
8.8%
57.8%
19.6%
Section J. Community Service
How many WSSU-related community outreach projects have you participated in the last year?
Questions
# of responses
0
1-2
3 or more
1. Academic (e.g. Adult Learning
Symposium)
2. Cultural (e.g, Diggs Gallery
Exhibitions)
100
32.4%
45.1%
22.5%
99
44.0%
48.0%
8.0%
3. Athletic (e.g., Track Meets)
99
57.6%
32.3%
10.1%
4. Govemance (e.g., Staff Senate)
101
39.6%
31.7%
28.7%
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010
Spring 2010 WSSU Faculty Survey
(N=102)
Section K. Customer Service
1. In your opinion, which one area or office has provided you with superior customer service?
Areas
# of responses
O'Kelly Library
10
Academic affairs – Provost office
10
CETL
7
Human resources
6
Note: Data is only reported for the units that received 5 or more responses.
2. In your opinion, which one area or office needs to improve their customer service?
Areas
# of responses
Financial Aid
15
Registrar's Office
13
Human Resources
10
Note: Data is only reported for the units that received 5 or more responses.
Prepared by Institutional Planning, Assessment, and Research
June 3, 2010