Kansas State University releases results from first comprehensive climate survey
Thursday, April 30, 2015
MANHATTAN — Results from a universitywide climate survey released April 29 show that a high number of overall respondents — 84 percent — are comfortable or very comfortable with the climate at Kansas State University. Climate was defined as the current attitudes, behaviors and standards of faculty, staff and students regarding the level of respect for individual needs, abilities and potential.
Conducted in fall 2014, the survey was the university's first comprehensive climate assessment available to all faculty, staff and students and included all campuses — Manhattan, Salina, Olathe and Global — as well as K-State Research and Extension. Results will assist Kansas State University in its ongoing quest to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025.
"K-State is committed to providing an environment that is respectful, welcoming and accessible to all," said Kirk Schulz, university president. "Of course, a primary purpose of the survey is to help identify areas in which we can improve. We're pleased with the positive response, but we still have work to do and look forward to working together on those issues identified."
In conjunction with the university's visionary plan K-State 2025, the survey gathered a wide variety of data related to institutional climate, inclusion and work-life balance.
A large number of student respondents — 80 percent — reported a positive academic experience at Kansas State University. Some areas identified for improvement related to members of constituent groups who reported they were affected differently based on position, racial or sexual identity. Another area for improvement is overall compensation, as nearly half — 46 percent — of faculty and staff respondents have considered leaving the university because of salary and/or benefits.
More than 7,400 people responded to the survey during the period it was open, Oct. 14 to Nov. 19, 2014, for an overall response rate of 25 percent. The survey was administered by Rankin & Associates Consulting, an external firm, in coordination with a university climate survey committee representing the university's campuses, leadership and governance groups.
"I especially appreciate the high level of collaboration among Faculty Senate, University Support Staff Senate, undergraduate and graduate students, and many others to successfully complete this important initiative," said April Mason, university provost and senior vice president. "We look forward to faculty, staff and students reviewing results and developing action plans for the future. This will serve as a great benchmark for future surveys as we continue to measure our progress in creating the kind of environment envisioned by K-State 2025 and the university community."
An executive summary and full survey report are available at http://www.k-state.edu/climatesurvey.
