Effective systems of communication and shared governance facilitate our efforts to advance excellence in research and teaching, as well as to support and encourage personal and professional growth.
Findings
The results of the 2016 COACHE survey indicated that Pitt ranks in the top third of our cohort comparison group with respect to support for research, and that nearly half of all Pitt faculty believe there is support for improving teaching. Results also indicated that 70% of Pitt faculty believe there are opportunities for collaboration within the department, and 65% believe there are opportunities for collaboration outside the department.
According to survey results in 2016, Pitt ranked in the top third of its comparison cohort group in terms of feeling that, overall, the shared governance system is effective, as well as believing that faculty and administration have both a shared sense of responsibility and equal say in decisions.
In terms of communication and transparency, 2016 results showed that Pitt also ranked in the top third of its cohort when it comes to perceived satisfaction with the pace of decision making, stated priorities, and the communication of priorities by the chancellor. It was also in the top third of its cohort when it comes to believing faculty and administration have an open system of communication and that the two parties can discuss difficult issues in good faith.
Steps Taken
To further strengthen transparency and open communication, the Office of the Provost introduced an e-newsletter to faculty. The inaugural e-newsletter was sent in late spring 2018 and continued to be sent once or twice a term. All e-newsletters are also posted on the Office of the Provost website under Faculty News. You will also find faculty-related news articles and others items of interest on that webpage.
We continue to update the faculty pages on the Office of the Provost website for content, accuracy, and transparency. A wealth of information is available on the Faculty Affairs, Development, and Diversity pages, including:
- Career and Professional Development for Faculty
- Faculty Guidelines and Processes
- Faculty News
- Recruiting, Retaining, and Recognizing Faculty
- University Policies, Procedures, and Resources