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ACIFA Climate Survey

Each year, ACIFA conducts a survey of its members across the province to obtain their views on working conditions and attitudes within their institutions.

The survey’s results are used to measure workplace climate over time and across institutions. The results help to inform faculty associations on emerging issues at their respective campuses. The results also provide an opportunity for faculty associations to discuss issues with their administrations.

The survey, which enjoys a relatively high participation rate, is self-administered and it consists of 13 standard questions (found to the right).

The survey asks academic staff members to indicate their level of agreement with the statements on a Likert Scale of 1 to 5. A response of 5 indicates strong agreement; a response of 1 indicates strong disagreement. A response of 3 is considered neutral.

Respondents are asked to answer the questions and return completed questionnaires back to their faculty associations before ACIFA tabulates all of the results. Respondents answer the survey anonymously.

A cross-institutional chart of the results of the 2006 Climate Survey appears opposite. Mean scores for two previous years are provided for purposes of comparison.

Thirteen Standard Climate Survey Questions

1. My institution demonstrates a strong commitment to improving my teaching skills.

2. My institution demonstrates a strong commitment to improving my discipline-specific knowledge.

3. I have enough time to attend to my professional development needs.

4. Senior administration communicates openly with faculty.

5. I am informed in a timely manner about important changes that affect me.

6. Input from faculty is sought AND seriously considered in decision-making at my institution.

7. Senior administration understands day-to-day challenges faced by instructors.

8. When making decisions, this institution refers to one or all of: a mission statement, a statement of goals, or a statement of values.

9. Outstanding performance by instructors is rewarded.

10. My institution demonstrates a strong commitment to my health and well being.

11. Academic council has a meaningful impact on academic decisions.

12. The president of this institution provides effective leadership.

13. I have the resources I need to do my job effectively.

Download the 2006 ACIFA Climate Survey Provincial Table, ProvincialTable06.pdf, to see the results.

The views expressed in Faculty Circuit are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect ACIFA’s policies and positions.

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