Inside Iowa State

May 1, 2009

ISU remains a great place to learn

by Paula Van Brocklin

The University Life Survey results are in and the news is good. Slightly more than 89 percent of the faculty, staff and students who responded to the online survey in February think ISU is a great place to learn. Across the board, the 2009 results are similar to the 2007 survey results.

The 20-question survey was tied to Iowa State's 2005-10 strategic plan, making sure the university is on the mark with its priority of making Iowa State a great place to learn and work.

By the numbers

Of the 29,115 faculty, staff and students who received the survey, 5,886 answered the questions for a response rate of about 20 percent. In 2007, 4,879 employees and students responded for a 16.7 percent response rate.

More women (54.9 percent) than men (45.1 percent) responded, and undergraduate students (38.8 percent) accounted for the most responses, followed by professional and scientific staff (25.3 percent) and faculty (14 percent). The merit staff response was 9.4 percent and graduate students came in with an 11 percent response.

Respondents also identified their top three of nine university life sub goals. The goals chosen in 2009 were the same as those in 2007:

Recruit and retain faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to individual and organizational excellence and achievement

Foster an environment in which all members of the university community can contribute their fullest while pursuing satisfying personal lives

Achieve a sustainable balance between responsibilities and resources that will allow the university to efficiently and effectively realize its vision

More to come

With a 2011 strategic plan forthcoming, expect another survey.

"We'll probably do a similar survey in the future that is directly tied to the new strategic plan," said Melanie Smith, program assistant in the executive vice president and provost's office.

More information

Details of the 2009 university life survey results are available online. The executive vice president and provost's office also will hold meetings in the fall for employees who wish to learn more about the survey.

Survey highlights

Selected responses. Numbers are rounded percentages and indicate respondents who agreed or strongly agreed with the statement.

1. ISU is a great place to learn

	2009	2007
Faculty	83	78
Merit	88	83
P&S	89	86
Grad students	88	87
Undergrads	93	87

2. ISU fosters an environment in which I can manage both a productive professional life and satisfying personal life

	2009	2007
Faculty	56	51
Merit	73	69
P&S	70	67
Grad students	63	67
Undergrads	79	75

3. ISU provides you with resources to efficiently and effectively carry out your responsibilities

	2009	2007
Faculty	48	38
Merit	69	61
P&S	60	51
Grad students	68	69
Undergrads	81	78

4. ISU recruits and retains faculty and staff who are dedicated to excellence

	2009	2007
Faculty	68	57
Merit	59	55
P&S	69	60
Grad students	70	69
Undergrads	76	68

An online survey of faculty, staff and students gauged how ISU was meeting its strategic plan priority to make Iowa State a great place to learn and work.