The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that Advance at UNM is conducting a comprehensive climate survey. The objective of this survey is to augment programs for recruiting, retaining, and supporting faculty members. The results, which are expected to be available in the fall, will provide insights into faculty well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release by UNM, the forthcoming Advance climate survey will deliver aggregated results to academic leadership, thereby informing strategies to support and retain faculty. Scheduled for completion before the end of the Spring 2024 semester, the survey provides participants with the option to skip questions and ensures de-identified data. It also commits not to release disaggregated information unless anonymity can be maintained.
Lisa Marchiondo, an associate professor of management at Anderson School of Management, highlighted the importance of this survey. "This survey is a key mechanism through which faculty can express their voice to UNM administrators. By knowing what is going well and what needs improvement, we can bolster institutional climate," said Marchiondo.
Marchiondo further emphasized on monitoring changes in faculty well-being and perceptions of climate as crucial elements for understanding effective policies and practices. "Tracking changes in faculty well-being and perceptions of climate is essential for understanding which policies and practices are effective and which new endeavors should be pursued to support faculty. We’re grateful to faculty who participate and shape the future of UNM," she stated.
Advance at UNM is a five-year initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It aims at advancing women and minority faculty in STEM fields at UNM. According to information provided by UNM on the Advance at UNM About webpage, the project's objectives include fostering a more inclusive institutional climate; enhancing representation of women, particularly minority women in STEM leadership roles; improving satisfaction and perceptions of fairness in tenure and promotion processes for women in STEM; increasing overall numbers of women, especially minority women, across STEM departments; and elevating national and international recognition of scholarship by all women STEM faculty at UNM.
