2005-2006 Faculty/Staff Survey Results

OVERVIEW
From November 23, to December 15, 2005, all faculty and staff at Tri-County Technical College were surveyed by the Institutional Research Department.  The survey was focused on providing data to support the College's upcoming SACS reaffirmation as well as several major College initiatives. The areas covered include the College’s facilities and grounds, library, academic advising, health and well-being topics, and instructional styles.  

The survey was web-based and participation was solicited by sending an individual email to all College personnel followed by a reminder email to non-respondents.  

A total of 463 individuals were invited to participate, 293 responded, 6 declined to participate, and 164 did not respond. The overall response rate was approximately 63%. The survey was designed to present questions based on participants' answers during the survey, so not all questions were asked of all participants. 

The summary below presents the overall results for all respondents. For all rating questions, the percentage selecting a particular answer is presented followed in parentheses by the percentage of the total that number represents. Numbers in bold represent the most common answer for a given question. The response average is calculated by assigning a number to each possible answer and the number assigned increases as you read from left to right. For example, if the answer scale reads Very Uncomfortable, Uncomfortable, Comfortable, and Very Comfortable reading from left to right, Very Uncomfortable would have a value of 1 and Very Comfortable would have a value of 4.  The average response is calculated by adding up all the numbers and dividing by the total number of respondents to the question.

 

1. Are you:
  Response Percent Response Total
    Teaching faculty (curriculum or non-curriculum)
 49.8% 146
    Non-teaching faculty
 2.7% 8
    Staff/administration
 43.7% 128
    Both teaching faculty and staff/administration
 3.8% 11
Total Respondents   293
(skipped this question)   0
2. Are you:
  Response Percent Response Total
    Full-time
 72.4% 212
    Part-time or adjunct
 27.6% 81
Total Respondents   293
(skipped this question)   0
3. Please indicate the approximate number of years you have worked at Tri-County Technical College
  Response Percent Response Total
    Less than 1 year
 14.3% 42
    1-3
 23.9% 70
    3-6
 17.7% 52
    6-9
 9.9% 29
    9-12
 4.4% 13
    12-15
 7.5% 22
    15-18
 8.9% 26
    18-20
 3.8% 11
    More than 20 years
 9.6% 28
Total Respondents   293
(skipped this question)   0
4. In which division do you work?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Academic Support Services
 3.4% 10
    Administration
 3.4% 10
    Arts and Sciences
 25.6% 75
    Business and Public Services
 13% 38
    Continuing Education
 9.9% 29
    Finance and Administrative Services
 7.2% 21
    Health Education
 9.9% 29
    Industrial and Engineering Technology
 5.8% 17
    Information Technology
 4.1% 12
    Institutional Advancement
 4.1% 12
    Student Affairs
 13.7% 40
Total Respondents   293
(skipped this question)   0
5. What type of courses do you teach primarily?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Curriculum
 88.2% 127
    Non-Curriculum
 11.8% 17
Total Respondents   144
(skipped this question)   149
6. Please indicate your years of teaching experience (include primary, secondary, and curriculum/non-curriculum post-secondary experience)
  Response Percent Response Total
    0-2
 17.4% 25
    2-5
 23.6% 34
    5-10
 10.4% 15
    10-20
 27.8% 40
    Over 20 years
 20.8% 30
Total Respondents   144
(skipped this question)   149
7. Please indicate your years of higher education teaching experience (curriculum/non-curriculum)
  Response Percent Response Total
    0-2
 23.8% 34
    2-5
 26.6% 38
    5-10
 16.8% 24
    10-20
 21.7% 31
    Over 20 years
 11.2% 16
Total Respondents   143
(skipped this question)   150
8. Please indicate your years of community college teaching experience (curriculum/non-curriculum)
  Response Percent Response Total
    0-2
 26.6% 38
    2-5
 28% 40
    5-10
 17.5% 25
    10-20
 19.6% 28
    Over 20 years
 8.4% 12
Total Respondents   143
(skipped this question)   150
9. Please indicate your gender
  Response Percent Response Total
    Female
 52.8% 75
    Male
 47.2% 67
Total Respondents   142
(skipped this question)   151
10. Please indicate your age range
  Response Percent Response Total
    Less than 25
 2.8% 4
    25-34
 18.8% 27
    35-44
 20.8% 30
    45-54
 27.1% 39
    55-64
 27.8% 40
    65 or older
 2.8% 4
Total Respondents   144
(skipped this question)   149
11. Please indicate the average number of courses you teach per academic term
  Response Percent Response Total
    1
 11.1% 16
    2
 15.3% 22
    3
 17.4% 25
    4
 15.3% 22
    5
 29.9% 43
    6
 2.1% 3
    More than 6
 9% 13
Total Respondents   144
(skipped this question)   149
12. Which of the following best describes your proficiency with each type of teaching and learning strategy?
None Novice Intermediate Advanced Response Average
Lecturing
1% (2) 9% (12) 47% (66) 43% (60) 3.31
Modified lecturing using active learning (pausing for retention; think, pair, share; etc.)
4% (5) 11% (15) 58% (81) 27% (38) 3.09
Cooperative/group learning using discussion
6% (8) 16% (23) 52% (74) 26% (37) 2.99
Team-based learning
12% (16) 25% (35) 46% (63) 17% (24) 2.69
Cooperative/group learning using problem solving
6% (8) 25% (35) 47% (66) 22% (30) 2.85
Peer teaching
25% (35) 30% (42) 33% (46) 11% (15) 2.30
Debates
45% (61) 28% (38) 20% (27) 8% (11) 1.91
Questioning and discussion
4% (6) 11% (15) 48% (67) 37% (51) 3.17
Computer-based instruction
17% (24) 26% (36) 33% (46) 23% (32) 2.62
Writing in class
19% (26) 24% (33) 39% (53) 18% (25) 2.56
Total Respondents   142
(skipped this question)   151
13. How often per ACADEMIC TERM do you use each of the following teaching and learning strategies for instruction/student interaction in a typical course?
Never 1-4 sessions 5 -8 sessions Over 8 sessions Response Average
Lecturing
4% (6) 10% (14) 17% (24) 69% (96) 3.50
Modified lecturing using active learning (pausing for retention; think, pair, share; etc.)
7% (9) 15% (21) 27% (37) 51% (70) 3.23
Cooperative/group learning using discussion
11% (16) 32% (45) 31% (43) 26% (36) 2.71
Team-based learning
24% (33) 36% (50) 26% (35) 14% (19) 2.29
Cooperative/group learning using problem solving
13% (18) 42% (56) 28% (38) 16% (22) 2.48
Peer teaching
45% (61) 34% (46) 16% (21) 5% (7) 1.81
Debates
64% (85) 28% (37) 5% (6) 3% (4) 1.46
Questioning and discussion
4% (5) 17% (23) 31% (42) 49% (67) 3.25
Computer-based instruction
23% (31) 31% (43) 17% (23) 29% (40) 2.53
Writing in class
28% (39) 43% (59) 18% (24) 11% (15) 2.11
Total Respondents   141
(skipped this question)   152
14. Which of the following best describes your proficiency with course development?
None Novice Intermediate Advanced Response Average
Creating course goals
7% (10) 12% (17) 47% (64) 34% (46) 3.07
Determining situational factors that affect your teaching
5% (7) 15% (20) 52% (70) 28% (38) 3.03
Determining appropriate assessment methods
6% (8) 12% (16) 55% (76) 28% (38) 3.04
Integrating course goals, situational factors, and assessment into your teaching strategy
5% (7) 11% (15) 52% (71) 32% (43) 3.10
Total Respondents   138
(skipped this question)   155
15. Which of the following best describes your proficiency with assessment?
None Novice Intermediate Advanced Response Average
Creating test questions
2% (3) 10% (14) 44% (61) 44% (62) 3.30
Creating grading rubrics
12% (17) 24% (32) 46% (62) 18% (25) 2.70
Assessing the overall level of student learning at the end of a course
2% (3) 7% (10) 58% (81) 33% (46) 3.21
Assessing student learning before or during a course to provide immediate evidence of learning
2% (3) 17% (24) 54% (75) 26% (36) 3.04
Using assessment results for improvement
2% (3) 15% (21) 58% (80) 24% (33) 3.04
Total Respondents   140
(skipped this question)   153
16. Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements. The integration of new teaching, learning, and assessment strategies can:
Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree Don't Know Response Average
enhance my current classroom instruction
1% (1) 3% (4) 7% (10) 52% (74) 33% (47) 4% (5) 4.19
improve the quality of my teaching
1% (1) 4% (6) 5% (7) 51% (71) 34% (47) 6% (8) 4.19
improve my productivity as an instructor
1% (1) 4% (6) 4% (6) 50% (70) 34% (48) 7% (10) 4.21
enhance my collaboration with colleagues in my department
1% (2) 5% (7) 13% (18) 46% (64) 24% (34) 11% (15) 3.97
enhance my communication with students
2% (3) 1% (2) 7% (10) 50% (71) 33% (46) 6% (9) 4.17
Total Respondents   141
(skipped this question)   152
17. Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements. When acquiring new teaching, learning, and assessment skills, I prefer to:
Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree Don't Know Response Average
learn on my own without any formal instruction or support
4% (6) 42% (59) 14% (20) 28% (39) 11% (15) 0% (0) 2.99
work in teams with colleagues
2% (3) 10% (14) 25% (34) 51% (70) 10% (14) 1% (2) 3.58
learn on my own with access to assistance from skilled staff when needed
1% (1) 11% (15) 13% (18) 54% (75) 21% (29) 0% (0) 3.84
Total Respondents   140
(skipped this question)   153
18. Please indicate the extent to which the following factors inhibit your use of new teaching and learning strategies in the classroom
Serious problem A bit of a problem Not a problem Response Average
Classroom size
6% (9) 40% (56) 54% (75) 2.47
Classroom layout
14% (19) 47% (65) 40% (55) 2.26
Time to learn/pursue the integration of new teaching, learning, and assessment strategies
26% (36) 54% (75) 20% (27) 1.93
Opportunities to periodically update teaching, learning, and assessment skills
14% (20) 54% (75) 31% (43) 2.17
Rewards/recognition for innovation in teaching, learning and assessment
14% (19) 26% (35) 60% (81) 2.46
Available time to collaborate with other professors
20% (27) 51% (70) 29% (40) 2.09
Institutional or departmental funding
17% (22) 54% (71) 29% (38) 2.12
Total Respondents   140
(skipped this question)   153
19. In an ideal world, what change could you make to improve your students' learning most?
 Total Respondents  
 99
(skipped this question)   194
20. Do you do academic advising at Tri-County?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Yes
 28.8% 80
    No
 71.2% 198
Total Respondents   278
(skipped this question)   15
21. In your meetings with advisees, how comfortable do you feel discussing the following?
Very UNcomfortable UNcomfortable Comfortable Very Comfortable I don't dicuss this topic Response Average
Major requirements
3% (2) 4% (3) 26% (20) 66% (51) 1% (1) 3.58
General education requirements
3% (2) 3% (2) 36% (28) 57% (44) 1% (1) 3.50
Transfer credit issues
6% (5) 13% (10) 40% (31) 34% (26) 6% (5) 3.08
Registration procedures (drop/add, waiting lists)Academic probation issues
3% (2) 6% (5) 43% (33) 45% (35) 3% (2) 3.35
Career choice issues
4% (3) 5% (4) 64% (49) 24% (18) 3% (2) 3.11
Opportunities for hands-on learning
3% (2) 8% (6) 47% (36) 28% (21) 14% (11) 3.17
Extracurricular opportunities (e.g., clubs, organizations)
3% (2) 21% (16) 42% (32) 13% (10) 21% (16) 2.83
Personal problems
1% (1) 25% (19) 53% (40) 12% (9) 8% (6) 2.83
SLED background checks and drug testing requirements
13% (10) 26% (20) 14% (11) 17% (13) 29% (22) 2.50
Total Respondents   77
(skipped this question)   216
22. Advisors may find their job is hindered by a variety of problems or challenges. For each of the following, indicate how serious a problem each is for you.
Serious problem A bit of a problem Not a problem Response Average
Too many students, not enough time
31% (23) 49% (37) 20% (15) 1.89
No clear division policies
7% (5) 32% (24) 61% (46) 2.55
No clear college policies
9% (7) 31% (23) 59% (44) 2.50
Ambiguous, shifting policies
16% (12) 45% (34) 39% (29) 2.23
Students not following recommendations
31% (23) 59% (44) 11% (8) 1.80
Poor coordination with other offices/departments
17% (13) 56% (42) 27% (20) 2.09
Students unprepared for advising sessions
49% (37) 45% (34) 5% (4) 1.56
Difficulties making appropriate referrals to other offices (e.g., tutoring, career services)
9% (7) 45% (33) 46% (34) 2.36
Students getting conflicting advice from other advisors
15% (11) 58% (43) 27% (20) 2.12
Acting as a substitute advisor for other's advisees
18% (13) 42% (31) 40% (29) 2.22
Understanding transfer requirements
11% (8) 45% (33) 44% (32) 2.33
Handling students' personal problems
9% (7) 54% (40) 36% (27) 2.27
Students without career/personal goals
33% (25) 49% (37) 17% (13) 1.84
Tracking students' success/progress
23% (17) 48% (36) 29% (22) 2.07
Total Respondents   75
(skipped this question)   218
23. Within the past three years, in which of the following topics have you received formal training?
Yes No Response Average
Advising skills
88% (65) 12% (9) 1.12
College academic regulations, policies, and procedures
41% (30) 59% (44) 1.59
Use of information sources (e.g., test results, transcripts)
44% (32) 56% (41) 1.56
Career and employment information for students
30% (22) 70% (51) 1.70
Diversity related issues
58% (43) 42% (31) 1.42
Students' learning styles
55% (41) 45% (33) 1.45
Total Respondents   74
(skipped this question)   219
24. Please rate the following items on the buildings and grounds at the College
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Lighting of the grounds and walkways
3% (8) 15% (42) 11% (30) 48% (131) 14% (39) 8% (21) 3.60
Appearance of the grounds and walkways
1% (4) 5% (14) 8% (22) 48% (129) 37% (99) 1% (2) 4.14
Maintenance of the grounds and walkways
2% (6) 5% (14) 6% (17) 51% (137) 35% (94) 1% (2) 4.12
Appearance of campus buildings
1% (3) 5% (14) 15% (41) 48% (128) 30% (80) 1% (2) 4.01
Maintenance and upkeep of campus buildings
2% (5) 13% (36) 15% (42) 45% (122) 23% (61) 2% (5) 3.74
Overall appearance of the campus
0% (1) 4% (10) 15% (41) 47% (127) 33% (88) 1% (2) 4.09
Adequacy of space for teaching and learning
5% (13) 16% (43) 19% (52) 33% (88) 12% (31) 15% (41) 3.36
Adequacy of space for academic support services (e.g., computer lab, writing center, library)
0% (1) 16% (44) 20% (54) 32% (85) 16% (42) 16% (42) 3.54
Adequacy of space for student support services (e.g., financial aid, counseling, student records)
1% (4) 13% (35) 19% (50) 29% (78) 13% (35) 25% (68) 3.52
Adequacy of space for workforce development
0% (1) 7% (18) 23% (62) 27% (71) 9% (23) 34% (91) 3.55
Total Respondents   271
(skipped this question)   22
25. Please rate the following items on the services at the College
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Availability of parking spaces on campus
18% (48) 39% (105) 12% (34) 26% (70) 4% (12) 1% (3) 2.60
Adequacy of signs on campus
4% (11) 22% (60) 19% (51) 45% (121) 8% (22) 1% (4) 3.31
Quality of the telephone services on campus
4% (10) 11% (31) 15% (40) 53% (143) 11% (31) 6% (17) 3.60
Availability of conference rooms
2% (5) 7% (19) 20% (54) 47% (126) 8% (21) 16% (44) 3.62
Adequacy of office facilities
3% (9) 14% (37) 17% (45) 48% (129) 9% (25) 10% (26) 3.51
Availability of restrooms
2% (5) 6% (15) 10% (28) 66% (176) 15% (40) 1% (4) 3.88
Cleanliness of restrooms
13% (36) 17% (47) 16% (44) 39% (106) 12% (33) 1% (3) 3.20
Cleanliness and housekeeping of your work space
10% (28) 19% (52) 15% (40) 39% (104) 16% (43) 1% (3) 3.31
Total Respondents   272
(skipped this question)   21
26. Please indicate your reactions to providing STUDENTS with information on the following health and well-being topics
A high priority Somewhat a priority Not a priority A bad idea Not sure Response Average
Substance use and abuse
41% (111) 37% (101) 11% (29) 2% (5) 9% (24) 1.71
Sexually transmitted diseases
38% (102) 35% (94) 13% (36) 3% (7) 11% (29) 1.78
Physical health and fitness
33% (90) 39% (106) 15% (40) 3% (7) 10% (26) 1.85
Nutrition advice
26% (70) 40% (107) 21% (55) 3% (7) 11% (29) 2.00
Healthy cooking
19% (52) 39% (104) 28% (74) 3% (7) 12% (32) 2.15
Weight loss
23% (60) 40% (106) 24% (63) 3% (8) 11% (28) 2.08
Stress management/relaxation
41% (111) 37% (100) 11% (31) 2% (5) 9% (24) 1.72
Depression and other mental illnesses
38% (101) 35% (93) 14% (38) 3% (9) 10% (26) 1.81
Safety and accident prevention
36% (95) 42% (112) 12% (32) 1% (3) 9% (23) 1.76
Prevention and control of diseases
30% (80) 42% (112) 15% (40) 2% (5) 11% (29) 1.87
Total Respondents   270
(skipped this question)   23
27. Please rate the adequacy of the following methods for providing health and well-being information
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Not sure Response Average
Workshops
4% (10) 11% (31) 20% (53) 33% (90) 8% (22) 24% (64) 3.40
On-line information
3% (9) 12% (31) 20% (53) 35% (95) 9% (24) 21% (57) 3.44
Informational brochures or hand-outs
3% (7) 9% (25) 25% (66) 35% (93) 8% (21) 21% (57) 3.45
Elective courses
3% (7) 8% (21) 22% (58) 29% (78) 10% (27) 29% (77) 3.51
Total Respondents   269
(skipped this question)   24
28. Have you used the College's Library in the past 12 months?
  Response Percent Response Total
    Yes
 50.9% 139
    No
 49.1% 134
Total Respondents   273
(skipped this question)   21
29. How often do you use the Library's resources?
Daily Weekly Monthly Once a semester Less than once a semester Response Average
When you are on campus
7% (9) 15% (20) 25% (34) 36% (48) 18% (24) 3.43
When you are off campus
0% (0) 6% (7) 10% (12) 12% (14) 72% (86) 4.50
Total Respondents   135
(skipped this question)   158
30. What is the primary reason you use the Library resources? [Check all that apply]
  Response Percent Response Total
  Instructional support
 40.6% 54
  Work-related research
 55.6% 74
  Personal research
 51.1% 68
Total Respondents   133
(skipped this question)   160
31. Please rate the following items on the Library staff and Librarians
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Assistance provided to you by the Library staff
1% (1) 0% (0) 6% (8) 33% (44) 56% (75) 5% (7) 4.50
Attitude of the Library staff when helping you
1% (1) 1% (1) 7% (9) 28% (37) 60% (80) 4% (6) 4.52
Willingness of the Library staff to help you
1% (1) 1% (1) 7% (9) 23% (31) 63% (85) 5% (7) 4.56
Degree the Library staff responds to your needs in a timely manner
1% (1) 0% (0) 6% (8) 28% (38) 61% (82) 4% (5) 4.55
Expertise of the Librarians
1% (1) 0% (0) 5% (7) 26% (35) 59% (79) 10% (13) 4.57
Research support provided by the Librarians
1% (1) 0% (0) 7% (9) 26% (34) 45% (59) 21% (28) 4.46
Instructional support provided by the Librarians
0% (0) 0% (0) 8% (11) 25% (33) 37% (50) 30% (40) 4.41
Total Respondents   135
(skipped this question)   158
32. Please rate the adequacy of the following Library services
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Circulation policies (borrowing and returning books)
1% (1) 0% (0) 10% (14) 40% (53) 35% (47) 14% (19) 4.26
Assistance in finding materials on the shelves
1% (1) 1% (1) 5% (6) 35% (47) 48% (64) 11% (14) 4.45
Assistance in finding materials online
1% (1) 0% (0) 8% (10) 32% (43) 42% (56) 17% (23) 4.39
Interlibrary loans
0% (0) 0% (0) 10% (13) 25% (34) 28% (38) 37% (49) 4.29
Instructional workshops
0% (0) 2% (3) 12% (16) 22% (30) 21% (29) 42% (57) 4.09
Total Respondents   135
(skipped this question)   158
33. Please rate the adequacy of the following Library materials in your discipline, specialty, or research area
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Print collection
3% (4) 7% (10) 23% (31) 32% (44) 13% (18) 21% (29) 3.58
Ebook collection
0% (0) 2% (3) 19% (25) 16% (21) 15% (20) 49% (65) 3.84
Magazine and newspaper collection
3% (4) 4% (6) 19% (26) 33% (44) 16% (21) 25% (34) 3.71
Reference collection
1% (2) 2% (3) 21% (29) 34% (46) 17% (23) 24% (32) 3.83
Databases
1% (2) 1% (2) 17% (23) 26% (35) 22% (29) 32% (43) 3.96
Degree the Library materials are up-to-date
2% (3) 6% (8) 19% (26) 27% (36) 20% (27) 25% (34) 3.76
Degree the Library has the resources to meet your needs
1% (2) 4% (6) 19% (25) 36% (49) 24% (32) 16% (21) 3.90
Degree that you have input into the items selected for inclusion in the Library collections
3% (4) 3% (4) 22% (29) 26% (34) 17% (23) 29% (39) 3.72
Overall adequacy of the library holdings
3% (4) 4% (5) 20% (27) 41% (54) 18% (24) 14% (19) 3.78
Total Respondents   136
(skipped this question)   157
34. Please rate the adequacy of the following Library facilities and equipment
Very INadequate INadequate Neutral Adequate Very Adequate Don't Know Response Average
Hours of opening
1% (1) 4% (5) 12% (16) 46% (61) 31% (41) 6% (8) 4.10
Pleasantness of physical surroundings
2% (2) 2% (2) 7% (9) 43% (57) 44% (59) 3% (4) 4.31
Temperature
2% (3) 3% (4) 10% (13) 47% (63) 36% (48) 2% (3) 4.14
Lighting
2% (3) 1% (1) 8% (10) 50% (67) 37% (49) 2% (3) 4.22
Signs
1% (2) 6% (8) 7% (10) 49% (65) 31% (41) 6% (8) 4.07
Quietness
3% (4) 4% (6) 11% (15) 48% (64) 30% (40) 4% (5) 4.01
Adequacy of work space
0% (0) 2% (3) 8% (11) 50% (67) 33% (44) 6% (8) 4.22
Physical organization
0% (0) 6% (8) 9% (12) 45% (60) 34% (45) 7% (9) 4.14
Seating
1% (1) 2% (3) 9% (12) 47% (63) 35% (47) 6% (8) 4.21
Individual carrels
1% (1) 1% (1) 11% (14) 44% (59) 28% (37) 16% (21) 4.16
Group study/conference rooms
1% (1) 5% (7) 11% (15) 40% (53) 27% (36) 16% (22) 4.04
Number of computers
5% (7) 10% (13) 14% (19) 43% (57) 13% (18) 15% (20) 3.58
Total Respondents   135
(skipped this question)   158
35. Please indicate if you have used the following Library materials and services in the past 12 months. [Check all that apply]
  Response Percent Response Total
  Reference books
 59.5% 75
  Non-reference books
 53.2% 67
  Online card catalog
 34.9% 44
  E-books
18.3% 23
  Databases
 42.1% 53
  Magazines and newspapers
 56.3% 71
  Interlibrary loans
 23.8% 30
  Reserve materials
 15.9% 20
Total Respondents   126
(skipped this question)   167