University of South Carolina Palmetto College: Improving Faculty Welfare as a Bridge to Student Success
Presentation Type
30-Minute Presentations
Presentation Abstract (250 word max.)
Higher Ed Faculty members' perceptions and experiences at work significantly impact their engagement and wellbeing. Faculty wellbeing and engagement are associated with student retention and success. While substantial research has explored school-level differences on student outcomes, investigations into faculty perceptions and experiences are limited. This study fills this gap by analyzing the effects of campus social and work environments on faculty outcomes. This project examines the influence of campus social environments (i.e., campus climate, and identification) and work environments (i.e., leadership, team morale, and professional development) on faculty outcomes at five regional campuses within a large southeastern university system.
Utilizing cross-sectional, quantitative research, we administered an online questionnaire to faculty members (n = 275), assessing campus social and work environments alongside faculty outcomes. Data collection occurred during faculty organization meetings at each campus in Spring of 2023. The questionnaire, adapted from the Australian School Climate and School Identification Measurement Tool (ASCSIMT), assessed demographics, identification, campus climate, leadership, team morale, professional development, work health, stress, organizational commitment, retention, and meaning at work.
Data analysis includes Structural equation modeling and multilevel modeling. Preliminary analyses indicate variations across campuses, providing insights into factors influencing faculty outcomes. This study highlights specific components impacting faculty outcomes, with critical implications for student success.
This presentation includes faculty and administration in order to demonstrate how data-driven approaches in understanding campus climate and faculty wellbeing can be incorporated into the strategic plan of an organization like USC Palmetto College, with the intent of also improving student retention and success.