Faculty, staff disappointed and fearful, survey shows

STORY BY MORGAN GSTALTER

Drake faculty, staff and administrators are disappointed with the “transparency,” “communication” and “efficiency” of university administration operations, according survey results reported by the Des Moines Register.

The report of the survey findings was released to faculty and staff on March 6 via email from President David Maxwell.

The survey found low morale amongst faculty and staff, leading to “suspicion, confusion, mistrust, hostility and fear” of the administration, according to one survey participant.

Responses to open-ended questions found that faculty and staff felt as if long-term plans, transitions, leadership and financial budgets were not being thoroughly communicated, raising concern among survey participants.

“We are struck by the degree to which many responses express fear, anxiety, distrust and a sense of discouragement alongside a sense of what great potential for the University and a genuine desire to contribute to a sense of shared purpose bound together by service to students,” the report by the Survey Analysis committee said.

The survey was collecting data before the announcement that Earl “Marty” Martin will take over as the 13th president.