A recent Campus Climate Survey conducted at College of the Canyons (COC) has shed light on the experiences and needs of staff members at the institution. The survey, developed in collaboration with the Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges, aimed to evaluate various aspects of the campus climate, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness.
One of the key findings of the survey was that while the majority of employees consider COC a positive work experience, there were some concerns raised about leadership. In particular, full-time faculty members had lower approval rates of the campus climate compared to part-time faculty and other employees.
Employee engagement was another area of focus in the survey, with responses varying across different roles. Many employees expressed that their involvement depended on factors such as time constraints and the perceived consideration of their input by the administration.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs at COC were generally well-received by those who participated, but there were concerns about the representation of DEIA leadership and the integration of these initiatives into core programming.
In terms of institutional effectiveness, respondents felt that COC prioritized student well-being over employee support. There were also perceptions of a lack of transparency in decision-making processes at the institution.
Leadership effectiveness was another area of contention, with employees expressing more trust in their local department leaders than in executive leadership. The survey highlighted issues of transparency and trust in the decision-making processes of the district leadership.
When it came to physical and psychological safety, employees generally felt safe on campus but had some concerns about communication in certain areas, such as the Canyon Country Campus. There were also reports of discrimination and microaggressions experienced by some employees, with concerns about reporting such incidents.
Overall, the survey identified areas for improvement, including enhancing transparency in decision-making, promoting psychological safety, and providing more opportunities for employee engagement. Recommendations have been made to address these issues, with a focus on creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment at COC.
As the institution moves forward, these survey results will be crucial in guiding efforts to improve the campus climate and enhance the overall experience for staff members at College of the Canyons.
