SURVEY OF STAFF Accreditation Survey of Sta… · Disagree; and (5) Strongly Disagree. The first...
Transcript of SURVEY OF STAFF Accreditation Survey of Sta… · Disagree; and (5) Strongly Disagree. The first...
Univers i ty of Nebraska Medica l Center Accredi tat ion Sel f -Study Higher Learn ing Commiss ion/North Centra l Assoc iat ion
Prepared by Russell L. Smith, PhD Director, School of Public Administration
University of Nebraska at Omaha
For the UNMC Executive and Steering Committees, NCA Accreditation
January 2006
SURVEY OF STAFF
UNMC’s Mission Statement:
“To improve the health of Nebraskans through premier educational
programs, innovative research, the highest
quality patient care and outreach to under-served
populations.”
BACKGROUND FOR THIS ACCREDITATION REPORT UNMC is preparing for re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). NCA accredits UNMC as a whole, and NCA accreditation complements our many accreditations by specialized accrediting bodies.
Our preparation for the accreditation team site visit in January 2007 is being led by Dr. John Benson, supported by Dr. John Adams, Dr. David Crouse and Mary Helms, serving as an executive committee, and by the members of the Steering Committee. Their task is to prepare a comprehensive Self-Study report for submission to NCA in October 2006. One component of the overall study process is a survey of UNMC faculty, staff and student impressions of our efforts toward various accreditation criteria. This report presents major findings from the survey of UNMC staff.
Although self-studies require a great deal of time and effort, I am confident UNMC will benefit from the process and that we will achieve re-accreditation without qualifications. The guiding principles that we have adopted and the process that we are following are set forth below.
Harold M. Maurer, M.D. Chancellor
UNMC’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR ACCREDITATION UNMC will benefit from its Self-Study for the NCA. We will:
• Become even more learning-centered.
• Enhance our quality indicators.
• Strengthen strategic planning.
• Deepen our understanding of ourselves.
• Expand institutional data sets and analysis.
• Achieve re-accreditation with no qualifications. The integrating themes for the Self-Study are:
• Future orientation
• Learning focus
• Connectedness to the community
• Distinctiveness of UNMC
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SURVEY INTRODUCTION This report summarizes the results of a survey of UNMC staff. Separate surveys were also conducted of UNMC faculty and students. The survey asked staff to provide their impressions of UNMC’s strengths and unmet needs. Each respondent was presented with a series of statements describing UNMC’s efforts in areas critical to preparing for the accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). These efforts focus on five criteria and several "core components" of those criteria. Generally, the criteria involve UNMC’s:
• Mission and integrity in carrying out its mission
• Focus on the future
• Student learning and effective teaching
• Research enterprise
• Community service
Survey findings are being used by the individual Task Forces of the NCA Accreditation Steering Committee (i.e., Mission; Planning; Learning; Research; Service).
Complete information on the NCA accreditation process and related efforts taking place at UNMC are provided at: http://www.unmc.edu/nca/.
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SURVEY METHODOLOGY The staff survey was developed in consultation with the UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Executive and Steering Committees. As noted above, each respondent was presented with a series of statements describing UNMC’s efforts in areas critical to preparing for the accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
After discussion, a web-based survey was selected as the preferred approach to gathering data. Two factors weighed most heavily in this decision. First, a primary goal of the survey was to foster broad participation from UNMC staff. The survey was thus seen as an opportunity to give each individual staff member a chance to provide feedback and comments on UNMC and its re-accreditation effort. A secondary factor was that almost all UNMC staff members have university-provided e-mail accounts and computer access.1
The survey instrument was developed in consultation with the UNMC accreditation Self-Study Executive and Steering Committees. A draft version was pre-tested using members of these committees.
A letter from UNMC Chancellor Harold Maurer was e-mailed to every staff member on August 24, 2005 (see Attachment A). The letter highlighted the purpose and importance of the survey, and encouraged participation. Staff members were told that an e-mail would be sent to them providing a link to the survey site.
On August 29, 2005 all full-time UNMC staff received an e-mail from the consultant, Dr. Russell L. Smith, asking them to click on a web-based link provided in the e-mail (see Attachment B). Safeguards were in place to allow only one completed survey per UNMC staff member. The survey remained open to staff response until October 10, 2005. Two e-mail messages were sent to non-responding staff to remind them to participate in the survey.
The survey contained two sections (see Attachment C for the complete survey in html format). The first section asked staff to respond to a series of statements tied to the five accreditation criteria used by the Higher Learning Commission. For each criterion, a short statement was provided for background information. The background statement was followed by several statements about the criterion. Participants were asked to respond to each statement using one of five response options: (1) Strongly Agree; (2) Agree; (3) Neither Disagree nor Agree; (4) Disagree; and (5) Strongly Disagree. The first section of the survey also asked staff members to provide individual comments about UNMC’s accreditation efforts. The second section of the survey asked respondents to respond to several
1 Approximately 100 UNMC staff did not have e-mail addresses. For these individuals, Chancellor Maurer’s letter and the survey were mailed to the person’s UNMC work address.
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demographic questions for tabulation and reporting purposes. Anonymity was promised in reporting results.
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PROFILE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS AND LIMITATIONS A total of 2,506 invitations were e-mailed to staff approximately 5 days after Chancellor Maurer’s informational letter. Altogether, 1,755 staff members completed surveys. This represents a 70.0 percent response rate.
Table 1 summarizes the percentage of staff members responding for each of several categories of demographic characteristics. The table also reports the percentage of all staff respondents with the selected demographic characteristics. Based on a comparison of staff survey respondents to all full-time staff members at UNMC, no serious areas of response bias were identified. Survey respondents are generally reflective of the full-time UNMC staff.
Several areas of higher/lower response rate do warrant mention:
• Business and Finance, College of Medicine, and Pharmacy staff members are somewhat under-represented
• Chancellor’s Office, Munroe Meyer Institute, University Medical Associates, and Vice Chancellor for Research staff members are somewhat over-represented
• Male staff members are somewhat under-represented
• White, Non-Hispanic staff members are somewhat under-represented
• Staff members with 2 years or fewer service at UNMC are under-represented by quite a bit
• Staff members with 11-20 years of service, and staff with more than 20 years at UNMC are somewhat over-represented.
This survey of staff has a maximum confidence interval of approximately 1.3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Thus, if the proportion of survey respondents selecting a particular response option is 50 percent, the actual percentage that would be found if all UNMC staff members were surveyed would be between 48.7 and 51.3 percent. Responses with a larger proportion of staff members selecting the option would have a smaller confidence interval. For example, if 80 percent selected a given response option, the confidence interval is +/- 1.0 percent.
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Table 1 Characteristics of UNMC Staff Survey Respondents
Characteristic Number
Responding
Pct of Category Staff
Responding
Pct of All Staff
Respondents Primary Appointment Unit Academic Affairs 72 74.8 4.1 Business and Finance 208 58.5 11.9 Chancellor’s Office 43 99.9 2.5 College of Dentistry 102 69.1 5.8 College of Medicine 788 59.5 44.9 College of Nursing 63 100.0* 3.6 College of Pharmacy 27 56.1 1.5 Eppley Institute 82 74.8 4.7 Information Technology Services 77 72.3 4.4 Munroe Meyer Institute 135 100.0* 7.7 School of Allied Health Professions 24 93.7 1.4 University Medical Associates 57 100.0* 3.2 Vice Chancellor for Research 51 85.8 2.9 Not Reported 26 ** 1.5 Total 1755 70.0 100.0 Primary UNMC Campus Omaha 1626 69.2 92.6 Lincoln 100 67.8 5.7 Kearney 9 100.0* 0.5 Scottsbluff 5 100.0* 0.3 Not Reported/Elsewhere 15 ** 0.9 Total 1755 70.0 100.0 Race/Ethnicity White/Non-Hispanic 1516 71.9 86.4 Other Race/Ethnicity 239 29.1 13.6 Not Reported -- ** -- Total 1755 70.0 100.0 Gender Female 1230 79.9 70.1 Male 506 52.3 28.8 Not Reported 19 ** 1.1 Total 1755 70.0 100.0 Years at UNMC 2 years or fewer 416 43.1 23.7 3-5 years 376 80.7 21.4 6-10 years 327 96.4 18.6 11-20 years 375 83.4 21.4 More than 20 years 253 89.2 14.4 Not Reported 8 ** 0.5 Total 1755 70.0 100.0
*More staff respondents selected the category for demographic reporting purposes than was contained in the Academic Affairs/HR database. **All staff members have a report in the Academic Affairs/HR database. Hence,
there is no proportion to compare to for this group.
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STAFF ASSESSMENT OF ACCREDITATION CRITERIA UNMC staff members were asked to read and respond to statements about each of the five NCA-Higher Learning Commission accreditation criteria. These criteria address: UNMC’s mission and integrity in carrying out its mission; UNMC’s focus on the future; student learning and effective teaching at UNMC; the research enterprise; and UNMC’s community service. Five response options were used: (1) Strongly Agree; (2) Agree; (3) Neither Disagree nor Agree; (4) Disagree; and (5) Strongly Disagree.
Staff responses to criterion items are discussed in separate sections below. The analysis utilizes graphical summaries of staff agreement with the accreditation statements. The figures shown in this section depict only the percentage of staff responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" to the accreditation statements. The balance of staff survey respondents fell into one of three groups: "Neither Disagree nor Agree;" "Disagree" and "Strongly Disagree.” Figure 2 shows that 76.9 percent of staff responded "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Question #7, “The resource base supports UNMC's plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future.” The balance of staff did not all disagree with the statement. The percentage saying, “Neither Disagree nor Agree” was 19.1 percent, and the percentage saying “Disagree/Strongly Disagree” was 3.9 percent. Detailed information on the proportions of staff in these response groups is provided in Attachment D. The focus of this analysis is on the percentage of staff agreeing with the 23 accreditation statements.
Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity in Carrying Out Mission Figure 1 displays the percentage of staff saying they either “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” with each of the five mission and integrity statements. As can be seen, almost 9 out of 10 responding staff agree UNMC’s mission is clear (89.9%); UNMC upholds and protects its integrity (89.4%); and that the mission statement recognizes the diversity of learners, constituencies and society (87.8%). There is quite a bit less agreement with the statements dealing with internal decision-making and administrative structures. The average for the five statements in this criterion is 78.7 percent.
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Fig. 1 Staff Agreement with Criterion 1:Mission and Integrity
62.1
64.5
87.8
89.4
89.9
50.0 60.0 70.0
Q4-UNMC administrative structures promote effectiveleadership.
Q3-UNMC internal decision-making processes promoteparticipation and collaboration that assist my unit mission
Q2-Mission statement recognizes diversity of learners,constituencies, and society.
Q5-UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as aninstitution.
Q1-UNMC's mission is clear.
Percent of Staff Responding "Strongly Ag
80.0 90.0 100.0
ree" or "Agree" with Statement
Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future Staff members were next asked to respond to 4 items addressing UNMC’s preparation for the future. Preparation for the future incorporates the organization’s allocation of resources and whether its processes for evaluation and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. As can be seen in Fig. 2, staff agreement was highest
Fig. 2 Staff Agreement with "Preparing for the Future" Statements
82.8
76.9
68.9
54.6
50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
Q8-Evaluation and assessmentprocesses guide improvement
in my unit.
Q9-Planning activities in myunit align with UNMC's
mission.
Q7-Resource base supportsUNMC plans for maintaining
and strengthening quality.
Q6-UNMC realisticallyprepares for a future shaped by
multiple trends.
Percent of Staff Responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Statement
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for the statement that UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple forces (82.8%). Agreement was lowest for the statement that evaluation and assessment processes guide strategies for improvement (54.6%). The average percent of staff members indicating Strongly Agree or Agree with the statements on preparing for the future is 70.8 percent. This is the lowest average among the five sets of statements about the NCA-HLC accreditation Criteria. Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching The third NCA-HLC Criterion dealt with student learning and teaching effectiveness. The focus of this criterion is whether UNMC provides evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is fulfilling its mission. Figure 3 summarizes staff agreement with the five statements dealing with student learning and teaching effectiveness. Agreement is highest with the statement, “UNMC’s resource base supports educational programs” (83.1%). Agreement is equally high for the statement, “UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution” (82.0%). Agreement is lowest for the statement, “UNMC supports creation of effective learning environments in my unit” (68.0%). The average proportion of staff agreeing with the student learning and teaching statements is 77.1 percent.
Fig. 3 Staff Agreement with Criterion
50.0
Q13-UNMC supports creation of effective learningenvironment in my unit.
Q12-Values and resources of UNMC support effective teachingin my unit.
Q11-UNMC objectives for student learning outcomes clearlystated for my program.
Q14-UNMC Promotes faculty, staff and student learning acrossthe institution.
Q10-UNMC's resource base supports educational programs.
Percent of Staff
3: Learning and Teaching
83.1
82.0
76.7
75.8
68.0
60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
Responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Statement
Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge Four statements addressed the criterion, “Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge.” Statements included: “UNMC demonstrates that it values research;” “At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs;” “UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care;” “UNMC assesses
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the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society;” and “Staff, students and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly.” The percentage of staff members agreeing with each of these research-focused statements is portrayed in Figure 4. Staff agreement is highest for the statement, “UNMC demonstrates that it values research” (93.2%). Agreement is lowest for the statement, “UNMC assesses the usefulness of curricula to students” (72.6%). The average proportion of staff saying either Strongly Agree or Agree is higher for this set of items than for any other set of accreditation criteria (82.4%). Criterion 5: Engagement and Service The fifth criterion presented to UNMC staff dealt with Engagement and Service. The supporting statement read, “As called for by its mission, the organization identifies its constituencies and serves them in ways both value.” Four statements addressed different facets of engagement and service.
Fig. 4 Staff Agreement wi
50
Q18-UNMC assesses the usefulness of curricula to students.
Q17-UNMC demonstrates use of valid current evidence forbest patient care.
Q19-Faculty, staff, students supported by UNMC to acquire,discover and apply knowledge responsibly.
Q16-At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to educationalprograms.
Q15-UNMC demonstrates that it values research.
th Criterion 4: Research
93.2
84.7
83.2
78.3
72.6
.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
Percent of Staff Responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Statement
As can be seen in Fig. 5, staff agreement with the four statements is highest for the statement, “UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities” (80.6%). The item addressing constituencies valuing UNMC services was second in rank for proportion of staff agreeing with the statement (77.7%). Lowest agreement was expressed with the statement, “UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs” (71.3%). The average agreement of 76.2 percent for the four criteria was the second lowest level observed among the five accreditation criteria.
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Fig. 5 Staff Agreement with Criterion 5: Engagement and Service
80.6
77.7
75.1
71.3
50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
s.
Q20-UNMC analyzes its ability to meet needs andexpectations of constituencies.
Q23-Internal and external constituencies value UNMCservices.
Q22-UNMC has a commitment to engage with constituenciesand communities.
Percent of Staff Responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Statement
Q21-UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine need
Summary of Staff Assessment of Accreditation Criteria Agreement with Individual Statements A majority of UNMC staff responded either “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” to each of the 23 accreditation statements. Agreement levels are summarized in Table 2 for five different percentile groups (from highest to lowest agreement level within each group). Over 9 in 10 responding staff agreed that UNMC demonstrates that it values research. Agreement was lowest for the evaluation and assessment statement. At the other end of the continuum of agreement, approximately 5 in 10 responding staff (54.6%) agreed that evaluation and assessment guide institutional strategies for improvement in their unit. Also showing lower agreement levels were four additional statements: “Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC’s mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission”; “UNMC supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit”; “UNMC’s internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission”; and “UNMC’s administrative structures promote effective leadership.”
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Table 2 Staff Agreement with Accreditation Statements
90 Percent or More “Strongly Agree” or “Agree”
UNMC demonstrates that it values research 80 -89.9 Percent “Strongly Agree” or “Agree”
UNMC’s mission is clear UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as an institution dedicated to social good The UNMC mission statement recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the
greater society it serves At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs Faculty, students, and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge
responsibly UNMC’s resource base supports its educational programs UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities
70 -79.9 Percent “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care Internal and external constituencies value the services UNMC provides The resource base supports UNMC’s plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future UNMC’s objectives for student learning outcomes are clearly stated for my educational program’s
goals and make effective assessment possible The values and resources of UNMC support effective teaching in my unit UNMC analyses its ability to meet the needs and expectations of its constituencies UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global,
diverse, and technological society UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs
60 -69.9 Percent “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC’s mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to
fulfill the mission UNMC supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit UNMC’s internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that
enables my unit to fulfill its mission UNMC’s administrative structures promote effective leadership
50 -59.9 Percent “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” Evidence from UNMC’s evaluation and assessment processes guide institutional strategies for
improvement in my unit and programs
Average Agreement Levels by Accreditation Criterion Looking at the five accreditation criteria, average agreement was highest for statements in the research criterion, “Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge.” Next highest in agreement was the criterion, “Mission and Integrity” (78.7%). Staff agreement was lowest for statements in the “Preparing for the Future” criterion (see Figure 6).
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Fig. 6 Staff Agreement with Accreditation Criteria
82.4
78.7
77.1
76.2
70.8
60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
Criterion 5: Engagement and Service
Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching
Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity
Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery and Application ofKnowledge
Staff Responding "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" with Criterion Statements
50.0
Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future
Percent of
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DIFFERENCES IN STAFF ASSESSMENT OF ACCREDITATION CRITERIA Several analyses were conducted to search for possible differences in staff assessment of statements regarding the five HLC-NCA accreditation criteria. First, contingency tables were examined for several important staff characteristics identified by the Executive Committee. These characteristics included Gender, Principal Job Activities, Years at UNMC, and Primary Appointment Unit. Chi-Square statistics were computed for each table and examined. Nominal and ordinal measures of association were also examined. For simplicity in reporting, Gender, Principal Job Activities, Years at UNMC, and Primary Appointment Unit are summarized in separate tables (Tables 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, respectively). Table 3B reports staff results for several categories of Principal Job Activities. These categories were drawn from NU Values categories. Staff were provided categories (without definitions) and asked to self-select which of the principal job activities applied to them. As a result, there may be some mismatch between the job categories staff identified with for survey reporting purposes and their actual job category. This limitation, of course, applied to other demographic characteristics reported in the previous section. Each table provides mean scores for each of the accreditation statements for each of the different analysis sub-groups, as well as all UNMC staff respondents. Two variable relationships with significant Chi-Square statistics are denoted. Several items do show differences in response distributions that are not likely to have occurred by chance. All highlighted relationships have a Chi-Square statistic that is significant at the .05 level or less. It must be noted that while the Chi-Square statistic does show statistically significant differences in response patters across some of the analysis sub –groups, measures of association show weak relationships in every case. In interpreting this information, it is important to remember that lower mean scores indicate stronger agreement with the statement (Strongly Agree=1; Agree=2; Neither Disagree nor Agree=3; Disagree=4; Strongly Disagree=5). Thus, the mean score of 1.5 for Females on Question 15, “UNMC demonstrates that it values research,” is more positive than the 1.6 mean score for Male staff (see Table 3A). Criterion 1: Mission and Integrity in Carrying Out Mission A review of the two-variable contingency tables highlighted several differences within the category variables for several different accreditation items. For the Mission and Integrity criterion, Questions 3 and 4 show significant differences across the independent variables. Specific findings are summarized below:
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• Question 3—UNMC’s internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission.
o Education-Outreach, Healthcare, and Research staff more positive (see Table 3B)
o Staff employed 0-5 years more positive (see Table 3C) o Nursing, Monroe Meyer Institute, School of Health Science Professions,
and University Medical Associates staff more positive (see Table 3D) • Question 4—UNMC’s administrative structures promote effective leadership.
o Education-Outreach, Healthcare, and Research staff more positive (see Table 3B).
o Staff employed 0-5 years and more than 11+ years more positive (see Table 3C)
o Nursing, Pharmacy, Monroe Meyer Institute, School of Health Science Professions, and Vice Chancellor for Research staff more positive (see Table 3D)
Criterion 2: Preparing for the Future Items associated with this criterion show several interesting differences across Primary Appointment Unit and Years at UNMC. Specific differences that are statistically significant include:
• Question 7—The resource base supports UNMC’s plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future.
o Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B) • Question 8—Evidence from UNMC’s evaluation and assessment processes guide
strategies for improvement in my unit. o Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B) o Staff with 0-5 years service more positive (see Table 3C) o Nursing, Pharmacy, Monroe Meyer Institute, School of Health Science
Professions, University Medical Associates, and Vice Chancellor for Research more positive (see Table 3D)
• Question 9—Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC’s mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission.
o Staff with 6-10 years of service at UNMC less positive (see Table 3C) o Nursing, Eppley Institute, Monroe Meyer Institute, School of Health
Science Professions, University Medical Associates, and Vice Chancellor for Research more positive (see Table 3D)
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Table 3A
Accreditation Statement Mean Scores for All Staff and Gender
Gender Higher Learning Commission Criteria and Survey Items
All Respondents
Females
Males
Criterion 1 -- Mission and Integrity Question 1: UNMC's mission is clear. 1.8 1.7 1.8 Question 2: The UNMC mission statement recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the greater society it serves.
1.8 1.8 1.9
Question 3: UNMC's internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission.
2.4 2.4 2.3
Question 4: UNMC's administrative structures promote effective leadership. 2.4 2.4 2.3
Question 5: UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as an institution dedicated to social good. 1.8 1.8 1.8
Criterion 2 -- Preparing for the Future Question 6: UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends. 1.9 1.9 1.9
Question 7: The resource base supports UNMC's plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future. 2.1 2.1 2.1
Question 8: Evidence from UNMC's evaluation and assessment processes guide institutional strategies for improvement in my unit.
2.5 2.5 2.4
Question 9: Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC's mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission.
2.2 2.2 2.2
Criterion 3 -- Student Learning and Effective Teaching Question 10: UNMC's resource base supports its educational programs. 1.9 1.9 1.9
Question 11: UNMC evaluates student learning. 2.0 2.0 2.0 Question 12: UNMC Supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit. 2.1 2.1 2.1
Question 13: UNMC evaluates teaching effectiveness. 2.2 2.2 2.2
Question 14: UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution. 2.0 2.0 2.0
Criterion 4 – Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
Question 15: UNMC demonstrates that it values research 1.5* 1.5 1.6 Question 16: At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs. 1.9 1.8 1.9
Question 17: UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care. 2.0 2.0 1.9
Question 18: UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
2.1 2.1 2.1
Question 19: Faculty, students, and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly.
2.0 1.9 2.0
Criterion 5 – Engagement and Service Question 20: UNMC analyzes its ability to meet the needs and expectations of its constituencies. 2.1 2.1 2.1
Question 21: UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs. 2.2 2.2 2.2
Question 22: UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities. 2.0 2.0 2.0
Question 23: Internal and external constituencies value the services UNMC provides. 2.0 2.0 2.0
Total Number of Staff 1752 1230 506
*Indicates statistically significant differences in agreement with the Accreditation Criterion across Gender groups; Chi Square < .05
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Table 3B
Accreditation Statement Mean Scores for All Staff and Principal Job Activities
Principal Job Activities Higher Learning Commission Criteria and Survey Items
All Staff
Admin. & Business
Education-Outreach
Health-care
Info. Tech.
Research
All Others
Criterion 1 -- Mission and Integrity
Question 1: UNMC's mission is clear. 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 Question 2: The UNMC mission statement recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the greater society it serves.
1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.8
Question 3: UNMC's internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission.
2.4* 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.6 2.3 2.6
Question 4: UNMC's administrative structures promote effective leadership. 2.4* 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.7 2.3 2.5
Question 5: UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as an institution dedicated to social good. 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8
Criterion 2 -- Preparing for the Future
Question 6: UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends. 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0
Question 7: The resource base supports UNMC's plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future. 2.1* 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.2 2.1 2.2
Question 8: Evidence from UNMC's evaluation and assessment processes guide institutional strategies for improvement in my unit.
2.5* 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.6 2.5 2.7
Question 9: Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC's mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission.
2.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.3
Criterion 3 -- Student Learning and Effective Teaching
Question 10: UNMC's resource base supports its educational programs. 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.0
Question 11: UNMC evaluates student learning. 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2
Question 12: UNMC Supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit. 2.1* 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.3 2.1 2.1
Question 13: UNMC evaluates teaching effectiveness. 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3
Question 14: UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution. 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9 2.2 2.0 2.0
Criterion 4 – Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
Question 15: UNMC demonstrates that it values research 1.5* 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.6
Question 16: At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs. 1.9* 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9
Question 17: UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care. 2.0* 2.0 1.9 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.0
Question 18: UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
2.1 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.1
Question 19: Faculty, students, and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly.
2.0* 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.2 1.9 2.0
Criterion 5 – Engagement and Service
Question 20: UNMC analyzes its ability to meet the needs and expectations of its constituencies. 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.1
Question 21: UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs. 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2
Question 22: UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities. 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.0
Question 23: Internal and external constituencies value the services UNMC provides. 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1
Total Number of Staff 1752 544 109 489 101 297 72 *Indicates statistically significant differences in agreement with the Accreditation Criterion across Principal Job Activities groups; Chi Square < .05
18
Table 3C Accreditation Statement Mean Scores for All Faculty and Years at UNMC
Years at UNMC
Higher Learning Commission Criteria and Survey Items
All Staff
0-5 Yrs
6-10 Yrs
11+ Yrs
Criterion 1 -- Mission and Integrity Question 1: UNMC's mission is clear. 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.8 Question 2: The UNMC mission statement recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the greater society it serves.
1.8 1.9 1.8 1.8
Question 3: UNMC's internal decision-making processes promote participation and support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission.
2.4* 2.3 2.4 2.4
Question 4: UNMC's administrative structures promote effective leadership. 2.4* 2.3 2.5 2.4
Question 5: UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as an institution dedicated to social good. 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8
Criterion 2 -- Preparing for the Future Question 6: UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends. 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9
Question 7: The resource base supports UNMC's plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future. 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.1
Question 8: Evidence from UNMC's evaluation and assessment processes guide institutional strategies for improvement in my unit.
2.5* 2.4 2.6 2.5
Question 9: Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC's mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission.
2.2* 2.2 2.3 2.2
Criterion 3 -- Student Learning and Effective Teaching Question 10: UNMC's resource base supports its educational programs. 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9
Question 11: UNMC evaluates student learning. 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.0
Question 12: UNMC Supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit. 2.1* 2.0 2.2 2.1
Question 13: UNMC evaluates teaching effectiveness. 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.2
Question 14: UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution. 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.0
Criterion 4 – Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
Question 15: UNMC demonstrates that it values research 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.5
Question 16: At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs. 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8
Question 17: UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care. 2.0 1.9 1.9 2.0
Question 18: UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
2.1* 2.1 2.0 2.1
Question 19: Faculty, students, and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly.
2.0 1.9 1.9 2.0
Criterion 5 – Engagement and Service Question 20: UNMC analyzes its ability to meet the needs and expectations of its constituencies. 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1
Question 21: UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs. 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2
Question 22: UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities. 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Question 23: Internal and external constituencies value the services UNMC provides. 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Total Number of Faculty 1752 740 297 581
*Indicates statistically significant differences in agreement with the Accreditation Criterion across Years at UNMC groups; Chi Square < .05
19
Tabl
e 3D
Acc
redi
tatio
n St
atem
ent M
ean
Scor
es fo
r All
Staf
f and
Prim
ary
App
oint
men
t Uni
t
Prim
ary
App
oint
men
t Uni
t
Hig
her
Lea
rnin
g C
omm
issi
on C
rite
ria
and
Surv
ey It
ems
All
Staf
f A
cade
mic
A
ffai
rs
Bus
ines
s Fi
nanc
e C
hanc
ello
r O
ffic
e C
olle
ge o
f D
entis
try
Col
lege
of
Med
icin
e C
olle
ge o
f N
ursi
ng
Col
lege
of
Phar
mac
y E
pple
y In
st.
Info
Tec
hSe
rvic
es
Mon
roe
Mey
er In
st
Scho
ol o
f H
ealth
Sci
U
niv
Med
A
ssoc
V
.C. f
or
Res
earc
h C
rite
rion
1 --
Mis
sion
and
Inte
grity
Q
uest
ion
1: U
NM
C's
mis
sion
is c
lear
. 1.
8
1.7
1.7
1.6
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.7
1.5
1.7
1.8
Que
stio
n 2:
The
UN
MC
mis
sion
stat
emen
t rec
ogni
zes t
he
dive
rsity
of i
ts le
arne
rs, o
ther
con
stitu
enci
es, a
nd th
e gr
eate
r so
ciet
y it
serv
es.
1.8
1.
71.
81.
81.
91.
81.
72.
01.
91.
91.
71.
61.
71.
8
Que
stio
n 3:
UN
MC
's in
tern
al d
ecis
ion-
mak
ing
proc
esse
s pr
omot
e pa
rtici
patio
n an
d su
ppor
t col
labo
ratio
n th
at e
nabl
es
my
unit
to fu
lfill
its m
issi
on.
2.3*
2.
3
2.
42.
22.
92.
32.
22.
32.
32.
52.
22.
22.
22.
3
Que
stio
n 4:
UN
MC
's ad
min
istra
tive
stru
ctur
es p
rom
ote
effe
ctiv
e le
ader
ship
. 2.
4*
2.5
2.4
2.3
3.0
2.4
2.2
2.2
2.4
2.7
2.2
2.1
2.3
2.2
Que
stio
n 5:
UN
MC
uph
olds
and
pro
tect
s its
inte
grity
as a
n in
stitu
tion
dedi
cate
d to
soci
al g
ood.
1.
8
1.8
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.8
1.6
1.7
1.9
1.9
1.6
1.7
1.7
1.7
C
rite
rion
2 --
Pre
pari
ng fo
r the
Fut
ure
Que
stio
n 6:
UN
MC
real
istic
ally
pre
pare
s for
a fu
ture
shap
ed
by m
ultip
le so
ciet
al a
nd e
cono
mic
tren
ds.
1.9
2.
01.
81.
92.
12.
01.
72.
11.
91.
91.
91.
81.
92.
1
Que
stio
n 7:
The
reso
urce
bas
e su
ppor
ts U
NM
C's
plan
s for
m
aint
aini
ng a
nd st
reng
then
ing
qual
ity in
the
futu
re.
2.1
2.
02.
02.
02.
32.
11.
92.
02.
12.
21.
92.
22.
02.
0
Que
stio
n 8:
Evi
denc
e fr
om U
NM
C's
eval
uatio
n an
d as
sess
men
t pro
cess
es g
uide
inst
itutio
nal s
trate
gies
for
impr
ovem
ent i
n m
y un
it.
2.5*
2.
7
2.
42.
22.
92.
42.
22.
22.
42.
72.
42.
22.
32.
4
Que
stio
n 9:
Pla
nnin
g ac
tiviti
es in
my
unit
alig
n w
ith U
NM
C's
mis
sion
, the
reby
enh
anci
ng o
ur c
apac
ity to
fulfi
ll th
e m
issi
on.
2.2*
2.
4
2.
32.
02.
72.
22.
02.
32.
12.
32.
01.
82.
12.
0
C
rite
rion
3 --
Stu
dent
Lea
rnin
g an
d E
ffec
tive
Teac
hing
Que
stio
n 10
: UN
MC
's re
sour
ce b
ase
supp
orts
its e
duca
tiona
l pr
ogra
ms.
1.9
1.
91.
91.
92.
01.
92.
01.
91.
92.
01.
82.
01.
91.
9
Que
stio
n 11
: UN
MC
eva
luat
es st
uden
t lea
rnin
g.
2.0
2.
12.
21.
92.
01.
92.
01.
82.
02.
11.
91.
71.
92.
3
Que
stio
n 12
: UN
MC
supp
orts
the
crea
tion
of a
n ef
fect
ive
lear
ning
env
ironm
ent i
n m
y un
it.
2.1
2.
32.
32.
22.
32.
02.
12.
02.
22.
51.
82.
01.
92.
2
Que
stio
n 13
: UN
MC
eva
luat
es te
achi
ng e
ffec
tiven
ess.
2.2
2.
32.
32.
22.
52.
12.
12.
12.
32.
32.
11.
92.
12.
3
Que
stio
n 14
: UN
MC
pro
mot
es fa
culty
, sta
ff a
nd st
uden
t le
arni
ng a
cros
s the
inst
itutio
n.
2.0
2.
02.
02.
02.
61.
92.
02.
02.
02.
21.
71.
81.
91.
8
*Ind
icat
es st
atis
tical
ly si
gnifi
cant
diff
eren
ces i
n ag
reem
ent w
ith th
e A
ccre
dita
tion
Crit
erio
n ac
ross
Prim
ary
App
oint
men
t Uni
t gro
ups;
Chi
Squ
are
< .0
5
20
Ta
ble
3D (c
ont.)
Acc
redi
tatio
n St
atem
ent M
ean
Scor
es fo
r All
Staf
f and
Prim
ary
App
oint
men
t Uni
t
Prim
ary
App
oint
men
t Uni
t H
ighe
r L
earn
ing
Com
mis
sion
Cri
teri
a an
d Su
rvey
Item
s A
ll St
aff
Aca
dem
ic
Aff
airs
B
usin
ess
Fina
nce
Cha
ncel
lor
Off
ice
Col
lege
of
Den
tistr
y C
olle
ge o
fM
edic
ine
Col
lege
of
Nur
sing
C
olle
ge o
f Ph
arm
acy
Epp
ley
Inst
. In
fo T
ech
Serv
ices
M
onro
e M
eyer
Inst
Sc
hool
of
Hea
lth S
ci
Uni
v M
ed
Ass
oc
V.C
. for
R
esea
rch
Cri
teri
on 4
-- A
cqui
sitio
n, D
isco
very
, and
App
licat
ion
of
Kno
wle
dge
Que
stio
n 15
: UN
MC
dem
onst
rate
s tha
t it v
alue
s res
earc
h.
1.5
1.
41.
41.
41.
61.
61.
31.
51.
61.
51.
41.
51.
51.
4
Que
stio
n 16
: At U
NM
C in
telle
ctua
l inq
uiry
is in
tegr
al to
its
educ
atio
nal p
rogr
ams.
1.8
1.
91.
81.
82.
01.
81.
71.
91.
91.
91.
72.
01.
71.
9
Que
stio
n 17
: UN
MC
dem
onst
rate
s tha
t it u
ses v
alid
cur
rent
ev
iden
ce fo
r bes
t pat
ient
car
e.
1.9
2.
02.
02.
02.
01.
91.
81.
92.
02.
11.
82.
01.
92.
1
Que
stio
n 18
: UN
MC
ass
esse
s the
use
fuln
ess o
f its
cur
ricul
a to
st
uden
ts w
ho w
ill li
ve a
nd w
ork
in a
glo
bal,
dive
rse,
and
te
chno
logi
cal s
ocie
ty.
2.1
2.
12.
12.
22.
22.
11.
91.
92.
02.
12.
12.
02.
02.
3
Que
stio
n 19
: Fac
ulty
, stu
dent
s, an
d st
aff a
re su
ppor
ted
by
UN
MC
to a
cqui
re, d
isco
ver a
nd a
pply
kno
wle
dge
resp
onsi
bly.
2.
0
2.0
2.0
1.9
2.4
1.9
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.3
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.9
C
rite
rion
5 --
Eng
agem
ent a
nd S
ervi
ce
Que
stio
n 20
: UN
MC
ana
lyze
s its
abi
lity
to m
eet t
he n
eeds
and
ex
pect
atio
ns o
f its
con
stitu
enci
es.
2.1
2.
02.
12.
12.
32.
12.
02.
02.
12.
12.
01.
92.
12.
0
Que
stio
n 21
: UN
MC
lear
ns fr
om it
s con
stitu
enci
es to
de
term
ine
thei
r nee
ds.
2.2
2.
12.
12.
12.
42.
22.
02.
12.
22.
22.
02.
12.
12.
2
Que
stio
n 22
: UN
MC
has
a c
omm
itmen
t to
enga
ge w
ith it
s id
entif
ied
cons
titue
ncie
s and
com
mun
ities
. 2.
0
2.0
1.9
1.9
2.2
2.0
1.8
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.9
2.0
1.9
2.0
Que
stio
n 23
: Int
erna
l and
ext
erna
l con
stitu
enci
es v
alue
the
serv
ices
UN
MC
pro
vide
s. 2.
0
2.0
2.0
1.9
2.2
2.0
1.9
1.9
2.1
2.2
1.9
2.0
1.9
1.9
Tot
al N
umbe
r of
Sta
ff
1751
72
20
8 43
10
2 78
6 63
27
82
77
13
5 24
57
51
*I
ndic
ates
stat
istic
ally
sign
ifica
nt d
iffer
ence
s in
agre
emen
t with
the
Acc
redi
tatio
n C
riter
ion
acro
ss P
rimar
y A
ppoi
ntm
ent U
nit g
roup
s; C
hi S
quar
e <
.05
21
Criterion 3: Student Learning and Effective Teaching One of the five items used for this criterion showed differences. Specific differences include:
• Question 12—UNMC supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit.
o Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B) o Staff with 0-5 years service at UNMC more positive (see Table 3C)
Criterion 4: Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge Primary appointment unit was again the primary variable where statistically significant differences were found across sub-groups on the accreditation items.
• Question 15—UNMC demonstrates that it values research. o Male staff less positive (see Table 3A) o Administration and Business more positive (see Table 3B)
• Question 16—At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs.
o Administration and Business staff, Education and Outreach staff, and Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B)
• Question 17—UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care
o Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B) • Question 18—UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will
live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society. o Staff with 6-10 years service more positive (see Table 3C)
• Question 19—Faculty, students and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly
o Administration and business, Education and Outreach, and Healthcare staff more positive (see Table 3B)
Criterion 5: Engagement and Service
• No significant differences were found for any of the analysis sub-groups for items in this criterion.
22
STAFF COMMENTS ABOUT ACCREDITATION AND UNMC After responding to the 23 accreditation statements covering the five NCA-HLC accreditation Criteria UNMC is reviewing for re-accreditation, staff respondents were able to provide comments. Question 24 read, “Please provide any additional comments you might want to make about how UNMC addresses the accreditation criteria provided in the statements above.” A total of 178 (10.1%) UNMC staff members provided qualitative comments. These comments were reviewed and coded to provide summary information. Figure 7 presents summary information on individual staff member comments. As can be seen, approximately 1 in 4 staff took the time to say they had no additional comment. Approximately 1 in 5 (19.1%) provided a comment indicating they were happy and that they were satisfied with UNMC. Illustrative comments include the following:
• “The accreditation committees that have been set up have attempted to be inclusive with participation from a variety of faculty and staff.”
• “I believe that UNMC is always on top of the most current technology to serve their patients, students, and assist research to be at the top of the game.”
• “I have been employed by UNMC for less than 1 year, but I am impressed by the level of expertise, commitment and responsibility to the community.”
• “My unit’s faculty and residents go beyond 100% in teaching our students with dedication and excellence.”
Fig. 7 Summary Categories for Staff Comments on UNMC Accreditation
Efforts
15.7
19.1
27.5
1.1
2.8
2.8
2.8
3.9
5.1
8.4
10.7
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0
Other/Misc Comment
Help Students More/Value Teaching and Education More
UNMC Supports Professional Development
Need to Better Connect to Communities/Special Pop Concerns
Value More Areas/Appreciate More Than Research
Comment About Survey
Hard to Answer/Not Involved Enough
Comment About Leadership/Management/UNMC Mission
Suggestion to Improve UNMC Work Life/Salary/Processes
Everything OK/Happy/Satisfied
No Comment/Nothing Additional
Percent of Staff Making Comments
23
Next in frequency of mention were comments about things that could be done to improve the quality of UNMC staff members’ work life, salaries, and work/decision processes. Just less than 16 percent (15.7%) of staff provided comments addressing this area. The following comments are illustrative:
• “UNMC continues to stay competitive in every way except in salaries that compete with cost of living increases and the increases of health insurance. All of this growth is for nothing if we cannot maintain quality employees across the board on all levels.”
• “A program for teaching Research Professors how to better manage and lead their research staff would be an excellent idea. Many seem to be lacking in basic management and people skills. This often leads to conflicts between PIs and staff.”
• “I think that there needs to be more of a focus on higher education for employees and then apply incentives to reach those goals. This could be in the aspect of a degree (undergraduate/graduate) or just in continuing credits.”
Approximately 1 in 10 staff members (10.7%) providing open-end comments focused on the UNMC leadership, management, and mission. Illustrative comments follow:
• “UNMC does a great job of aligning its resources with the strategic plan and of
holding people accountable for achieving the plan. Also for setting stretch goals that help stretch faculty and staff to be innovative in thinking about how they can reach these goals.”
• “I have observed, over the past several years, that UNMC has a lack of capable managers that will make the tough decisions as to holding support staff to a high standard to maintain quality of service and support.”
• “Make the mission statement more widely known.” Other open-end comments reflected a concern that the respondent didn’t have all the information necessary to respond to certain survey items (8.4%); other comments were about some aspect of the survey (5.1%).
24
Attachment A
Letter Sent Via E-Mail* to UNMC Staff Receiving the Accreditation Self-Study Survey
August 24, 2005 Address Dear _____: I am writing to request your participation in a web-based survey of all UNMC staff members. The survey is a part of UNMC's preparation for re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Executive and Steering Committees for the accreditation self-study have designed this survey to determine your knowledge and attitudes about UNMC's strengths and needs in the context of the North Central accreditation process. The NCA encourages broad campus participation in the self-study process, and your input will enhance the self-study report. Major campus needs identified by the survey will be addressed before the report is submitted. The survey is being conducted by an external agency, and only summary information will be reported. Your anonymity will be protected. Within the next ten days you will receive an e-mail notice providing a link to a web page established for the survey. The web-based survey will also provide you with a link to our UNMC accreditation self-study web site if you want to learn more about the accreditation process. Thank you for your support of UNMC by helping prepare for re-accreditation. Thank you, Harold M. Maurer, MD Chancellor *An adaptation of this letter was also sent to the staff members without e-mail addresses.
25
Attachment B
Text of E-Mail Message Inviting Staff to Participate in UNMC Staff Accreditation Survey
Date: August 29, 2005 To: <individual staff e-mail addresses here> From: Russell L. Smith, Ph.D. Subject: IMPORTANT-- Participate in the UNMC NCA Accreditation Self-Study
Survey of Staff
On August 24th you received a letter from Chancellor Maurer asking you to complete a survey of all UNMC staff. Please take a few minutes to click on the enclosed link and complete the short survey. This information will be used by the Executive and Steering Committees preparing UNMC's self-study report for the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association. Thank you in advance for your survey participation and feedback. Please click the link below to begin the survey: <survey link located here>
26
Attachment C
UNMC Staff Accreditation Survey—Online Version
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is preparing for its accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). To maximize the opportunity to prepare for the self-study process, the Executive and Steering Committees seek your impressions of UNMC's strengths and unmet needs. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential. The survey is being conducted via a third-party contract. The survey has two sections. Section I asks you to respond to a series of statements tied to the five accreditation criteria used by the Higher Learning Commission. For each criterion, a short statement is provided for background information. This statement is followed by several statements about the criterion. Most items ask for your opinion regarding UNMC, although several do ask you to respond regarding your unit or program. Please respond to each statement by selecting the response that best reflects your answer. For each statement there are five response options: (1) Strongly Agree , (2) Agree , (3) Neither Disagree nor Agree , (4) Disagree , and (5) Strongly Disagree . Section II asks you to respond to several demographic questions used for tabulation and reporting purposes.
27
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Section I. Accreditation Criteria Used By The Higher Learning Commission
Criterion 1 - Mission and Integrity: The organization operates with integrity to ensure the fulfillment of its mission through structures and processes that involve the board, administration, faculty, staff, and students.
1
UNMC's mission is clear.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
2
The UNMC mission statement recognizes the diversity of its learners, other constituencies, and the greater society it serves.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
28
3
UNMC's internal decision-making processes promote participation and
support collaboration that enables my unit to fulfill its mission.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor
Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
4
UNMC's administrative structures promote effective leadership.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
5
UNMC upholds and protects its integrity as an institution dedicated to
social good.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree
nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
29
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Criterion 2 - Preparing for the Future: The organization's allocation of resources and its processes for evaluation and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.
6
UNMC realistically prepares for a future shaped by multiple societal and economic trends.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
7
The resource base supports UNMC's plans for maintaining and strengthening quality in the future.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
30
8
Evidence from UNMC's evaluation and assessment processes guide institutional strategies for improvement in my unit.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
9
Planning activities in my unit align with UNMC's mission, thereby enhancing our capacity to fulfill the mission.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
31
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Criterion 3 - Student Learning and Effective Teaching: The organization provides evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is fulfilling its mission.
10
UNMC's resource base supports its educational programs.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
11
UNMC evaluates student learning.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
32
12
UNMC supports the creation of an effective learning environment in my unit.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
13
UNMC evaluates teaching effectiveness.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
14
UNMC promotes faculty, staff and student learning across the institution.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
33
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Criterion 4 - Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge: The organization promotes a life of learning for its faculty, administration, staff, and students by fostering and supporting inquiry, creativity, practice, and social responsibility in ways consistent with its mission.
15
UNMC demonstrates that it values research.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
16
At UNMC intellectual inquiry is integral to its educational programs.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
34
17
UNMC demonstrates that it uses valid current evidence for best patient care.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
18
UNMC assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
19
Faculty, students, and staff are supported by UNMC to acquire, discover and apply knowledge responsibly.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
35
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Criterion 5 - Engagement and Service: As called for by its mission, the organization identifies its constituencies and serves them in ways both value.
20
UNMC analyzes its ability to meet the needs and expectations of its constituencies.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
21
UNMC learns from its constituencies to determine their needs.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
36
22
UNMC has a commitment to engage with its identified constituencies and communities.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
23
Internal and external constituencies value the services UNMC provides.
Strongly Agree Agree Neither Disagree nor Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
37
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Additional Comments:
24
Please provide any additional comments you might want to make about how UNMC addresses the accreditation criteria provided in the statements above.
38
UNMC Accreditation Self-Study Survey
Section II. Background Information
This section asks you to provide several items of background information. This information will be used for tabulation and analysis purposes only.
25
Which of the following best describes your principal job activities at UNMC?
Administrative and Business Operations
Advising/Career/Student Services
Educational/Outreach Programs
Facilities Planning and Operations
Food Service/Dietary
Healthcare
Information Technology
Library Services
Materials Management/Print Production
Museum/Arts
Public Relations/Marketing/Development
Public Safety
Research and Agriculture
Sports and Recreation
Television, Radio and Video Production
39
26
Are you considered a full-time employee, or are you part-time?
Full-time
Part-time
27
In what UNMC unit is your primary appointment?
Academic Affairs (e.g., Library, Student Services)
Business and Finance
Chancellor's Office
College of Dentistry
College of Medicine
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy
Eppley Institute
Information Technology Services
Munroe Meyer Institute
School of Allied Health Professions
University Medical Associates
Vice Chancellor for Research
40
28
My primary UNMC campus location is:
Omaha
Lincoln
Kearney
Scottsbluff
29
What is your racial/ethnic group? (check all that apply)
White/non-Hispanic
Black/non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native American/Alaskan
Other, Please Specify
41
30
What is your gender?
Female
Male
31
Years at UNMC
2 years or fewer
3-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
42
Att
achm
ent D
Perc
enta
ge o
f Sta
ff A
gree
ing
with
Acc
redi
tatio
n St
atem
ents
Hig
her
Lea
rnin
g C
omm
issi
on C
rite
ria
and
Surv
ey It
ems
Stro
ngly
Agr
ee/
Agr
ee
Nei
ther
Dis
agre
e no
r A
gree
D
isag
ree/
St
rong
ly D
isag
ree
Num
ber
Cri
teri
on 1
-- M
issi
on a
nd In
tegr
ity
Que
stio
n 1:
UN
MC
's m
issi
on is
cle
ar.
89.9
7.
8 2.
3 17
51
Que
stio
n 2:
The
UN
MC
mis
sion
stat
emen
t rec
ogni
zes t
he d
iver
sity
of
its le
arne
rs, o
ther
con
stitu
enci
es, a
nd th
e gr
eate
r soc
iety
it se
rves
. 87
.8
102.
217
47
Que
stio
n 3:
UN
MC
's in
tern
al d
ecis
ion-
mak
ing
proc
esse
s pro
mot
e pa
rtici
patio
n an
d su
ppor
t col
labo
ratio
n th
at e
nabl
es m
y un
it to
fulfi
ll its
mis
sion
. 64
.522
.612
.917
48
Que
stio
n 4:
UN
MC
's ad
min
istra
tive
stru
ctur
es p
rom
ote
effe
ctiv
e le
ader
ship
. 62
.123
.914
.017
52
Que
stio
n 5:
UN
MC
uph
olds
and
pro
tect
s its
inte
grity
as a
n in
stitu
tion
dedi
cate
d to
soci
al g
ood.
89
.48.
22.
417
48
Cri
teri
on 2
-- P
repa
ring
for
the
Futu
re
Que
stio
n 6:
UN
MC
real
istic
ally
pre
pare
s for
a fu
ture
shap
ed b
y m
ultip
le so
ciet
al a
nd e
cono
mic
tren
ds.
82.8
13.7
3.5
1752
Que
stio
n 7:
The
reso
urce
bas
e su
ppor
ts U
NM
C's
plan
s for
m
aint
aini
ng a
nd st
reng
then
ing
qual
ity in
the
futu
re.
76.9
19.1
3.9
1748
Que
stio
n 8:
Evi
denc
e fr
om U
NM
C's
eval
uatio
n an
d as
sess
men
t pr
oces
ses g
uide
inst
itutio
nal s
trate
gies
for i
mpr
ovem
ent i
n m
y un
it.
54.6
33.8
11.6
1750
Que
stio
n 9:
Pla
nnin
g ac
tiviti
es in
my
unit
alig
n w
ith U
NM
C's
mis
sion
, the
reby
enh
anci
ng o
ur c
apac
ity to
fulfi
ll th
e m
issi
on.
68.9
23.3
7.8
1746
43
Att
achm
ent D
(con
t.)
Pe
rcen
tage
of S
taff
Agr
eein
g w
ith A
ccre
dita
tion
Stat
emen
ts
Hig
her
Lea
rnin
g C
omm
issi
on C
rite
ria
and
Surv
ey It
ems
Stro
ngly
Agr
ee/
Agr
ee
Nei
ther
Dis
agre
e no
r A
gree
D
isag
ree/
St
rong
ly D
isag
ree
Num
ber
Cri
teri
on 3
-- S
tude
nt L
earn
ing
and
Eff
ectiv
e T
each
ing
Que
stio
n 10
: UN
MC
's re
sour
ce b
ase
supp
orts
its e
duca
tiona
l pr
ogra
ms.
83.1
14.1
2.8
1742
Que
stio
n 11
: UN
MC
eva
luat
es st
uden
t lea
rnin
g.
76.7
21
.9
1.4
1744
Que
stio
n 12
: UN
MC
supp
orts
the
crea
tion
of a
n ef
fect
ive
lear
ning
en
viro
nmen
t in
my
unit.
75
.817
.16.
517
44
Que
stio
n 13
: UN
MC
eva
luat
es te
achi
ng e
ffec
tiven
ess.
68.0
28.0
4.0
1746
Que
stio
n 14
: UN
MC
pro
mot
es fa
culty
, sta
ff a
nd st
uden
t lea
rnin
g ac
ross
the
inst
itutio
n.
82.0
12.7
5.3
1742
Cri
teri
on 4
-- A
cqui
sitio
n, D
isco
very
, and
App
licat
ion
of
Kno
wle
dge
Que
stio
n 15
: UN
MC
dem
onst
rate
s tha
t it v
alue
s res
earc
h.
93.2
4.
9 1.
9 17
50
Que
stio
n 16
: At U
NM
C in
telle
ctua
l inq
uiry
is in
tegr
al to
its
educ
atio
nal p
rogr
ams.
84.7
14.4
1.0
1741
Que
stio
n 17
: UN
MC
dem
onst
rate
s tha
t it u
ses v
alid
cur
rent
evi
denc
e fo
r bes
t pat
ient
car
e.
78.3
20.6
1.0
1740
Que
stio
n 18
: UN
MC
ass
esse
s the
use
fuln
ess o
f its
cur
ricul
a to
st
uden
ts w
ho w
ill li
ve a
nd w
ork
in a
glo
bal,
dive
rse,
and
te
chno
logi
cal s
ocie
ty.
72.6
26.3
1.1
1742
Que
stio
n 19
: Fac
ulty
, stu
dent
s, an
d st
aff a
re su
ppor
ted
by U
NM
C to
ac
quire
, dis
cove
r and
app
ly k
now
ledg
e re
spon
sibl
y.
83.2
12.9
3.9
1740
44
Att
achm
ent D
(con
t.)
Pe
rcen
tage
of S
taff
Agr
eein
g w
ith A
ccre
dita
tion
Stat
emen
ts
Hig
her
Lea
rnin
g C
omm
issi
on C
rite
ria
and
Surv
ey It
ems
Stro
ngly
Agr
ee/
Agr
ee
Nei
ther
Dis
agre
e no
r A
gree
D
isag
ree/
St
rong
ly D
isag
ree
Num
ber
Cri
teri
on 5
-- E
ngag
emen
t and
Ser
vice
Q
uest
ion
20: U
NM
C a
naly
zes i
ts a
bilit
y to
mee
t the
nee
ds a
nd
expe
ctat
ions
of i
ts c
onst
ituen
cies
. 75
.1
22.8
2.1
1741
Que
stio
n 21
: UN
MC
lear
ns fr
om it
s con
stitu
enci
es to
det
erm
ine
thei
r ne
eds.
71.3
25.3
3.4
1738
Que
stio
n 22
: UN
MC
has
a c
omm
itmen
t to
enga
ge w
ith it
s ide
ntifi
ed
cons
titue
ncie
s and
com
mun
ities
. 80
.617
.81.
617
38
Que
stio
n 23
: Int
erna
l and
ext
erna
l con
stitu
enci
es v
alue
the
serv
ices
U
NM
C p
rovi
des.
77.7
20.7
1.6
1736
45