Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMU Employee Climate Survey?
The Employee Climate Survey is an initiative to gather insights into our experiences, perceptions and overall environment. It focuses on job satisfaction, work-life balance, leadership effectiveness and sense of belonging.
Why is SMU conducting this survey?
The survey aims to help SMU better understand the faculty and staff experience, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to further strengthen a supportive campus environment.
Who can participate in the survey?
Faculty and staff members are invited to participate. Every voice matters; your input is essential to help us build a better University community.
Where can I take the survey?
The survey is available to SMU faculty and staff here.
Is the survey anonymous?
Yes. You will be given a link to Qualtrics to take the survey, but no information regarding your email address, IP Address, or employee number will be collected. Additionally, any identifying markers such as race, gender or nationality that could result in a participant being identified will be scrubbed as well.
Who will have access to the raw data?
Each participant’s raw responses will only be known to analysts by a randomly assigned numerical code for the purposes of statistical and thematic analysis (in the cases of free response). The raw data will not be shared with any administrator or senior leader of the University. Only Chief Information Officer Michael Hites will have access to the numerical records used for analysis.
How long will it take to complete the survey?
The main survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. The optional sections will take additional time. We value your time and appreciate your insights.
What types of questions will the survey include?
The survey will include questions on various aspects of the workplace environment, including organizational support, job satisfaction and well-being. Some questions may also focus on communication and feedback mechanisms within SMU.
How will SMU use the results of the survey?
The results will help SMU identify strengths and areas for improvement. Based on the findings, SMU leadership will work with faculty and staff to develop action plans to enhance the campus workplace environment.
What results will senior administrators see?
Senior leaders will only see the data for their specific unit at the aggregate level. Therefore, Provost Loboa will see all data for academic units. Deans will only see data for the respective school. Data will not be disaggregated beyond the school or unit level.
When and how can I take the survey?
The survey will be distributed via email on February 14, 2025. You can complete it online at your convenience. The survey will close on February 28.
Will there be any follow-up after the survey?
Yes, once the survey results have been analyzed, the University will share a summary of key findings and outline the next steps for implementing improvements based on the feedback.
Who developed the survey?
A committee of SMU faculty and staff from areas across campus was formed to help create the survey. It was chaired by Maria Dixon Hall, SMU’s chief cultural intelligence officer, senior advisor to the president and associate professor of organizational communication in the Meadows School of the Arts.
The survey instrument was created by three faculty members with extensive experience in organizational communications and employee relations: Pui Charoensap-Kelly, assistant professor of organizational communication, Meadows School of the Arts; Sandy Duhe, associate professor of corporate communications and public affairs, Meadows School of the Arts; and Maribeth Kuenzi, associate professor of management and organizations, Cox School of Business. This team is also responsible for analyzing the data.
The survey was reviewed and approved by the President’s Executive Council.
Will SMU students participate in a similar climate survey?
Students at SMU participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which is designed to assess the level of student involvement in activities and programs at universities and colleges. It collects data on students’ experiences and engagement in various academic and co-curricular activities which are linked to educational outcomes. SMU uses the results of this survey – which is administered to first-year and senior students every three years – to help improve the overall student experience.
Where can I learn more about the survey?
You can visit a dedicated website to review frequently asked questions and other information about the climate survey.
Who can I contact if I have technical issues or questions?
For technical issues, please reach out to the SMU OIT Help Desk. For questions about the survey process or purpose, you can email climatesurvey@smu.edu.