2020 Engagement Survey garners notable response

Even during this unprecedented time in battling COVID-19, Augusta University generated a substantial response rate in our Spring 2020 Employee Engagement Survey.

The survey, administered by Modern Think, helps establish our rank among the Chronicle of Higher Education list of Great Colleges to Work For and helps us identify ways to improve your experience as Augusta University employees.

More than half of our faculty and staff took the online survey, with 1,960 people, or 55%, sharing feedback on everything from academic instruction and leadership to compensation and benefits. Given the state of the institution in March, this number is notable.

“About a week into our survey, the novel coronavirus hit us with challenges on all sides, including shifting classroom learning to online instruction. Then we began social distancing and closing many campus spaces,” said Dr. Gretchen Caughman, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. “Nevertheless, our dedicated faculty and staff have proven resilient in meeting these unique obstacles, and, on top of everything else, still found time to give serious consideration and meaningful responses to the 2020 Engagement Survey questions.”

While the survey period has closed, it will be several months before detailed results will be ready to share.

“Thank you so much for your thoughtful and significant participation,” said Caughman. “I am extremely proud of the Jaguar Nation. Together, we really do bring our A game!”

The survey was last administered in fall 2018, and the employee participation rate was 50%. Since then, many groups have implemented changes to the employee experience.