Trinity Leadership Asks Faculty and Staff to Speak Up, Be Heard

Trinity University will launch its first-ever Gallup Employee Engagement Survey on Nov. 26 for all faculty and staff. The initiative marks a first step in an ongoing effort to solidify and strengthen Trinity’s workplace culture.

“When we have a thriving campus culture of engagement for faculty and staff, we are more likely to create the conditions that help students thrive, too,” says Danny Anderson, president. “This survey is a first step in taking the steps necessary to make Trinity an exceptional place to work, learn, live and play. Many thanks to the Trinity Staff Engagement Council and faculty leadership for their support and collaboration on this effort.”

Employees may take the anonymous survey once between Nov. 26 - Dec. 14. Administered by Gallup, the results serve as a measure of engagement and provide the data necessary to create actionable plans for improvement.

“This survey provides a benchmark for where we are today as an institution, but also allows us to compare ourselves to peer institutions and even other sectors using Gallup’s bank of validated questions,” says Kara Larkan-Skinner, executive director for institutional research and effectiveness, whose office will administer the survey. “In addition, we have created some custom questions unique to Trinity based on feedback from faculty and staff.”

Aggregated results for Trinity will be shared transparently with all employees. In addition, each supervisor or manager with four or more employees will be able to view their own department’s engagement results relative to the campus as a whole.   

Trey Dunn, president of Trinity Staff Engagement Council, encourages all staff to participate to ensure the most accurate reflection of campus culture. “Whether you are classified or contract staff, this is our opportunity to help shape Trinity’s workplace culture. We really appreciate Dr. Anderson’s commitment to listening,” he says.

Brian Miceli, chair of the faculty senate, agrees. “Often, the loudest voices set policy and direction for everyone in a workplace. Regardless of your tenure, this survey gives everyone an equal opportunity to speak up and be heard,” he says.

The online instrument should require no more than 10 minutes to complete, with questions that address employee engagement, inclusivity, wellbeing and compensation.

“I am committed to creating a culture of positive human development,” says Anderson. “Our world-class faculty and staff are foundational to realizing our vision, and this survey represents an important step in that journey.”