#Harvard University #COACHE #Faculty Experience

Celebrating Two Decades of Faculty Impact

As the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) reaches its 20th anniversary, it has launched its latest report titled Looking Back Moving Forward. This document encapsulates 20 years of collaboration with over 300 institutions, offering valuable insights into faculty experiences across the educational landscape. The report emphasizes the importance of data in transforming institutions, revealing trends that can enhance faculty satisfaction, retention, and overall institutional health.

COACHE’s Journey Through Data

Founded by professionals who understood the critical gap in faculty appreciation, COACHE started collecting and analyzing data to give a voice to academic professionals. From its beginnings focused on faculty satisfaction, COACHE has evolved into a pivotal player in transforming higher education approaches toward faculty care and engagement.

Dr. R. Todd Benson, COACHE's senior director, highlights the radical changes in how institutions view faculty satisfaction. He notes that the conversation, once anecdotal, has shifted to a quantitative approach, fostering an environment where faculty well-being is viewed as essential to institutional sustainability. COACHE's surveys, including the Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey and the Faculty Retention and Exit Survey, play a crucial role in this transformation, enabling college leaders to glean insights that lead to actionable change.

The Importance of Transparency and Inclusion

A significant aspect of COACHE’s impact report is the emphasis on transparency and inclusivity. Institutions that openly share their COACHE data can build stronger campus environments where trust and collaboration thrive. The data illustrates that transparency aids in creating resilient cultures that engage faculty early in decision-making processes, ultimately fueling effective policy changes.

The report further evaluates how faculty inclusion in discussions about data collection and interpretation contributes to the success of shared governance. By clarifying roles and maintaining open lines of communication, COACHE champions a faculty-centric approach to leadership within academic institutions.

Equitable Practices for Sustainable Progress

One of the key findings from COACHE's research is the importance of equity within faculty experiences. The report indicates that certain faculty groups often encounter distinct challenges that affect their teaching and research capabilities. Addressing these disparities is integral to COACHE's continued mission and will remain a priority in its forthcoming initiatives.

Equity does not simply highlight issues but encourages institutions to adopt inclusive strategies for mentoring, hiring, and promoting faculty. As Benson articulately states,