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Faculty/Staff interviews at Northland identify concerns, hopes, and actions

March 18, 2011

In a series of interviews conducted in January and February, more than 90 Northland College faculty and staff were surveyed concerning campus morale. The conversations also provided opportunities to discuss broad recommendations for college improvements. The final report is being used to spark ongoing conversation and to identify strategic steps.

"Recent decades have been financially challenging for the college," write survey authors Ann E. Lowry and Mary Trettin. "There are, however, things to celebrate. In spite of economic challenges, Northland has survived. Many interviewees noted that Northland is a special place and that it is because of this belief that they continue to work at Northland."

The survey was commissioned by Northland President Michael A. Miller who joined the Northland community in July 2010, "You don't have to look hard to see that people all over the nation are experiencing real stress during these times. But Northland College is a unique place with unique circumstances. It is important that we are free to share our thoughts openly if we are going to make meaningful progress in addressing our challenges."

Common concerns expressed during the interviews included salaries, workload, internal communications, and involvement in decision-making. Cause for optimism included new leadership in key roles, new regularly-scheduled campus forums, and admissions progress.

"It is important to continue these conversations because talking is an important factor affecting how we perceive our situation," said Miller. "We can't change the past but there are many things that we can change today to make for a better college and workplace tomorrow. Some changes will come more quickly than others, but at least we are clear among ourselves on what we want to change."

In recent months, Miller convened several faculty and staff groups to work on areas of concern. Some of these topics were also identified during the interviews as areas of concern, including budget, athletics, safety, and tribal relations efforts. Some of these groups will disband after fulfilling their charges while others will become standing groups for problem solving and information sharing.

Lowry is an educational consultant with expertise in organizational development. She is also currently a part-time faculty member at Northland. Trettin has over 25 years experience in higher education administration. The two joined their expertise to complete this project to help Northland College.