Dear Colleagues:

 The University of Florida has released the results of last fall’s survey of faculty and staff to better understand the campus work environment and the relationships of its members within the UF community.

We are pleased with the level of participation of this survey. More than one-third (36 percent) completed the survey when it was available online Oct. 27 through Nov. 27. I am confident this affirms that many of you share the same desire for our community to be open and welcoming to all. Respect and inclusion form the essential bedrock on which to build a campus community that cherishes the similarities and the differences of all its members.

You may access the results online from the President’s Web page or the following link: University of Florida Campus Climate Report (June 2016)

This survey constitutes a starting point. It’s important that we understand what we do well --- and there is much within the data to celebrate --- but also address head-on what is not working well.

While this preliminary report is intended to provide immediate feedback to the UF community, it is not a definitive analysis of the survey’s results.

Beginning this week, we will hold a series of faculty and staff forums to discuss the results and what they mean. Having the opportunity for an open exchange of ideas is critical to improving the campus climate.

 From these forums, action items will be identified that can be accomplished in 12 to 18 months. We hope you’ll be able to join one of these upcoming forums:

Monday, June 20 – 9-11 a.m. – Straughn Professional Development Center

Thursday, August 11 – 9-11 a.m. – Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

Tuesday, August 16 – 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Room 120, HRS Building (Livestream available)

Tuesday, September 13 – 10 a.m.-noon – Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

Monday, October 10 – 3-5 p.m. – Retiz Union Rion Ballroom

Survey Consultant Rankin and Associates will return to campus in late September to discuss the process and review the university results again for those faculty and staff who were unavailable during the summer.

The information that people have provided about their perceptions and experience of the campus climate at UF can help guide us toward building a more supportive campus community.

Creating an inclusive climate allows all of us to do our best work and together shape a better UF.

Warmly,

Kent

W. Kent Fuchs
President, University of Florida