PACE Survey 2021 in progress; please reply by Nov. 23

Announcements, Faculty & Staff

Nov 3, 2021

On Nov. 2, all Cincinnati State employees received by email a link to this year’s PACE (Personal Assessment of the Campus Environment) Campus Climate Survey.

The PACE survey, which is conducted every three years at Cincinnati State, is a nationally-normed survey facilitated by the independent Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at North Carolina State University.
PACE examines five elements of a community college’s organizational culture: Institutional Structure, Student Focus, Supervisory Relationships, Teamwork, and Overall Climate.
Copies of the 2015 and 2018 PACE survey results for CState are available on the College intranet. Go to Institutional Reseach Reports > Survey Results > PACE Results.

All employees are encouraged to complete the 2021 PACE survey by the deadline, Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The survey takes 20 to 30 minutes and you don’t have to complete it in one sitting.
The survey is voluntary and completely confidential. If you have questions, you can contact Senior Reseach Analyst Lynn Sadowski (lynn.sadowski@cincinnatistate.edu).
The higher the response rate, the more accurately the PACE survey data can represent employee’s opinions of our entire institution.

Note: The language of some PACE survey questions has changed this year, and sometimes refers to “supervisor/chair.” When survey participants see mention of “supervisor/chair,” please answer in relation to your non-academic department manager or supervisor or your academic division dean or associate dean.

The “chair” is an administrative title at some other higher education institutions; however, at Cincinnati State, program and department chairs are not supervisors of other employees. When faculty members (full-time and adjunct) answer these PACE questions you should be thinking about academic administrators at the level of dean, associate dean, or director.

Background: Listening Sessions lead to survey topics

President Monica Posey said in a message to employees that the results of the PACE survey will assist in assessing the overall College climate and also will help with strategic planning and getting ready for accreditation efforts.

To prepare for the 2021 PACE Survey, Dr. Posey hosted a series of Listening Sessions during July, August, and September.

Eleven sessions (virtual and in-person) were held, with participation by 110 employees from across the College.
Session participants shared positive experiences, such as increased communications and Cincinnati State’s commitment to students, as well as their concerns.
Facilitator Jeff Stec categorized the concerns in themes related to staffing, technology, decision-making, and the need to rebuild a community feeling.

Dr. Posey said she hopes employees will respond to the PACE survey as a way to say more about the topics discussed at the Listening Sessions, or to share other concerns.

“The PACE Survey is an important opportunity to make your voice heard,” Dr. Posey said.

Dr. Posey said some efforts are in progress to address already-identified challenges at Cincinnati State, and additional Listening Sessions will be held after the 2021 PACE results are received.