George Mason University - Quality of Work Life Survey Main

Summaries of Comments from the Quality of Work Life
Open-ended Survey Questions

The following are summaries of the open-ended questions that were asked in the long and short form of the quality of work life survey. In the short form of the survey, respondents were asked three questions: "Please tell us what has been a source of stress to you at George Mason, " "Please tell us what has been a source of satisfaction to you at George Mason," and "What improvements could the university make that would add to your quality of work life?" In the longer, structured survey the open-ended question was: "What improvements could the university make that would add to your quality of work life. Please be as specific as possible." Members of the Quality of Work Life Task Force read all responses, identified the points that were made most frequently, and culled representative comments. The summaries and representative comments follow.

Adjunct Faculty

Salary and the availability of parking are the most frequently mentioned sources of stress for adjunct faculty. Other frequently noted sources of stress are lack of appropriate workspace, benefits, and teaching large class sections with no assistance.
Adjunct faculty most frequently mention relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and staff as sources of satisfaction. Also, the opportunity to work with students and share their knowledge is frequently cited. Several people commented on the physical environment and the utility of the Johnson Center.
Following is a selection of the comments made by adjunct faculty:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Adjunct Faculty)
An irritation has been that graduate teaching assistants are paid more than adjuncts. That says, "We're really glad to have adjuncts because they reduce our teaching load. They save us money on salary. We don't provide them with space or benefits. Our lucky students can have instructors who aren't worth much!"
A closer adjunct-permanent staff relationship would be helpful. I come in each spring, teach my course, and leave, and often never speak to another faculty member the whole semester. Of course that shows trust in my abilities as an instructor, or maybe just disinterest.
Poor compensation for adjunct faculty. This gives the impression of injustice and unfairness.
Not having university help at all with savings for retirement.
Not knowing if I have a class to teach until the last minute.
Parking, especially for 1:30 classes.
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Adjunct Faculty)
GMU gives me the opportunity to teach, which I love.
Interested students who always attend class, ask questions and make the class challenging and exciting.
New facility, including a lounge area where I can go as an adjunct to prepare class and eat dinner.
I feel valued as a colleague despite low-man-on-the-totem-pole rank.
Working with administrative staff. I know they are underpaid for what they do but they all have provided excellent support and service - with a smile!
Facilities - classrooms and meeting rooms are well kept and generally meet teaching needs - tv/vcr, computer, etc. Either they are there or are easy to get (well, not if you are an adjunct/student).
Being able to take a course tuition-free.

Administrative Faculty

The comments of administrative faculty indicate that a lack of overall institutional planning is a source of stress in their work lives. This theme is reflected in comments about a need for more communication and consultation in matters like space assignment, database integration, department/institutional restructuring, and the operation of the distributed campuses. Other frequently noted sources of stress include work load (especially excessive committee work), job security, salary, and inadequate otps, support services, and space.
The most frequently mentioned source of satisfaction among administrative faculty includes interaction with students and colleagues and a generally proactive and supportive university environment. Other frequently noted sources of satisfaction included employment benefits (especially tuition credits), recognition programs, professional opportunities, and salaries.
Following is a selection of the comments made by administrative faculty:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Administrative Faculty)
Lack of overall institutional planning and goal setting. We never know when things will get through or just disappear. We don't have the structure/organization to sustain the innovations we're so good at generating.
Not enough forward planning, so that everything has an immediate deadline.
The level of complexity in policies, processes and programs makes it difficult for administrators to interpret, much less for students to navigate and understand, the university. Those who will never have to explain them to a confused student or an angry parent often approve complications! In other words, a significant disconnect between policy making and policy implementation.
A lack of appreciation for the value of teamwork and communication - I believe this comes from being over-committed and lacking the time and/or interest to really make a Mason difference.
Ask people who are directly affected by changes being made (i.e., organizational, reporting structure, space, etc.) what impact change will have. Don't make so many changes so quickly! Think first!!
Conflicting demands from a lot of different areas all at once.
In terms of work, there is little attempt to establish quality control or accountability - so the quality of services and processes are often compromised. When this is combined with high employee turn around, it makes it hard to get your work done.
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Administrative Faculty)
The willingness to listen to new ideas in an effort to constantly improve the university makes me feel good about being part of GMU.
The can-do spirit that exists here.
I take great pride in getting many things done with the few resources that we have.
The cooperation of all the people I have met. There seems to be a sincere concern about helping one to succeed.
Working with dedicated employees who are more concerned with doing a great job than with titles, salaries, or self-aggrandizement.
Most of the people that I work with are self-starters and problem solvers. I can always count on cooperation from fellow workers across the university.
Being able to maintain a non-bureaucratic atmosphere where faculty, staff and students feel empowered toward controlling their own lives.

Classified Staff

Classified staff describe the "continental divide" between themselves and immediate supervisors, administrative faculty supervisors, faculty, directors, chairs, and deans as a source of stress. Many describe themselves as unappreciated, underpaid, and having to work in noisy and ill equipped workspaces. Many feel that they are looked down upon by faculty and have little opportunity for advancement.
The most frequently mentioned source of satisfaction for classified staff includes the educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities afforded by the university, coworker relations, and being able to have an impact on students. Some also cite supervisors who support what they do and give them the autonomy and flexibility that other employment classifications at Mason enjoy.
Following is a selection of the comments made by classified staff:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Classified Staff)
The university could take greater care to see that management is trained. Many of our leaders at GMU come from faculty ranks and it is important to remember that they need help managing, even at times when they don't think they do.
Rudeness of those in high ranking positions.
I am sick and tired of having to deal with PhDs that act like children…
As a classified employee, I often feel like a second-class citizen
Others (particularly professors) taking for granted the time, energy and work that support takes.
Raising salaries to be competitive with the private sector would help raise morale tremendously. GMU is a great place to work, but in general, I'd say the salaries are too low for what we do and not quite in line with other institutions, e.g. NOVA.
I think if you paid your employees better you would be able to retain them longer, and there wouldn't be this constant turnover of employees and the disruptions it causes when vacancies arise.
The open partition environment is too noisy for me. Source of distraction: people talking on the phone, walking back and forth to get water, computer printer…
In the office, the high level of traffic in and out makes it difficult to concentrate on a task as simple as writing an e-mail message.
This method of trimming departments (by outsourcing) that are not the core mission of the university is demoralizing to the staff, who over the years have supported the university with their years of service.
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Classified Staff)
The students' appreciation of what we do to help them.
My colleagues and the tireless efforts to continue to make the system work
Great people in my department and other people throughout the university who are trying to do a good job with limited resources.
I have a huge amount of flexibility to do my job the way I like. My boss is supportive, but allows me to work independently.
Feeling that you are part of something important.
Seeing Mason maturing over the years I have been here. I always have a hugh sense of pride driving to the office and looking at the campus. I like seeing the progress made, learning new technologies, and getting to know the students.
The opportunity to work with many smart, talented individuals and the chance to learn about and explore the latest information technologies.
The students are very interesting and are always appreciative of the help they get from the staff here.

Restricted Faculty

Salaries, parking (adequacy, cost, and ticketing policies), and computer/internet resources are the most frequently noted sources of stress for restricted faculty. Other frequently noted concerns for restricted faculty include a feeling of not being respected, job security, and office space.
Restricted faculty identify working with the diverse students body, their interactions with colleagues, faculty workshops/ training, and being associated with George Mason University as sources of satisfaction. Other positives are the tuition waivers and campus environment.
Following is a selection of the comments made by restricted faculty:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Restricted Faculty)
The salary offered me is insultingly low. I was making more money working part-time at a community college 12 years ago than I am now. Starting salaries at NOVA for instructors are higher than what I have been offered ($27,500). I will be actively looking for teaching jobs which pay a living wage-could you live in this geographical area on $27,500/yr?? Would you?? With a doctorate from George Mason? They don't seem to value their degree or students highly.
Hard to feel invested in a program when your vote is considered less of a vote then tenure-tracked faculty.
Not knowing from year to year whether I will get a contract until the last minute - often too late to make plans to teach other university courses.
The uncertainty of being in a restricted faculty position despite going beyond the workload in my contract.
Being exploited for years even though I teach 8 - 10 classes a year of 20 + students each while tenured profs get much more money, good benefits, time off, and teach maybe 5-6 course a year, often the same courses. But mostly, they teach good courses of 6-12 people each and only grade 1 final paper. No way this can be justified.
Seven -years employment on a year-to-year contract and not knowing the future.
Ticket parking violators consistently! (After 2 yrs. On waitlist, I have garage parking. On nice days, 50% or better violate restricted spaces, on rainy days 90% -- trust me, I count!) If nothing else, it's revenue!
Parking: finding students' cars in the faculty parking lot is annoying at best, maddening at worst. On some days-Tuesday, Thursday-you can't find parking while passing by dozens of cars with student stickers. Tow them away!
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Restricted Faculty)
Working with students from around the globe.
I enjoy teaching these students - and there are many - who are here to learn and are interested in their area of endeavor.
I like talking to those of my colleagues who are willing to so analyze with me (mostly the other adjuncts). The affiliation gives me respect and provides income that helps support my family.
The recognition I get from people in the same line of work outside GMU who value my contribution to the profession.
Mason's stature in the metropolitan community.
Watching the growth of the university and the respect with which others hold to it.
Appreciate the training and development programs available to faculty.
I am glad to have tuition waivers as part of my compensation.
Pleasant office, new computers to replace glichy ones.

Tenure-line Faculty

The condition of facilities (classrooms, research areas, offices), parking, office and meeting space, and salaries are the primary sources of stress for tenure-line faculty. Other frequently noted sources of stress include lack of clarity in the university's mission, communication difficulties between departments, lack of free access to university facilities and programs, salary discrepancies between faculty and administrators, and the process by which salaries are determined.
Tenure-line faculty identify interaction with students and colleagues, the university's growth and reputation, and supportive units within the institution as their primary sources of satisfaction.
Following is a selection of the comments made by tenure-line faculty:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Tenure-Line Faculty)
This is the only school I know where the building entry doors are frequently broken, temperature-air handling is inadequate, and bathrooms are dirty/deteriorated.
The difficulty of parking here often ruins the start of my day.
I do not have a decent office in which to work after 20 years.
I would consider changing jobs specifically for the purpose of receiving tuition assistance for my children.
Stop inter-unit fighting quickly.
Things are added on, never removed.
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Tenure-Line Faculty)
Accomplishments of the talented, hard-working faculty and being a part of it.
Interaction with many excellent students over the years.
Friendly atmosphere of the campus.
Opportunity to work on a variety of programs and to be part of a number of initiatives.
Helping students accomplish life-long goals.
Most faculty are very upbeat and look forward to lifting the quality of GMU.
Overall improvement in the last several years: academic standards, equipment…

Wage Employees

Salary, recognition, and opportunities for training and professional development are the most frequently mentioned sources of stress for wage employees.
Wage employees mention the opportunity to work with students and solve their problems, the George Mason environment, and the special attractions of higher education as their sources of satisfaction.
Following is a selection of the comments made by wage employees:

What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Wage Employees)
Part-time wage workers should be eligible for periodic performance reviews with opportunity for raises where justified. I was hired at one rate of pay, and have been told I will not get any raises except the annual cost of living from the state. I am a hard worker, but will get no benefit from excelling.
Allow partial benefits to part-time employees - we are just as committed.
As a wages employee, many of these questions do not apply to me. As a part-timer I'm not taken as seriously as I would have been as a full-time employee. I would really like a part-time job with part-time benefits. I would also like better opportunities for training, career development and a chance to attend conferences as a means of keeping up with current trends & developments. As a part-timer this is not available. Overall, I enjoy my work and my colleagues are great.
The fact that a part-time employee of over ten years is not acknowledged in any way for good and faithful service.
Lack of benefits for wage employees, regardless of how long I've worked here.
Losing wage pay in the event of a closing due to inclement weather or holidays.
What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Wage Employees)
Working with students and staff. Generally a friendly environment with a great sense of accomplishment in working with students for a greater good.
Beauty of the campus and the nature around it for quiet walks and other leisure activities.
Having a part-time and flexible schedule.
Earning a class.
The opportunity to learn and grow in an office environment.

Page created from original document on: September 29, 2000

The following are summaries of the open-ended questions that were asked in the long and short form of the quality of work life survey. In the short form of the survey, respondents were asked three questions: "Please tell us what has been a source of stress to you at George Mason, " "Please tell us what has been a source of satisfaction to you at George Mason," and "What improvements could the university make that would add to your quality of work life?" In the longer, structured survey the open-ended question was: "What improvements could the university make that would add to your quality of work life. Please be as specific as possible." Members of the Quality of Work Life Task Force read all responses, identified the points that were made most frequently, and culled representative comments. The summaries and representative comments follow.
Adjunct Faculty
Salary and the availability of parking are the most frequently mentioned sources of stress for adjunct faculty. Other frequently noted sources of stress are lack of appropriate workspace, benefits, and teaching large class sections with no assistance. Adjunct faculty most frequently mention relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and staff as sources of satisfaction. Also, the opportunity to work with students and share their knowledge is frequently cited. Several people commented on the physical environment and the utility of the Johnson Center. Following is a selection of the comments made by adjunct faculty: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Adjunct Faculty) An irritation has been that graduate teaching assistants are paid more than adjuncts. That says, "We're really glad to have adjuncts because they reduce our teaching load. They save us money on salary. We don't provide them with space or benefits. Our lucky students can have instructors who aren't worth much!" A closer adjunct-permanent staff relationship would be helpful. I come in each spring, teach my course, and leave, and often never speak to another faculty member the whole semester. Of course that shows trust in my abilities as an instructor, or maybe just disinterest. Poor compensation for adjunct faculty. This gives the impression of injustice and unfairness. Not having university help at all with savings for retirement. Not knowing if I have a class to teach until the last minute. Parking, especially for 1:30 classes. What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Adjunct Faculty) GMU gives me the opportunity to teach, which I love. Interested students who always attend class, ask questions and make the class challenging and exciting. New facility, including a lounge area where I can go as an adjunct to prepare class and eat dinner. I feel valued as a colleague despite low-man-on-the-totem-pole rank. Working with administrative staff. I know they are underpaid for what they do but they all have provided excellent support and service - with a smile! Facilities - classrooms and meeting rooms are well kept and generally meet teaching needs - tv/vcr, computer, etc. Either they are there or are easy to get (well, not if you are an adjunct/student). Being able to take a course tuition-free.
Administrative Faculty
The comments of administrative faculty indicate that a lack of overall institutional planning is a source of stress in their work lives. This theme is reflected in comments about a need for more communication and consultation in matters like space assignment, database integration, department/institutional restructuring, and the operation of the distributed campuses. Other frequently noted sources of stress include work load (especially excessive committee work), job security, salary, and inadequate otps, support services, and space. The most frequently mentioned source of satisfaction among administrative faculty includes interaction with students and colleagues and a generally proactive and supportive university environment. Other frequently noted sources of satisfaction included employment benefits (especially tuition credits), recognition programs, professional opportunities, and salaries. Following is a selection of the comments made by administrative faculty: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Administrative Faculty) Lack of overall institutional planning and goal setting. We never know when things will get through or just disappear. We don't have the structure/organization to sustain the innovations we're so good at generating. Not enough forward planning, so that everything has an immediate deadline. The level of complexity in policies, processes and programs makes it difficult for administrators to interpret, much less for students to navigate and understand, the university. Those who will never have to explain them to a confused student or an angry parent often approve complications! In other words, a significant disconnect between policy making and policy implementation. A lack of appreciation for the value of teamwork and communication - I believe this comes from being over-committed and lacking the time and/or interest to really make a Mason difference. Ask people who are directly affected by changes being made (i.e., organizational, reporting structure, space, etc.) what impact change will have. Don't make so many changes so quickly! Think first!! Conflicting demands from a lot of different areas all at once. In terms of work, there is little attempt to establish quality control or accountability - so the quality of services and processes are often compromised. When this is combined with high employee turn around, it makes it hard to get your work done. What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Administrative Faculty) The willingness to listen to new ideas in an effort to constantly improve the university makes me feel good about being part of GMU. The can-do spirit that exists here. I take great pride in getting many things done with the few resources that we have. The cooperation of all the people I have met. There seems to be a sincere concern about helping one to succeed. Working with dedicated employees who are more concerned with doing a great job than with titles, salaries, or self-aggrandizement. Most of the people that I work with are self-starters and problem solvers. I can always count on cooperation from fellow workers across the university. Being able to maintain a non-bureaucratic atmosphere where faculty, staff and students feel empowered toward controlling their own lives.
Classified Staff
Classified staff describe the "continental divide" between themselves and immediate supervisors, administrative faculty supervisors, faculty, directors, chairs, and deans as a source of stress. Many describe themselves as unappreciated, underpaid, and having to work in noisy and ill equipped workspaces. Many feel that they are looked down upon by faculty and have little opportunity for advancement. The most frequently mentioned source of satisfaction for classified staff includes the educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities afforded by the university, coworker relations, and being able to have an impact on students. Some also cite supervisors who support what they do and give them the autonomy and flexibility that other employment classifications at Mason enjoy. Following is a selection of the comments made by classified staff: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Classified Staff) The university could take greater care to see that management is trained. Many of our leaders at GMU come from faculty ranks and it is important to remember that they need help managing, even at times when they don't think they do. Rudeness of those in high ranking positions. I am sick and tired of having to deal with PhDs that act like children… As a classified employee, I often feel like a second-class citizen Others (particularly professors) taking for granted the time, energy and work that support takes. Raising salaries to be competitive with the private sector would help raise morale tremendously. GMU is a great place to work, but in general, I'd say the salaries are too low for what we do and not quite in line with other institutions, e.g. NOVA. I think if you paid your employees better you would be able to retain them longer, and there wouldn't be this constant turnover of employees and the disruptions it causes when vacancies arise. The open partition environment is too noisy for me. Source of distraction: people talking on the phone, walking back and forth to get water, computer printer… In the office, the high level of traffic in and out makes it difficult to concentrate on a task as simple as writing an e-mail message. This method of trimming departments (by outsourcing) that are not the core mission of the university is demoralizing to the staff, who over the years have supported the university with their years of service. What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Classified Staff) The students' appreciation of what we do to help them. My colleagues and the tireless efforts to continue to make the system work Great people in my department and other people throughout the university who are trying to do a good job with limited resources. I have a huge amount of flexibility to do my job the way I like. My boss is supportive, but allows me to work independently. Feeling that you are part of something important. Seeing Mason maturing over the years I have been here. I always have a hugh sense of pride driving to the office and looking at the campus. I like seeing the progress made, learning new technologies, and getting to know the students. The opportunity to work with many smart, talented individuals and the chance to learn about and explore the latest information technologies. The students are very interesting and are always appreciative of the help they get from the staff here.
Restricted Faculty
Salaries, parking (adequacy, cost, and ticketing policies), and computer/internet resources are the most frequently noted sources of stress for restricted faculty. Other frequently noted concerns for restricted faculty include a feeling of not being respected, job security, and office space. Restricted faculty identify working with the diverse students body, their interactions with colleagues, faculty workshops/ training, and being associated with George Mason University as sources of satisfaction. Other positives are the tuition waivers and campus environment. Following is a selection of the comments made by restricted faculty: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Restricted Faculty) The salary offered me is insultingly low. I was making more money working part-time at a community college 12 years ago than I am now. Starting salaries at NOVA for instructors are higher than what I have been offered ($27,500). I will be actively looking for teaching jobs which pay a living wage-could you live in this geographical area on $27,500/yr?? Would you?? With a doctorate from George Mason? They don't seem to value their degree or students highly. Hard to feel invested in a program when your vote is considered less of a vote then tenure-tracked faculty. Not knowing from year to year whether I will get a contract until the last minute - often too late to make plans to teach other university courses. The uncertainty of being in a restricted faculty position despite going beyond the workload in my contract. Being exploited for years even though I teach 8 - 10 classes a year of 20 + students each while tenured profs get much more money, good benefits, time off, and teach maybe 5-6 course a year, often the same courses. But mostly, they teach good courses of 6-12 people each and only grade 1 final paper. No way this can be justified. Seven -years employment on a year-to-year contract and not knowing the future. Ticket parking violators consistently! (After 2 yrs. On waitlist, I have garage parking. On nice days, 50% or better violate restricted spaces, on rainy days 90% -- trust me, I count!) If nothing else, it's revenue! Parking: finding students' cars in the faculty parking lot is annoying at best, maddening at worst. On some days-Tuesday, Thursday-you can't find parking while passing by dozens of cars with student stickers. Tow them away! What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Restricted Faculty) Working with students from around the globe. I enjoy teaching these students - and there are many - who are here to learn and are interested in their area of endeavor. I like talking to those of my colleagues who are willing to so analyze with me (mostly the other adjuncts). The affiliation gives me respect and provides income that helps support my family. The recognition I get from people in the same line of work outside GMU who value my contribution to the profession. Mason's stature in the metropolitan community. Watching the growth of the university and the respect with which others hold to it. Appreciate the training and development programs available to faculty. I am glad to have tuition waivers as part of my compensation. Pleasant office, new computers to replace glichy ones.
Tenure-line Faculty
The condition of facilities (classrooms, research areas, offices), parking, office and meeting space, and salaries are the primary sources of stress for tenure-line faculty. Other frequently noted sources of stress include lack of clarity in the university's mission, communication difficulties between departments, lack of free access to university facilities and programs, salary discrepancies between faculty and administrators, and the process by which salaries are determined. Tenure-line faculty identify interaction with students and colleagues, the university's growth and reputation, and supportive units within the institution as their primary sources of satisfaction. Following is a selection of the comments made by tenure-line faculty: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Tenure-Line Faculty) This is the only school I know where the building entry doors are frequently broken, temperature-air handling is inadequate, and bathrooms are dirty/deteriorated. The difficulty of parking here often ruins the start of my day. I do not have a decent office in which to work after 20 years. I would consider changing jobs specifically for the purpose of receiving tuition assistance for my children. Stop inter-unit fighting quickly. Things are added on, never removed. What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Tenure-Line Faculty) Accomplishments of the talented, hard-working faculty and being a part of it. Interaction with many excellent students over the years. Friendly atmosphere of the campus. Opportunity to work on a variety of programs and to be part of a number of initiatives. Helping students accomplish life-long goals. Most faculty are very upbeat and look forward to lifting the quality of GMU. Overall improvement in the last several years: academic standards, equipment…
Wage Employees
Salary, recognition, and opportunities for training and professional development are the most frequently mentioned sources of stress for wage employees. Wage employees mention the opportunity to work with students and solve their problems, the George Mason environment, and the special attractions of higher education as their sources of satisfaction. Following is a selection of the comments made by wage employees: What has been a source of stress for you at George Mason? (Wage Employees) Part-time wage workers should be eligible for periodic performance reviews with opportunity for raises where justified. I was hired at one rate of pay, and have been told I will not get any raises except the annual cost of living from the state. I am a hard worker, but will get no benefit from excelling. Allow partial benefits to part-time employees - we are just as committed. As a wages employee, many of these questions do not apply to me. As a part-timer I'm not taken as seriously as I would have been as a full-time employee. I would really like a part-time job with part-time benefits. I would also like better opportunities for training, career development and a chance to attend conferences as a means of keeping up with current trends & developments. As a part-timer this is not available. Overall, I enjoy my work and my colleagues are great. The fact that a part-time employee of over ten years is not acknowledged in any way for good and faithful service. Lack of benefits for wage employees, regardless of how long I've worked here. Losing wage pay in the event of a closing due to inclement weather or holidays. What has been a source of satisfaction for you at George Mason? (Wage Employees) Working with students and staff. Generally a friendly environment with a great sense of accomplishment in working with students for a greater good. Beauty of the campus and the nature around it for quiet walks and other leisure activities. Having a part-time and flexible schedule. Earning a class. The opportunity to learn and grow in an office environment.
Page created from original document on: September 29, 2000