If you want to make your voice count at 鶹ý, respond to the Engagement and Well-Being Survey 2024. Past surveys have proven to be a catalyst for change.
Students, faculty, staff and administrators are invited to take the by the Oct. 20 deadline. The survey gauges the environment for learning, working and living at Kent State and gives the community the opportunity to have an impact on positive change.
The confidential survey results are so important that they will help shape Kent State’s Strategic Initiatives. A welcoming and inclusive campus climate grounded in mutual respect is foundational to Kent State’s educational model and the university’s core values.
“The Engagement and Well-Being Survey provides an unprecedented opportunity for each of you to contribute your perspectives and experiences," said Kent State President Todd Diacon. “Your confidential responses will inform us about the current working, learning and living environments at Kent State, enabling us to build on our successes and address any challenges facing our community members.”
Substantive change has been a byproduct of previous Engagement and Well-Being Surveys including creation of the CARES Center, the 鶹ý Staff Council, Flashes 101 and Flexible Working Arrangements.
“The Engagement and Well-being Survey is a unique opportunity for our collective voices to be heard,” said Eboni Pringle, interim senior vice president of the Division of Student Life and co-chair of the 2024 Climate Survey Working Group. “The outcomes of the 2016 survey demonstrated the significant impact this initiative can have on our community. Thanks to the insights gathered, we saw an elevation of faculty mentoring, the introduction of flexible work arrangements and the establishment of the CARES Center, which addresses students' basic needs and removes barriers to graduation. By participating in the Engagement and Well-being Survey, we can shape our community, together.”
Kent State CARES
At 鶹ý, the CARES Center, an acronym for Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support, works collaboratively with students to provide resources to meet their basic needs. It is centrally located in Suite 106 of the Kent Student Center.
Through dedicated case managers, who are rare to Ohio universities, the center provides one-on-one support and works collaboratively with students to secure timely resources that address financial, food, housing and mental well-being challenges. There is also a crisis text line and 24-hour support line.
Staff Council Provides a Platform
The 鶹ý Staff Council provides a platform for classified and unclassified staff to share ideas, information and communicate on issues and topics that affect staff and the broader university community. Staff Council is the result of several factors, including the university’s “Great Place Initiative,” and the results of the 2016 Climate Study.
Flashes 101
Flashes 101, formerly the First Year Student Experience, is a course designed to focus on students’ sense of belonging as they make transition to Kent State. The course empowers students to communicate their needs and locate critical campus resources. Flashes 101 was created as an outgrowth of a previous engagement and well-being survey.
Flexible Working Arrangements
Kent State permits Flexible Work Arrangements to support work/life balance for employees. FWA is permitted at the discretion of campus deans, department heads or their designees, to enable staff and management to meet university goals and help employees balance personal and professional responsibilities.
Diacon urges respondents to take the time to thoughtfully and honestly answer the survey questions. The more widespread the participation, he said, “the more comprehensive our understanding will be of the Kent State experience across campuses.”
“Every voice is important, and I ask that you please share yours,” Diacon said. “Your participation in this vital project will help shape Kent State’s strategic initiatives and drive meaningful progress toward our goal of kindness and respect in all we do.”