A survey conducted by Ohio University’s Faculty Senate in May showed that a large portion of OU’s faculty is unhappy with how administration makes decisions.
The survey was distributed to more than 1,100 OU faculty members to assess OU President Roderick McDavis and Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit as university leaders.
About 16 percent of the surveys distributed were submitted back to Faculty Senate’s executive committee for review.
Faculty members responded to varying survey questions that focused on their performance as leaders at OU and their efforts to promote a positive working environment for faculty. Each respondent was also able to provide written comments on McDavis' and Benoit's performances.
While 30 percent of respondents agreed McDavis promotes diversity among faculty, almost 50 percent of respondents strongly disagreed that McDavis makes efforts to enhance and maintain faculty salaries.
Some faculty members were concerned that McDavis prioritizes Athletics over academics. One faculty member commented on the “ease of availability of funding for athletic coaches while faculty members are leaving the university due to low salaries.”
About 50 percent of respondents said they strongly disagreed that McDavis effectively manages and allocates the university’s resources.
“While this is an unofficial appraisal, that does not mean that the feedback shared will be ignored,” McDavis said. “I look forward to working with our faculty, the Faculty Senate and its executive committee over the coming year to continue our efforts to advance the academic mission of our university.”
Faculty shared similar sentiments regarding Benoit’s attention to faculty members. Fifty percent said they strongly disagreed that she has effectively maintained and enhanced faculty salaries. More than 50 percent of respondents also said they strongly disagree that she both seeks the input of faculty and responds to their concerns when making major university decisions.
"I take their feedback seriously and will use it as I think about how to approach the upcoming academic year,” Benoit said in an email. “I am open to finding better ways to communicate with faculty and will count on faculty to help me determine the approaches that work best.”
Respondents cited lack of communication as the reasoning behind their displeasure with both McDavis and Benoit, adding that both officials exhibit a lack of accessibity and engagement on campus.
Faculty members used words such as “detached” and “aloof” to describe McDavis and commented on his lack of physical appearance on campus.
Similarly, respondents noted that Benoit “needs to be more accessible with a wide range of faculty and students,” adding that she is a “detached and out-of touch leader.”
“The challenge for me is being available to join in the life of the university and having the time that is needed to take care of pressing matters,” Benoit said. “I will consider if there are other factors that can be improved.”
hm156809@ohiou.edu
