UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new committee has been created to coordinate large-scale surveys across Penn State, to reduce the survey burden on faculty, staff and students and to improve the quality and transparency of information gathered on behalf of the University.
Created and charged by Vice President and Provost Nick Jones, the University Survey Coordinating Committee (USCC) is being co-chaired by Betty J. Harper, associate vice provost for planning and institutional research, and Adam Christensen, director of student affairs research and assessment.
The committee has been charged with completing the following tasks by June 30:
—To review and describe the survey landscape across the University.
—To develop and maintain a calendar of large-scale surveys regularly administered to faculty, staff and/or students. The committee will evaluate and, in consultation with the units administering these surveys, guide appropriate timing and cycle intervals.
—To recommend University policy to guide the implementation of large-scale surveys.
—To recommend best practices for conducting surveys and the appropriate sharing of survey data.
—To develop a structure and governance document for a standing committee to evaluate, approve and determine appropriate timing and cycle intervals, in consultation with the units administering large-scale surveys.
The USCC is committed to transparency in its process and has created a website as a central area to communicate the committee's progress. Regular updates on the committee’s work as well as opportunities to provide feedback will be shared via this site. Eventually, the site will house a calendar of surveys, survey development and implementation resources, and frequently asked questions.