The University’s Faculty Senate conducted voluntary exit interviews with departing faculty members following the 2025-26 academic year in collaboration with the Work Institute. Following the interviews, the University released a report including the findings of the exit interviews. Key takeaways include that the University is doing well in maintaining a diverse learning environment and positive teaching culture, while some departing faculty reported overall concerns about University leadership and low compensation.
The Faculty Senate partnered with the Work Institute — a research firm that helps employers reduce turnover, boost engagement and create a thriving workplace by providing evidence-based insights — to conduct the exit interview report. The report was discussed at the Faculty Life Committee meeting April 29.
The Work Institute conducted interviews with 46 departing faculty members, reflecting under 30 percent of faculty leaving the University following the 2025-26 academic year, according to the report. Leaving faculty voluntarily participated in the interviews, rating the University in 10 different categories — which include but are not limited to “teaching experience,” “research & creative work,” “compensated appropriately,” “school/unit leadership” and “climate & culture.”…