Stony Brook is known for its excellence as a research university, and the professors and staff that work here are determined to keep it that way. But what about the climate that the staff have to face when they work here?
The climate refers to the environment of people from diverse backgrounds that need to communicate in order to grow intellectually and personally.
According to a survey that was done, most faculty and staff feel respected, treated fairly, and free from harassment and if given a chance to work here again, they would.
However, a significant percentage felt negatively about the campus climate, and would not want to work here again.
As a result of this finding, President of Stony Brook University, Shirley Strum Kenny, created the “Campus Climate Task Force.” It is comprised of faculty, staff and students who would follow up on the survey and come up with plans to improve the campus’ climate.
The Action Plan consists of dozens of goals and recommendations and then lists the means by which those goals can be achieved.
One of the goals it to increase strategic involvement with the external community in order to keep in touch with its feelings and needs. The proposed plan to reach this goal is to appoint a senior level coordinator that would be involved in community outreach projects and other external activities.
President Kenny wanted to enhance the working experience of the staff in order to insure that nobody regrets working here.
In a personal statement, she said, “Stony Brook will become a model campus for providing an inclusive multicultural environment to all students, faculty, and staff.”
The plan recognizes that to get the best results the faculty and staff need to know that their work is appreciated, and crucial to Stony Brook’s ongoing goal for excellence as a research university.
The plan needs the support of everyone on campus in order to be effective and President Kenny urged, “all members of the campus community to take part in making it another Stony Brook success story.”