Here are some frequently asked questions with answers to help you encourage employees to participate in the survey.
Q: Is there a time frame for completing the survey?
A: The survey period is April 14 to May 2, 2008.
Q: Where do I get the code for my department? What is the department code for this facility?
A: Department codes are included in the ambassador lists on the Staff Survey website.
Q: Have all UC employees received the survey announcement email?
A: The Chancellor announced the survey to all employees on Monday April 3rd. Over 8000 staff received an email from the Chancellor.
Q: Can I find out who in my department has completed the survey?
A: Neither the survey vendor nor UCSF has names of individuals who complete the survey.
Q: Can the demographic questions be used to identify survey respondents?
A: Demographic information is reported back at the overall organization level only. None of the demographic questions are required. If someone is uncomfortable answering them, the questions can be left blank.
Q: Are faculty supposed to take the survey?
A: The staff opinion survey is targeted at staff. A faculty survey was conducted several years ago to learn about important issues for them. The Council on Faculty Life was formed as a result of the 2003 faculty survey to address faculty-specific issues. More information can be found on the Chancellor’s website at http://chancellor.ucsf.edu/.
Q: How do I verify that all staff within our group have been notified?
A: Since this year’s survey is completed on-line only, we are relying on all ambassadors to get the word out and engage staff to take the survey.
Q: Do I work with my department’s HR to get a list and then is it ok for me to contact them as the deadline approaches?
A: You may work with your department to encourage staff to take the survey.
Q: How would I know if everyone has responded? Is there any way to track participation for our group?
A: Morehead, our survey vendor will be tracking for us the response rate twice a week. The information will be posted on the Staff Opinion Survey website.
Q: What help is available for staff who are more comfortable in a language other than English?
A: Translations of the survey questions are available in Chinese and Spanish. Staff can print the survey translation and then go to the survey and answer the questions by number.
Q: Is there any way to take the survey on paper?
A: The survey is available online from any computer with internet access. Campus management has identified computers at UCSF that can be used to take the survey. An online survey increases the response rate and decreases the expense to UCSF.