Classified Senate Staff Survey, Fall 2011 - Chaffey College

Classified Senate Staff Survey
Fall 2011
November 2011
Overview. In collaboration with the Chaffey College Classified Senate, the Office of Institutional
Research developed a survey to assess opinions about the activities of and services offered by
the Classified Senate. Ten survey items asked Chaffey College staff to comment on Classified
Senate activities and services. Responses to these items are detailed below.
Methodology. In Fall 2011, Classified Senate representatives approached the Office of
Institutional Research about generating an online survey to assess staff perceptions about the
activities and services provided through the Classified Senate. A total of 10 open- and closeended
items were designed to assess these perceptions. An email invitation was sent in the
middle of the Fall 2011 semester from the Classified Senate to all staff requesting participation
in an online survey.
Findings. A total of 67 staff members completed the survey. Table 1 displays participant
responses to four “yes/no” survey items. As shown, the total number of respondents answering
each item ranged from 58 to 67. Seventy-nine percent of respondents indicated that they
understand the purpose and mission of Classified Senate. Slightly fewer, 76%, indicated that
they understand the difference between Classified Senate and CSEA. Nearly 58% reported that
they had visited the Classified Senate webpage and/or Facebook page. Finally, almost 54% of
respondents indicated that they would be willing to participate in a subcommittee for events if an
open call was put out.
Table 1. Participant Responses to Yes/No Survey Items About Classified Senate
Survey Item Yes No Total
Do you feel that you understand the purpose and mission of
Classified Senate?
Do you feel that you understand the difference between CSEA
and Classified Senate?
Have you visited the Classified Senate webpage and/or
Facebook page?
Would you be willing to participate in a subcommittee for events
if we put out an open call?
53 (79.1%) 14 (20.9%) 67 (100.0%)
51 (76.1%) 16 (23.9%) 67 (100.0%)
38 (57.6%) 28 (42.4%) 66 (100.0%)
37 (63.8%) 21 (36.2%) 58 (100.0%)
Table 2 lists all of the comments provided by respondents when asked “What expectations do
you have of your elected Classified Senate members?” Forty individuals responded to this item.
A common theme is that participants expect Classified Senate to keep them informed of events
that will affect staff members.
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Table 2. Participants’ Expectations of Classified Senate Members
Participant Expectations
1. CLASSIFIED SENATE SHOULD BE A GOOD REPRESENTATION OF OUR SUPPORT STAFF.
2. ELECTED OFFICIALS SHOULD KEEP THEIR CONSTITUENTS INFORMED OF IMPORTANT EVENTS
AND ISSUES THAT EFFECT CLASSIFIED STAFF MEMBERS.
3. FIRST OF ALL, OUR CLASSIFIED SENATORS SHOULD KNOW THAT WE BEING SUPPORTED IN
THEIR EFFORTS. REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS WILL BE FOR THEM TO CONTINUE SHARING
INFORMATION AS SOON AS THEY BECOME AWARE OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS OF ANY KIND
(HIRING, BUDGET, ETC.). IT IS HIGHLY APPRECIATIVE WHEN SOMEONE TAKES THE TIME TO
CLARIFY (SUCH AS THIS SURVEY) TO FIND OUT WHAT THE MEMBERSHIP THINKS.
4. FOR INFORMATION
5. I EXPECT THE CLASSIFIED SENATE MEMBERS TO KEEP THE CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS
INFORMED OF EVERYTHING THE SENATE IS DOING OR NEEDS DONE. I ALSO EXPECT THE
MEMBERS TO BE TRANSPARENT IN ALL THE UNDERTAKINGS OF THE COMMITTEE. THIS CAN BE
ACCOMPLISHED BY PUBLISHING THE MINUTES TO THE MEETINGS FOR EVERYONE TO READ.
6. I THOUGHT THEY REPRESENTED CLASSIFIED STAFF – THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE WHAT THE
MISSION STATEMENT SAYS ABOVE.
7. I WANT OUR MEMBERS TO REPRESENT THE BEST INTREST OF OUR EMPLOYMENT BODY!
8. I WOULD LIKE THE CLASSIFIED SENATE TO HAVE ALL THEIR FOCUS BE TOWARDS THE MISSION
AND NOT TOWARDS PROVIDING EVENTS FOR CLASSIFIED STAFF. CLASSIFIED SENATE SHOULD
NOT BE A SOCIAL COMMITTEE IN CHARGE OF PULLING TOGETHER SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.
9. KEEPING CLASSIFIED STAFF INFORMED OF WHAT’S GOING ON AND BRINGING STAFF CONCERNS
AND IDEAS TO SENATE.
10. LOOK AFTER THE STAFF’S RIGHTS AND NEEDS. PROVIDE TRAINING ON A CONTINIOUS BASIS, IN
ORDER TO MEET THE COLLEGE’S NEEDS.
11. MY ELECTED OFFICIALS SHOULD KEEP ME INFORMED OF ALL EVENTS OFFERED BY SENATE –
WAY IN ADVANCE/WEEKS OR MONTHS “BEFORE” THE EVENT; KEEP ME INFORMED OF ISSUES
THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF PERTAINING SPECIFICALLY TO CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS (NOT
INCLUDING CSEA CONTRACTUAL ISSUES). I EXPECT THEM TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN THE
MOST PROFESSIONAL MANNER WHETHER THEY ARE REPRESENTING SENATE OR NOT AT THE
MOMENT (I.E. GOOD WORK ETHICS, SHARED GOVERNANCE).
12. NONE.
13. NONE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEIR ROLE IS.
14. NOT SURE
15. NOT SURE; WHO ARE THE CONSTITUENTS, AND WHAT IS MEANT BY “SHARED GOVERNANCE”?
HOW IS CLASSIFIED SENATE DIFFERENT FROM CSEA?
16. PROTECTION OF THE CLASSIFIED STAFF.
17. REPRESENT CLASSIFIED STAFF WELL AND KEEP US INFORMED ON COLLEGE ISSUES AND
SHARED GOVERNANCE ISSUES.
18. REPRESENTATION…A EQUITABLE SEAT AT THE TABLE
19. SET SPECIFIC, ACTIONABLE, MEASURABLE GOALS THAT SUPPORT THE MISSION AND
REPRESENT CONSTITUENT INTERESTS. COMMUNICATE THOSE GOALS TO CONSTITUENTS, AND
REGULARLY COMMUNCATE PROGRESS TOWARD AND ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOALS. SOLICIT
INPUT FROM CONSTITUENTS SO STAFF VIEWPOINTS ARE APPROPRIATELY REPRESENTED.
CONSIDER RE-EVALUATING THE MISSION STATEMENT TO ENSURE IT ALIGNS WITH SENATE’S
ROLE, OBJECTIVES, AND PURPOSE AS OUTLINED IN THE CONSTITUTION, DELINEATION OF
FUNCTIONS, AND SHARED GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.
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20. THAT THEY WOULD KEEP US INFORMED WITH RESPECT TO CS ACTIVITIES, AND COMMUNICATE
AND SUPPORT THE CLASSIFIED STAFF WITH THEIR CONCERNS.
21. TO ACT AS LEADERS AND MOBILIZERS OF THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES AT CHAFFEY; TO BE
PROACTIVE IN PROVIDING A CLASSIFIED PERSPECTIVE ON A WIDE RANGE OF COLLEGE ISSUES
22. TO ACT AS LIASIONS BETWEEN FACULTY AND ADMNISTRATION AND TO COMMUNICATE
INFORMATION OPENLY TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS. TO REPRESENT THE CLASSIFIED MEMBERS.
TO WORK IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF LEARNING-CENTERED OPPORTUNITIES, NOT JUST FOR
STUDENTS, BUT FOR THE COLLEGE’S COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
23. TO BE INFORMED OF CURRENT ISSUES REGARDING CLASSIFIED STAFF. KEEP CLASSIFIED STAFF
UPDATED ON UPCOMING EVENTS.
24. TO BE MOTIVATED
25. TO BE REPRESENTED AND HAVE A VOICE
26. TO BE THE VOICE OF THE REST OF THE CLASSIFIED STAFF.
27. TO BE VISIBLE, OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, CREATIVE WITH IDEAS FOR CLASSIFIED APPRECIATION
WEEK. TO FIND A LOCATION ON THE RANCHO CAMPUS FOR THE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON. TO GET
NEW PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE ON HIRING COMMITTEES.
28. TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION TO CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS IN A TIMELY MANER. THERE
ARE SOME DECISIONS THAT SHOULD BE SHARED WITH ALL CLASSIFIED; THEREFORE, I WOULD
LIKE TO SEE THE SENATE INVOLVE CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS IN MORE DECISION MAKING
OPPORTUNITIES
29. TO ENCOURAGE US IN THESE TOUGH TIMES BY DOING ALL THE WONDERFUL EVENTS THAT ARE
HELP UP FOR CLASSIFIED STAFF
30. TO GIVE A VOICE TO THE INTERESTS AND CONCERNS OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES IN CAMPUS
DECISIONS/POLICIES THAT AFFECT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES, OTHER STAFF, OUR STUDENTS,
AND THE PUBLIC.
31. TO GIVE ME THE MOST INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON WITH OUR CLASSIFIED
MEMBERS AND IF THERE IS ANY THING THAT WE CAN HELP WITH.
32. TO KEEP CLASSIFIED STAFF INFORMED OF MATTERS THAT ARE BEING OVERSEEN BY
CLASSIFIED SENATE AND ALLOW ALL STAFF TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK, SUGGESTIONS, ETC.
33. TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CLASSIFIED STAFF HAS ALL THE TRAINING AND RESOURCES IT NEEDS
TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVISE TO THE STUDENT POPULATION.
34. TO PROVIDE ME WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW WITHIN THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY.
35. TO REPRESENT ALL CLASSIFIED STAFF ON CAMPUS IN SHARED GOVERNANCE; TO WORK WITH,
ACKNOWLEDGE AND NURTURE ALL NON-ADMINISTRATORS AND NON-FACULTY; TO ELEVATE THE
CLASSIFIED STAFF AS A GROUP; TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE VITAL AND DIVERSE ROLE CLASSIFIED
EMPLOYEES PLAY HERE AT CHAFFEY.
36. TO REPRESENT ALL GROUPS IN A PROFESSIONAL AND PRODUCTIVE MANNER.
37. TO REPRESENT CLASSIFIED STAFF.
38. TO REPRESENT THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COLLEGE AND ITS STAFF, INCLUDING
APPRECIATION TO THE COMMUNITY AND STAFF MEMBERS.
39. TO SERVE THE INTERESTS OF CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES ON THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND
BOARDS THEY SERVE ON.
40. TO WORK TO FULFILL THE MISSION OF CLASSIFIED SENATE. ALSO, THE MISSION OF THE
CLASSIFIED SENATE SHOULD EVOLVE AS THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF CHAFFEY COLLEGE CHANGE
WITH BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS.
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Tables 3-5 display respondents’ use of and comments about the Classified Senate newsletter.
From Table 3, 50 out of 63 (79.4%) respondents indicated that the Classified Senate newsletter
is informative, whereas 20.6% indicated that it is not. Regardless of response, participants were
asked to elaborate on their answers to this survey item. Table 4 displays the comments of those
respondents who indicated that they did not think the newsletter was informative and Table 5
displays the comments of those respondents who indicated that they did think the newsletter
was informative.
Table 3. Participant Responses to Yes/No Survey Item About Classified Senate Newsletter
Survey Item Yes No Total
Is the Classified Senate newsletter informative? 50 (79.4%) 13 (20.6%) 63 (100.0%)
Table 4. Comments From Respondents Who Indicated That They Did Not Think the Classified
Senate Newsletter Was Informative
Respondents Who Answered “No” to the Question “Is the Classified Senate Newsletter Informative?”
1. I DON’T EVER REMEMBER GETTING ONE… MAYBE IT GOES INTO MY SPAM.
2. I DON’T RECEIVE IT.
3. I ENJOY READING ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF STAFF—AMAZING, BUT THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THE MINUTES IS MORE INFORMATIVE REGARDING THE WORK THAT SENATE IS
DOING. PERHAPS SUMMARIES OF SENATE’S GOALS/PROJECTS/WORK CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE
NEWSLETTER.
4. I HAVE ONLY RECEIVED A COUPLE OF NEWSLETTERS. I AM NOT SURE IF THE NEWSLETTER IS
NEW OR HAS BEEN AROUND AWHILE BASED ON THIS. THE ONES THAT I HAVE RECEIVED WERE
GOOD.
5. I’VE BEEN EMPLOYED AT CHAFFEY FOR THE LAST YEAR AND NOT RECEIVED A SINGLE
NEWSLETTER. I’M NOT EVEN SURE IF IT SUPPOSED TO BE PRINTED OR ELECTRONIC.
6. MORE INFORMATION IS NEEDED.
7. VERY LITTLE INFORMATION IN IT.
8. WE HAVEN’T RECEIVED THAT YET, HAVE WE?
9. WHAT NEWSLETTER?
10. WHAT NEWSLETTER?
Table 5. Comments From Respondents Who Indicated That They Did Think the Classified
Senate Newsletter Was Informative
Respondents Who Answered “Yes” to the Question “Is the Classified Senate Newsletter Informative?”
1. BECAUSE IT HAS INFORMATION
2. BEING LOCATED AT THE LOWER END OF CAMPUS, WE DON’T ALWAYS GET CAMPUS
INFORMATION THAT’S TRAVELING THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE. NEWSLETTERS ARE ALWAYS A
BETTER WAY TO RECEIVE “FACTUAL” INFORMATION.
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3. I APPRECIATE HEARING ABOUT COLLEGE EVENTS AND CLASSIFIED ACCOMPLISHMENTS VIA THE
NEWSLETTER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER THINGS THAT CLASSIFIED
SENATE MAY BE INVOLVED IN (IN TERMS OF CONVERSATIONS OR COMMITTEES DEALING WITH
COLLEGE ISSUES) ON THE CAMPUS.
4. I THINK THAT THE NEWSLETTER IS INFORMATIVE BUT MAYBE IT ISN’T NECESSARY IF THE
SENATORS ARE ALL DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON A REGULAR BASIS TO THE
CONSTITUENTS. IT MAY BE DOUBLE WORK??? WE NEED TO WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER.
5. I VAGUELY REMEMBER A SENATE NEWSLETTER! BUT I THINK I REMEMBER IT BEING SHORT
WHICH WAS NICE. AND I DO REMEMBER IT GIVING US INFORMATION OF UPCOMING EVENTS.
6. INFORMATION ON ISSUES AND WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED.
7. INFORMATIVE
8. IT GIVES INFORMATIVE TO KNOW WHAT GOES ON AT THE COLLEGE AND TO RECOGNIZE THOSE
WHO ARE DOING MORE THAN WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSE TOO.
9. IT HELPS TO COMMUNICATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SENATE.
10. IT HIGHLIGHTS RELEVANT THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON.
11. IT IS INFORMATIVE, AND IT KEEPS US AWARE OF THE CONCERNS AND EVENTS.
12. IT IS SOMEWHAT INFORMATIVE. A GOOD EFFORT IS BEING MADE. IT COULD INCLUDE MORE
ABOUT THE SENATORS & THEIR ROLES, COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP STATUS, HIRING
COMMITTEES, FEATURE A DIFFFERENT GROUP OF CLASSIFIED STAFF WITH NAMES AND
PHOTOS, SOME HUMOR, AN UNCOMPLICATED/SHORT CONTEST TO ENTICE PARTICIPATION,
PROF DEV.
13. IT JUST GIVES US A LINK TO SENATE AND MAKES US FEEL A PART OF THE GROUP.
14. IT KEEPS US CONNECTED WITH WHAT IS GOING ON IN DIFFERENT AREAS.
15. IT KEEPS US UPDATED.
16. IT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT KEEPS THE CLASSIFIED STAFF MEMBER
INFORMED.
17. IT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS.
18. IT PROVIDES PAST AND PRESENT INFORMATION THAT WE MAY/MAY NOT GET ON A DAILY BASIS.
IT PROVIDES A POSITIVE SPIRIT FOR CLASSIFIED STAFF AND KEEPS US UPDATED. IT ALLOWS US
OUR OWN VOICE. IT SHOWS OUR SUPPORT OF THE CAMPUS, STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF.
19. IT SEEMS TO BE THE ONE DIRECT APPROACH FROM CLASSIFIED SENATE TO STAFF BESIDES
EVENTS.
20. IT SHOWS A GLIMPSE OF WHAT CLASSIFIED SENATE IS DOING AND RESPRESENTS.
21. IT’S CLEAR WHEN RECEIVED, BUT IT IS NOT DISTRIBUTED OFTEN.
22. IT’S A GREAT SOURCE ON INFORMAITON ON UPCOMOING EVENTS.
23. KEEPS YOU INFORMED ON WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH CO-WORKERS ACROSS CAMPUS THAT
YOU MAY NOT INTERACT WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS.
24. SOMETIMES.
25. SOMETIMES…
26. THE NEWSLETTER HELPS TO MAKE CLASSIFIED FEEL CONNECTED WITH SENATE. I THINK THE
BEST WAY TO GET MORE CLASSIFIED INVOLVED IN THE SHARED GOVERNANCE PROCESS IS TO
COMMUNICATE ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH ALL CLASSIFIED.
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27. YES AND NO. IT HIGHLIGHTS THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CLASSIFIED MEMBERS AND ANNOUNCES
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS. IT COULD DO A BETTER JOB PUBLISHING CLASSIFIED
MEMBER’S COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT ISSUES, AND IT COULD DO A BETTER JOB
LOOKING LIKE A REAL NEWSLETTER AND NOT LIKE A WORD DOCUMENT.
28. YES BECAUSE IT TALKS ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND SOME OF THE INFORMATION IS
INFORMATIVE.
29. YES, THE NEWSLETTER IS INFORMATIVE AS IT PROVIDES FEEDBACK ON OTHER COLLEAGUES
REGARDING THEIR PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL AND THEIR PASSION FOR ASSISTING
OTHERS.
Respondents indicated whether they participated in and valued each of six Classified Senate
events by checking yes or no to a value and participation item next to each event (see Table 6).
Among the Classified Senate events, respondents reported participating in the Holiday
Luncheon most (80.3%) and the Halloween Costume Contest least (30.3%). A similarly high
number of respondents indicated that they valued 5 of the 6 events (between 85% and 90%),
but a lower percentage reported valuing the Halloween Costume Contest (64.3%).
Table 7 lists the comments respondents made after being asked to elaborate on why they didn’t
value an event or events.
Table 6. Participant Responses to Whether They Participated In and Valued Classified Senate
Events
Classified Senate Event
Did You Participate in the Event? Did You Value the Event?
Yes No Total Yes No Total
Good Will Drive 28 (43.1%) 37 (56.9%)
65
(100.0%)
49 (86.0%) 8 (14.0%)
57
(100.0%)
Halloween Costume Contest 20 (30.3%) 46 (69.7%)
66
(100.0%)
36 (64.3%) 20 (35.7%)
56
(100.0%)
Holiday Luncheon 53 (80.3%) 13 (19.7%)
66
(100.0%)
55 (90.2%) 6 (9.8%)
61
(100.0%)
Community Outreach Program 22 (36.1%) 39 (63.9%)
61
(100.0%)
45 (86.5%) 7 (13.5%)
52
(100.0%)
Annual Teddy Bears for Hugs 29 (43.9%) 37 (56.1%)
66
(100.0%)
47 (85.5%) 8 (14.5%)
55
(100.0%)
Classified Senate
Appreciation Week
51 (77.3%) 15 (22.7%)
66
(100.0%)
54 (88.5%) 7 (11.5%)
61
(100.0%)
Table 7. Reasons That Events Were Not Valued
Reasons that Events Were Not Valued
1. BECAUSE THEY ARE SELF SERVING SOCIAL EVENTS THAT DON’T SERVE THE STUDENTS,
SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY.
2. CLASSIFIED APPRECIATION WEEK IS A FARCE.
3. HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST: PERSONAL PREF. I DON’T MIND THE EVENT. HOLIDAY
LUCHEON: I WOULD GO IF IT IS HELD ON MAIN CAMPUS. CHINO IS TOO FAR AWAY. APPRECIATION
WEEK: IT IS A NICE IDEA AND A GOOD EFFORT IS MADE. BUT THE THING THAT IS MISSING AT
CHAFFEY, NOT JUST IN CLASSIFIED SENATE OR CS APPRECIATION WEEK, BUT ALSO IN CSEA, IS
ANY FEELING OR PROMOTION OF COMRADERIE. CHAFFEY IS MADE UP OF A LOT OF CLIQUES.
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4. HOLIDAY LUNCHEON IS TOO EXPENSIVE. DO NOT HAVE TIME ON THE WEEKEND TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE GOOD WILL DRIVE.
5. I BELIEVE CLASSIFIED SENATE SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON EVENTS TO UPLIFT CLASSIFIED
EMPLOYEES. NOT EVERYONE CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN. HOW ABOUT A FALL HARVEST GREET
AND MEET?
6. I CELEBRATE “HARVEST” INSTEAD OF “HALLOWEEN”.
7. I DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THOSE EVENTS.
8. I DID NOT PARTICIPATE.
9. I VALUE ALL OF THE EVENTS; ALTHOUGH, I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE COMMUNICTY
OUTREACH PROGRAM.
10. I VALUE EACH OF THE EVENTS ABOVE BECAUSE THEY PROMOTE COMMUNITY, SHARING WITH
PEERS, FACULTY, AND ADMINISTRATION, GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND SHOWING
APPRECIATION FOR OURSELVES AND ALL WE DO TO PROMOTE STUDENT SUCCESS AND THE
SUCCESS OF THE COLLEGE. MAYBE WE SHOULD SEND A SURVEY TO ADMINISTRATION AND
FACULTY TO GET FEEDBACK FROM THEM ON HOW WE ARE DOING AND WAYS WE CAN IMPROVE.
11. I’M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM; CLASSIFIED APPRECIATION
WEEK COULD BE SHORTENED TO A DAY OR TWO
12. I’M NOT SURE WHAT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM(S) CLASSIFIED SENATE PARTICIPATES
IN.
13. NONE OF THESE EVENTS TRULY SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE CLASSIFIED SENATE. IF THE
MISSION OF THE SENATE IS TO PROMOTE SHARED GOVERNANCE AND TO FOSTER THE
CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY IN PROVIDING OUR STUDENTS WITH THE
TOOLS THEY NEED TO SUCCEED, THESE EVENTS DON’T DO EITHER. FOR EXAMPLE, THE
GOODWILL DRIVE AND CLASSIFIED APPRECIATION WEEK ARE BOTH SELF-SERVING IN THAT THE
STAFF MEMBERS BENEFITTED; THE TEDDY BEAR DRIVE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENTS
HELP THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHAFFEY COMMUNITY – NOT OUR STUDENTS IN THEIR QUEST TO
SUCCEED, AND THE HALLOWEEN CONTEST AND HOLIDAY LUNCHEON ARE SOCIAL EVENTS FOR
THE MEMBERS.
14. NOT SURE WHAT “VALUE” MEANS. I THINK IT’S HONORABLE TO HAVE CHARITABLE EVENTS, BUT
WHY DO STAFF NEED A WEEK OF APPRECIATIVE EVENTS AND A HOLIDAY LUNCH? ALSO, I’D LIKE
TO KNOW HOW THESE EVENTS SUPPORT SENATE’S MISSION.
15. PERSONAL REASONS TO NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN, BUT GOOD TEAM BUILDING AMONG
COLLEGE MEMBERS.
16. PERSONALLY I DO NOT LIKE HALLOWEEN BUT IT’S GREAT TO SEE THE CAMPUS PARTICIPATION.
17. THE HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST DOES NOT HELP STUDENTS “ACHIEVE AN EXCELLENT
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE”. THIS IS THE TYPE OF SOCIAL EVENT THAT DISTRACTS FROM THE
MISSION OF THE CLASSIFIED SENATE. THE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY VALUE
TO ME, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND HAVING EVENTS THAT BRING IN DONATIONS/REVENUE.
18. TIME OF EVENT.
19. WHY DON’T YOU DO MORE THINGS LIKE PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS? MANY THINK YOU ARE
JUST A FUNDRAISING CLUB ALWAYS ASKING FOR SOMETHING.
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Table 8 lists the comments respondents made after being asked what Classified Senate can do
to get them to participate in more Classified Senate events.
Table 8. Respondents’ Suggestions of Things Classified Senate Can Do to Get Them to
Participate in More Classified Senate Events.
Suggestions to Get Individuals More Involved in Classified Senate Events
1. ADD IN A NEW EVENT EACH YEAR; MAYBE ROTATE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF EVENTS. IT’S NICE TO
DO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT SOMETIMES.
2. BRING SOME OF THEM TO THE CHINO CAMPUS
3. COLLABORATE WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS ON CAMPUS – INCREASE VISIBILITY,
PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS.
4. CONTINUE TO HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF ADMINISTRATION (NOT JUST THE DISTRICT LIKE
PRESIDENT AND BOARD SUPPORT BUT ALSO FULL SUPPORT FROM THE IMMEDIATE
SUPERVISORS LIKE DIRECTORS AND SUPERVISORS) WHEN THESE EVENTS ARE ADVERTISED
FOR OUR PARTICIPATION.
5. DEMONSTRATE THAT THE EVENT IS MEANINGFUL.
6. ENCOURAGE MANAGERS TO SUPPORT US.
7. EXPLAIN THE POINT OF THE EVENT AND HOW IT SUPPORTS SENATE’S MISSION
8. HAVE SOME EVENTS ON FRIDAYS WHEN THE ADMIN. BLDG. SHUTS DOWN AFTER 2PM.
9. HAVE THEM MORE ORGANIZED. I WANTED TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASSIFIED SENATE
APPRECIATION WEEK BUT THE TIMES AND ACTIVITIES WERE NOT NAILED DOWN UNTIL THE LAST
MINUTE.
10. HAVING EVENTS THAT ARE NOT DURING PEAK TIMES SO THAT WE CAN PARTICIPATE.
11. I ALREADY PARTICIPATE IN ALL OF THE EVENTS AS MY WORK SCHEDULE WILL ALLOW.
12. I AM HEAVILY INVOLVED IN CS EVENTS.
13. I ENJOYED ALL THE EVENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE. IT’S A GREAT RELEASE FROM
DAY TO DAY OFFICE LIFE.
14. I PARTICIPATE IN MOST.
15. I’M NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF ‘EVENTS’ YOU NEED TO PROMOTE SHARED GOVERNANCE. AS FAR
AS WORKING COLLABERATIVELY TO PROMOTE STUDENT SUCCESS…PERHAPS WE CAN SEE THE
SENATE MORE VISIBLE IN SOME OF THE DRIVES THAT AFFECT OUR STUDENTS DIRECTLY (I.E,
THE FOOD PANTRY; NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION NIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FALL TERM;
VISIBILITY AT THE PAWS BOOTH, MINI BOOK GRANTS, ETC.)
16. IS THERE RELEASE TIME TO HELP IN EVENTS? IF SO, YOU COULD MAKE IT MORE CLEAR TO
STAFF SO THEY CAN LET THEIR SUPERVISOR KNOW. IT’S DIFFICULT TO FLEX TIME TO HELP.
17. JUST LET ME KNOW AHEAD OF TIME
18. MAKE IT WORTH MY TIME
19. MAKE THE EVENTS UPLIFTING AND ENERGETIC. HOW ABOUT HIRING A LOCAL COMEDIAN TO
HELP CLASSIFIED STAFF LAUGH? HOW ABOUT A COOKING CLASS? HOW ABOUT A FASHION
SHOW? HOW ABOUT HIRING A COUNSELOR TO TALK TO US ABOUT DEALING WITH STRESS IN A
GROUP SESSION?
20. MAKE THEM RELEVANT…
21. MAYBE NOT MAKE THE EVENTS TOO LONG AND CONTINUE TO GET SUPPORT OF THE
ADMINISTRATORS TO HAVE MY BOSS GIVE ME PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE.
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22. NOT MUCH.
23. NOT SURE
24. NOT SURE.
25. NOTHING, I SIMPLY MUST PUT MORE REMINDERS ON MY CALENDAR SO I CAN STOP MISSING
DEADLINES FOR ACTIVITIES.
26. NOTHING, LACK OF TIME IS USUALLY THE REASON WHY I DON’T PARTICIPATE IN MORE EVENTS.
27. OFFER MORE FOOD.
28. OFFER MORE INTERESTING OPTIONS.
29. PROVIDE MORE EVENTS THAT HELP THE STUDENTS “ACHIEVE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL
EXPERIENCE”. THIS COULD MEAN THAT WE PROVIDE MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES OR MORE
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES.
30. SOME OF THE EVENTS DON’T EXTEND TO THE FONTANA CAMPUS, AND NOT ALL EMPLOYEES
HAVE THE TIME TO COMMUTE TO RANCHO TO PARTICIPATE.
31. SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE OF THE WORK LOAD THAT IS TAKEN
DUE TO SHORT STAFF
32. YOU HAVE BEEN DOING GREAT SO FAR. I WOULDN’T CHANGE WHAT YOU ARE ALREADY DOING.
PERHAPS IT WILL BE USEFUL IF YOU COULD GET THOSE WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED TO PROVIDE
FEEDBACK IN WRITING ABOUT HOW BENEFICIAL AND/OR USEFUL IT HAS BEEN FOR THEM TO
ATTEND A SPECIFIC MEETING, WORKSHOP OR CONFERENCE.
Table 9 lists the comments respondents made after being asked what suggestions or themes
they would like to see incorporated into future Classified Senate events.
Table 9. Respondents’ Suggestions of Topics or Themes to Incorporate in Future Classified
Senate Events.
Suggestions or Themes to Incorporate in Future Classified Senate Events
1. A SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU FIND OUT WHY INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT
ATTENDING THE MEETINGS OR MORE IMPORTANTLY IF THEY ARE RECEIVING AND/OR READING
THE INFORMATION YOU SENT. READING OUT TO OTHER IS CRUCIAL RIGHT NOW.
2. EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DO IS GREAT.
3. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE COLLABORATIONS. IN MY OWN AREA, ALL REQUESTS FOR CLASSIFIED
SENATE TO CO-SPONSOR AND/OR PARTICIPATE HAVE RESULTED IN NOTHING BUT “NO’S”.
4. LET’S BRING BACK THE CRAFT FAIR AND/OR A FARMER’S MARKET.
5. MAKE THE EVENTS UPLIFTING AND ENERGETIC. HOW ABOUT HIRING A LOCAL COMEDIAN TO
HELP CLASSIFIED STAFF LAUGH? HOW ABOUT A COOKING CLASS? HOW ABOUT A FASHION
SHOW? HOW ABOUT HIRING A COUNSELOR TO TALK TO US ABOUT DEALING WITH STRESS IN A
GROUP SESSION?
6. MAYBE A STRESS FREE WORKSHOP MORE MASSAGES!
7. MORE PARTICIPATION/INTERACTION AMONG DEPARTMENTS.
8. NONE
9. NONE AT THIS TIME
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10. PLEASE DON’T HAVE THE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON AT THE CHINO CAMPUS. WHILE I APPRECIATE
THAT IT’S PROBABLY MORE CONVENIENT FOR CHINO EMPLOYEES, SINCE THE BULK OF
ATTENDANCE IS FROM THE RANCHO CAMPUS, I FEEL IT SHOULD BE HELD ON THE RANCHO
CAMPUS.
11. PUT A TERM LIMIT ON CLASSIFIED SENATE REPRESENTATIVES
12. SENATE SHOULD CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR STATUS ON CAMPUS BY ENCOURAGING
PARTICIPATION AND BEING A VOICE IN DECISION MAKING COMMITTEES. CONTINUE TO EDUCATE
THOSE WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE SHARED GOVERNANCE PROCESS AND RECOGNIZE
THOSE WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND IN THEIR JOBS TO HELP WHEN HELP IS NEEDED.
13. SOMETHING THAT “MOST” WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN. SOMETHING THAT
DOESN’T TAKE US AWAY FROM OUR WORK FOR TOO LONG (NOT A HALF DAY OR FULL DAY).
THINGS THAT MIGHT BE OFFERED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME – IN SERIES TO BREAK UP THE TIME
AWAY FROM THE OFFICE.
14. ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENT WOULD BE FUN. THERE WAS A SCAVENGER HUNT AS AN ACTIVITY
MANY YEARS AGO. THAT WAS A LOT OF FUN TOO. I WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EVENT
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AS PLANTING TREES, CLEANING UP A LOCAL PARK, CLEANING UP
AT THE BEACH, ASSISTING WITH ANIMALS, ETC. THE LITTLE CRITTERS NEED HELP TOO.
15. THE ONLY SUGGESTION I HAVE IS TO HAVE SOME SORT OF INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY THAT TAKES
PLACE DURING THE LUNCHEON. LAST YEAR WHEN THERE WERE NO MERITORIOUS SERVICE
AWARDS THE LUNCHEON FESTIVITIES WERE SEVERELY LACKING. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME
SORT OF BACK-UP PLAN WHEN NO AWARDS ARE GIVEN TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING.
16. TRAINING!!!
Table 10 lists additional comments respondents wished to add.
Table 10. Respondents’ Additional Comments.
Additional Comments
1. CLASSIFIED SENATE IS A VALUABLE COMPONENT OF CHAFFEY COLLEGE. I APPRECIATE THE
SERVICE OF EACH AND EVERY MEMBER EVEN THOUGH I’M NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO ATTEND ALL
EVENTS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO.
2. CLASSIFIED SENATE IS A WORTHWHILE ORGANIZATION THAT I’M PROUD TO BE APART OF. I
HOPE TO SEE IT CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
3. CLASSIFIED SENATE IS DURING A GREAT JOB, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE EFFECT OF A
SMALLER BUDGET.
4. CLASSIFIED SENATE SHOULD CONTINUTOUSLY WORK ON MAINTAINING THE LEVEL OF RESPECT
THAT IT HAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE DISTRICT OVER THE YEARS. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE
DISTRICT, ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY AND STUDENTS TO HAVE THE “SAME” REVERENCE FOR
CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS AS THEY DO FOR FACULTY MEMBERS. CLASSIFIED
PROFESSIONALS DO ENSURE STUDENT SUCCESS AS DO OTHER GROUPS!!
5. CLASSIFIED SENATE’S ROLE SEEMS TO BE PUTTING ON EVENTS FOR FUNDRAISING AND
PROMOTING STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS. PLEASE PROMOTE ALL THAT SENATE IS DOING! LET
CONSTITUENTS KNOW HOW IT IS FULFILLLING ITS MISSION AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS IT IS
PROVIDING TO STAFF, STUDENTS, THE DISTRICT, AND/OR THE COMMUNITY AS A RESULT OF
FULFILLING ITS MISSION.
6. FUNDRAISING TO HAVE A STAFF SUCCESS CENTER/LOUNGE. IT SEEMS THAT EXISTING BREAK
AREAS ARE EITHER REDUCED SPACE OR REMOVED ALTOGETHER DUE TO NEW
CONSTRUCTION/RENOVATION. STAFF DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE A SPACE TO CALL THEIR OWN
WHERE RESOURCES ARE READILY AVAILABLE.
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7. I PARTICIPATED IN THE GOODWILL DRIVE BY DONATING BUT I WASN’T ABLE TO HELP AT THE
EVENT. WITH THE CURRENT WORKLOAD, IT’S VERY DIFFICULT TO PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS. I
APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK CLASSIFIED SENATE DOES FOR US AND HOPE THAT IN THE
FUTURE, I’M ABLE TO VOLUNTEER MORE.
8. I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL OF THE HARD WORK THE COMMITTEE IS DOING.
9. I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS DO TO IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF WORK.
10. I THINK THAT CLASSIFIED SENATE IS DOING A VERY GOOD JOB IN ELEVATING OUR CLASSIFIED
PROFESSIONALS AND COLLABORATING WITH VARIOUS GROUPS/CONSTITUENTS ON CAMPUS IN
CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS STUDENT SUCCESS.
11. INCLUDE EVERYONE. WE HAVE HOURLY IN OUR AREA AND THEY ARE NEVER INCLUDED.
12. IT MAY HELP TO HAVE QUARTERLY COMBINED MEETINGS WITH CSEA TO DISCUSS MUTUAL OR
SIMILAR INTERESTS AND ALSO USE A PORTION OF THE MEETING TO DISCUSS SPECIFIC ITEMS
THAT ONLY PERTAIN TO SENATE OR CSEA.
13. NONE AT THIS TIME
14. OUR PRESENT CLASSIFIED SENATE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB AND
THEY SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR CONSTITUENTS, FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION AND
THE COLLEGE AS A WHOLE.
15. SENATE LEADERSHIP IS AWESOME! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
16. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
17. THAT’S IT!
18. THE MISSION STATEMENT IS STATED ON TRISHA’S EMAIL IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MISSION
STATEMENT AT THE TOP OF THIS SURVEY. I’M CONFUSED AS TO WHICH ONE IS THE ONE TO
CONSIDER.
19. THE THING THAT IS MISSING AT CHAFFEY, NOT JUST IN CLASSIFIED SENATE OR CS
APPRECIATION WEEK, BUT ALSO IN CSEA, IS ANY FEELING OR PROMOTION OF CAMARADERIE.
CHAFFEY IS MADE UP OF A LOT OF CLIQUES AMONG STAFF AND FACULTY.
Any questions about this research brief can be directed to the Office of Institutional Research at: (909)
652-6471 or you may send an e-mail request to carli.straight@chaffey.edu.
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