Current issues in academia create polarized environments that affect faculty work and university functioning.

Researchers aimed to explore the diverse perspectives held by faculty at American universities regarding current issues in higher education. These issues often emerge within polarized environments, where opinions may be shaped by personal beliefs or political ideologies. To better understand these viewpoints, the researchers surveyed faculty on topics such as workplace expectations and diversity. Their goal was to gain insight into how these issues influence faculty work environments and the broader functioning of universities.

NORC surveyed faculty at American universities about current issues in higher education.

NORC administered a survey to faculty across American universities. The faculty selected for the survey had previously participated in a Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) survey and individually agreed to be contacted for future research. COACHE is based at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has been administering surveys to U.S. faculty since 2005.

The survey took approximately 10 minutes to complete and asked questions about workplace experiences, political preferences, political knowledge and engagement, perspectives on diversity in academia, and thoughts about local issues within the institution. Faculty who participated in this survey helped advance insights that could improve the advice and support that scholars, teachers, and university leaders receive across the American professoriate.