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Employees Give Dakota State University High Marks for Quality Service and Job Satisfaction

Madison – In a recent survey conducted at Dakota State University, 85% of the employee respondents rated their overall impression of quality at DSU as “excellent” or “good”.  When asked about their level of job satisfaction, 76% of the 167 employees surveyed said they are “very satisfied” (22%) or “satisfied” (54%).  These ratings are considered high according to Performance Horizons Consulting Group, the company who developed the survey used at DSU. 

The survey results also show continued improvement from the previous survey in 1998, and the DSU results are considerably better than average results compared to other institutions who use the same instrument.  The Campus Quality Survey measures both employee satisfaction and employee expectations.  

Employees used a five-point rating scale (1= strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) to indicate “How It Is Now” at DSU.  Survey items rated highest by the respondents were, in order: 

• Computer technology is integrated in DSU’s academic program.  (4.540)
• DSU’s computing environment provides a competitive advantage in higher education.  (4.464)
• DSU has user-friendly computer systems to support personnel.  (4.218)
• Efforts to improve quality are paying off at DSU.  (4.065)
• DSU provides appropriate computing resources for me to effectively do my job.  (4.046)

Performance Horizons’ consulting group commended DSU administration, faculty and staff for its positive “How It Is Now” with other institutions.  Based on the average ratings for all other institutions in the national data bank, DSU ratings are higher in all eight quality improvement categories.  Similarly, DSU average ratings are higher than those from all other 4-year universities. 

Most impressive were the increases in the 2000 average ratings when compared with the results from the 1998 survey.  There is improvement in every quality improvement category with the most improvement in Strategic Planning, Customer Focus, Measurement and Analysis, and Top Management Leadership and Support. 

Employees responsible for the five service areas receiving the highest ratings were commended for their commitment to providing quality customer service to students and employees.  These services are, in order: Library and learning resources, Computer information systems and services, Bookstore services, Media, audio visual, technology services, and Payroll services 

The survey indicated a need for enhanced employee recognition, employee training, and communication processes. DSU is looking at ways to address these areas of concern. 

“As Dakota State continues to look at quality improvement, I am excited that our ratings are higher than the average ratings of other institutions,” said Dr. Jerald Tunheim, president of DSU.  “I am pleased to note that faculty and staff take pride in the nationally recognized computer system we have initiated at DSU.” 

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