NDSU Faculty Turnover Study
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Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the reasons behind faculty turnover
from North Dakota State University (NDSU). A list of 45 faculty members who left
NDSU between May of 2008 and March of2010 was gathered from the NDSU Office of
Equity, Diversity, and Global Relations. Potential participants were contacted with 20
completing phone interviews for this study. Interview questions sought to explore the
reasons for faculty member departure, the impact of university policies/procedures on
faculty, the NDSU working experience, and comparisons between their former NDSU
positions and their current position. Six themes emerged as to why faculty members
departed from NDSU. These themes included (I) campus climate, (2) lack of
advancement/professional opportunities, (3) position requirement challenges, ( 4)
weather/geographical location, (5) family reasons, and (6) salary. Patterns in turnover
between STEM/non-STEM disciplines were explored. Gender differences emerged in
participant responses in regard to campus climate, mentoring, salary, community climate,
and experiences of non-STEM female participants at NDSU. Recommendations for future
research, limitations of this study, and implications for practice at NDSU are discussed.