NDSU Faculty Turnover Study

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.