Abstract
A Q. of L. questionnaire was sent to all 1375 faculty members at SUNY Buffalo. Each was asked to judge the level of satisfaction and importance of 123 elements of campus life. The study created a complex evaluation of the University (services, offices, functions, attitudes) intended to guide future policy. The study was well received; it has guided policy and the Faculty Senate requested that it be repeated in 3 to 5 years.
The quality of campus life was generally perceived to be better in the professional schools than in the core arts and sciences faculties. Librarians had especially low morale and Q. of L. Monetary and institutional barriers that frustrated faculty members in trying to fulfill their professional obligations to their own high standards were the major factors detracting from Q. of L. (lack of secretarial help, little travel money, bureaucratic red tape, etc.). This methodology would easily be transferable to other campuses. Studies conducted elsewhere would provide a basis for comparison that would enlarge our ability to assess professionally our universities and help guide their future development.
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We acknowledge with thanks the support given this study by the Faculty Senate, the NYS/UUP Joint Labor/Management Committee, and the Office of the President at SUNY/Buffalo.
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Milbrath, L.W., Doyno, V. A study of the quality of university life: SUNY at Buffalo. Soc Indic Res 19, 173–190 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300275
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300275