Retaining Faculty in Higher Education: Examining the Crucial Role of Sense of Belonging

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division J - Section 4: Faculty, Curriculum, and Teaching Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Although research exists on faculty retention, factors influencing faculty decisions to stay or leave remain underexplored. Specifically, the relationships among faculty’s departmental sense of belonging (SoBe), career satisfaction, and departmental support for balancing professional and personal responsibilities are understudied. Through an exploratory web-based survey our team analyzed faculty perceptions of career-work-life integration and conducted regression analyses to assess their relationship with retention outcomes. Findings indicate the impact that departmental support around work-life balance and family caregiving can have on faculty’s level of SoBe and career satisfaction, which is a factor in their intent to stay. The findings decrease the gap within the research on factors related to retention and provide university leaders with insights into more effective retention strategies.

Authors

• Jennifer Reid, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Maike I. Philipsen, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Julie Charbonnier, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Pat Githens, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Adelaide Alexander, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Mary A. Hermann, Loyola University - New Orleans

• Susan Kornstein, Virginia Commonwealth University