Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to share an important update with you regarding the ongoing employee engagement work led by our Human Resources team.

After several months of collaboration among dozens of Bates colleagues (click here for full list), the third phase of the employee engagement initiative has been successfully completed. 

Together with support from Rankin Climate, the four subcommittees (Supervisor Development, Career Advancement, Staff-Faculty Relationships, and Employee Wellness) have developed several key recommendations in response to the staff survey feedback. This work is inclusive of diverse points of view and experiences, concrete survey metrics, and the continued desire and commitment to create a Better Bates Together. 

The list of recommendations is extensive—you will find it by clicking here. I will highlight a handful that we will move forward in the coming academic year:

• Launch a comprehensive supervisor professional development program this fall
• Enhance the performance development process, reviewing position descriptions, clarifying job responsibilities, and outlining measurable goals 
• Structure consistent opportunities for networking, peer learning, and the sharing of best practices
• Expand the Ombuds Program to better support all employees 
• Create a formal recognition program that celebrates employee achievement
• Introduce a wellness ambassador program

Other recommendations specific to the Staff-Faculty Relationships committee have been presented to our new vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, Joanne Roberts, for her review and feedback before we announce the more complex initiatives related to that work.

Thank you to everyone who made this work a priority. It is crucial to the success of our college, and I deeply appreciate your time and energy in service to the Bates community. Thank you for staying involved and informed as we continue to strive toward a Better Bates Together.

Warmly,

Garry

Garry W. Jenkins, President, Bates College