Overview

Higher education has accelerated its massive shift toward digital learning in the aftermath of Covid-19. While most institutions were already heading that direction long before 2020, the pandemic required educators to move their courses online quickly and with little time to prepare.

The aftershocks of that rapid shift are still being felt as most faculty currently teach in multiple face-to-face and virtual formats. As such, they have to take on many new roles, not just a educator but also as learning designer, videographer, educational technologist, graphic designer and more. While most have heroically embraced the challenges and complexities of today’s learning environment, they have also undeniably been stretched thin. As a result, overwhelm, stress, and burnout have become far too common in higher education institutions.

Our survey explores the current experiences, attitudes, and values of faculty as they seek to engage students in multiple learning environments. While our research shows definite bright spots, there are also several trends that indicate a need for additional support to help both faculty and students succeed.

 

In this report, we will examine what’s happening in higher education right now, where there are gaps in support, and what the greatest needs are:

 

Faculty Heroes: Understanding the Higher Ed Teaching Environment

The Faculty Struggle to Create Student-Centric, Inclusive and Engaged Learning

Why Faculty Feel Overburdened and Burnt Out

Faculty Need More Support in This Complex and Varied Learning Environment

 

About This Study

In September 2022, Alchemy conducted a nationwide survey of higher education faculty. The 530 respondents represent full-time and part-time faculty who teach across the academic disciplines at four-year and two-year public and private institutions. The survey consisted of questions about how faculty approach designing and teaching courses, how they spend their time, and what they find most difficult. They were asked about their experience and satisfaction with support resources on campus. And, finally, they were asked to rate the factors they enjoy most about their role (from a list of 15) and express agreement/disagreement with a series of 19 statements about their attitudes/feelings.