IX. Final Open-Ended Responses

This report concludes with a synopsis of responses to three broad open-ended questions that were at the end of the survey.

Q 62. What do you like most about Purdue?
Click to view snapshot results of (Q 62)

Seven out of ten respondents answered this question and almost everyone mentioned at least one of seven factors in their response. These factors are first listed in order from the most to least commonly cited and then are illustrated in more detail below.

  • Students
  • Colleagues
  • Freedom to choose research direction/flexibility
  • The academic environment
  • The local community
  • Prestige of the unit, school, or university
  • Salary and benefits

______________________________

  • Students
    “The students and the opportunity to work with them.”

“We have great students.”

“I like teaching students and knowing I have made an impact on their life. I not only want my students to learn but also to mature and become someone that will represent Purdue well in industry.”

“Quality of grad students and some undergrads.”
  • Colleagues
    “Colleagues in Department have been supportive.”

“My colleagues are great.  They come by to talk about research collaboration possibilities, learn how I am doing in my new job, offer advice, go to lunch, etc.  My colleagues have high research and teaching standards.”

“I have excellent colleagues within my program area--they are good friends and stimulate me intellectually.”
  • Freedom to choose research direction/flexibility
    “Freedom to choose career development.”

“You are left alone to do your research and scholarly work if you wish. There is flexibility to arrange your schedule as needed.”

“The freedom to do my research and teaching as I see fit.”

“Freedom to teach and research what I want.”
  • The academic environment
    “Great place to work and teach, great atmosphere.”

    “The professional and warm working conditions”

    “Atmosphere, great scientific community, great facilities.”
  • The local community
    “A great, safe place to bring up children.”

    “Low crime, low urban stress, reasonable cost of living.”

    “Safe environment to raise children, good quality of elementary school.”

  • Prestige of the unit, school, or university
    “I like the prestige associated with being at a Big Ten institution.”

    “Purdue is a premier research and educational institution.”

    “Its reputation and standing in Engineering.”

  • Salary and benefits
    “It has treated me personally very well -- salary, etc.”

    “Great retirement package.”

    “Wonderful salary and benefits.”