The fall semester has been more reminiscent of those in the pre-COVID era with more students, faculty, and staff on campus and fewer classes being taught fully on Zoom. It has been great to see so many people in the Navy Yard. Thanks to all who have made these first two months such a success.
Toward the end of September, we announced that the IHP was awarded Honor Roll status from Modern Think for the results of our Great Colleges to Work For (GCTWF) survey. The program recognizes colleges that have created successful workplaces, and to further research and understand the factors, dynamics, and influences that have the most impact on organizational culture in higher education. We were recognized as an Honor Roll recipient because we exceeded the average score in seven categories: Job Satisfaction and Support; Compensation and Benefits; Professional Development; Mission and Pride; Confidence in Senior Leadership; and Faculty Experience and Shared Governance.
As part of the GCTWF survey, we gathered about 20 pages of narrative comments from you about what you appreciate most about working at the IHP and what would make it better. These comments were a treasure trove of information that has provided a framework for projects and programs that we need to consider in the coming year and beyond.
One topic from this survey and from other data collected over the past few years relates to the visibility of the IHP. The IHP is often described as Boston’s best-kept secret, but it’s not a secret to our community that recognizes the incredible contributions of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni to the greater Boston community through service, the Sanders IMPACT Practice Center, and the leadership of our faculty in shaping health care delivery through scholarship and practice. One just need look at the IHP News to see examples of how we’re addressing health care challenges and building our culture. Our ability to engage individuals in the achievement of our mission, whether they be students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, donors, and others, is dependent on our ability to be recognized and valued for the many accomplishments of the IHP community.
In August, I shared with you that we were restructuring the Communications department to support our goals of increased visibility and improved external messaging. Over the last two months, we have launched a search for the position of Chief Communications Officer (CCO). We expect to have this position filled before the end of the calendar year. The new CCO will add a public relations staff member to complement the work currently being done. As we grow and evolve our communications strategy, we may need additional staff to assist with achieving our goals and we will address those needs as they arise.
I have hired consultant Rich Copp, former vice president of communications at MGB who has more than 20 years of experience in health care communications, to help us think through the right structure and governance and to develop a strategic plan. Rich will be talking to many key stakeholders to get the full picture of our community with the goal of ensuring the new CCO can start in the strongest position possible.
I want you to know that your messages to the administration are considered carefully. When you take the time to provide a comment or fill out a survey, senior leaders know they have a responsibility to review your views and perspectives. We are committed to developing a communications strategy that brings the IHP into the spotlight, not only within the MGB system but externally as well.
In closing, I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.
Paula