We are pleased to share insights from a recent study we conducted to examine how campus climate affects burnout levels among faculty, particularly women faculty on Iowa campuses (Kivlighan et al., Under Review).

Our study included 313 faculty members from 80 departments across seven community colleges in Iowa. Results uncovered that women faculty experienced higher burnout when their perceptions of campus climate differ significantly from those of their men colleagues. Furthermore, when men faculty perceive a warm, supportive environment, but women experience it as cold or unsupportive, women report greater feelings of isolation, stress, and imbalance.

Our findings suggest that differences in campus climate perceptions between men and women faculty significantly impact faculty well-being. To reduce burnout among women faculty, we encourage campuses to recognize and address these perceptual differences. For example, acknowledging how cultural identities shape faculty ratings of their work environment and fostering greater support and fairness can help reduce burnout among women faculty.

Our study offers valuable insights for institutional policies and practices aimed at promoting faculty well-being and equity.