March 2026 Check-In
I sent all students and employees a survey on March 3, 2026, to check in and see how our USU community is feeling and gather input as we move forward with strategic planning. USU is strongest when the voices of students, faculty, and staff are front and center. I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. You can find summary reports for both surveys below.
Students
When asked how they are feeling using a weather metaphor, most students selected all sunshine, partly sunny, or mild. A smaller share chose a little rainy or extra stormy. In written responses, many students named faculty, programs, and the Aggie community as strengths and sources of belonging. Common concerns included work-school-life balance, academic workload, and financial stress.
Download the summary student survey reportEmployees
Employee sentiment has grown more positive since November, with many respondents describing themselves as hopeful, motivated, or cautiously optimistic. Employees consistently expressed care for students and belief in USU's mission, and many noted renewed confidence in institutional leadership and appreciation for increased transparency and communication. Ongoing concerns around compensation, staffing, and workload remain, particularly among staff.
Download the summary employee survey reportNovember 2025 Check-In
On Nov. 10, my first day as president of Utah State, I sent out a survey to students and employees to better understand how they are feeling about USU’s direction and areas they think need to be addressed. You can find summary reports for both surveys below. My overarching goal is to be transparent in every effort to build a stronger Aggie community. I appreciate everyone who offered their thoughts and suggestions
Students
When asked how they are feeling using a weather metaphor, most students selected all sunshine, partly sunny, or mild. A smaller share chose a little rainy or extra stormy. In written explanations, major stressors include work-school-life balance, heavy academic workloads, mental and emotional strain, and financial pressure.
Students most often cited academic programs and reputation, scholarships and overall cost, family and personal connections, and the Logan and Cache Valley environment and campus culture as reasons they chose USU.
Download the summary student survey reportEmployees
Employees consistently highlight that they care deeply about students, believe in the mission, and want the university to thrive. Many employees describe themselves as “cautiously optimistic” and proud of their work, while also tired and wary of ongoing change. Throughout their answers, employee respondents repeatedly emphasized core mission, values, people-first education, the Aggie community, student success, and USU’s land-grant and statewide commitments as priorities.
Download the summary employee survey report