PERC 2025 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Assessing the culture around systemic change in physics programs: A pilot study from 33 programs in the United States |
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| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | A major challenge for departmental change efforts is a lack of reliable tools to consistently and accurately monitor progress. Without such tools, identifying challenges in the change process and adjusting strategies accordingly is difficult. This paper presents results from a pilot administration of the Culture around Systemic Change Survey (CSCS), a tool developed to help physics departments assess and improve their local culture. The instrument captures faculty and staff perceptions of both their department's "current" and "ideal" states across five factors: open mindedness, student involvement, collective use of evidence, sustainability, and disrupting systemic injustices. Data from N=111 participants across 33 departments show significantly higher ratings for current departmental open mindedness and collective use of evidence compared to other factors. Across all factors, significant gaps exist between current and ideal states. These findings offer actionable insights for change leaders seeking to build more inclusive and sustainable cultures in their departments. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session A |
| Poster Number: | A-54 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Mike Verostek School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623 Rochester, NY 14623 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Diana Sachmpazidi (she/her), School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623 Jayna Petrella (she/her), Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742 Chandra Turpen (she/her), Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742 |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |




