The Arboretum and Public Garden works tirelessly to ensure every person who utilizes its many services is satisfied —and this work has paid off, according to the annual Academic and Staff Satisfaction Survey.

In the 2019 satisfaction survey the Arboretum and Public Garden earned the highest mean score of all units featured on the survey at 4.5 out of five points. The Arboretum and Public Garden was ranked “Excellent” in nine of the ten categories, including overall satisfaction. This was an improvement over the Arboretum and Public Garden’s already exceptional performance on the 2018 survey, when it earned the second highest mean score (4.44) and ranked “Excellent” in half the categories.

These excellent results and improvement hinge on the dedication and passion of Arboretum and Public Garden staff. Survey participants highlighted staff members' positive attitude, responsiveness and ability to solve problems, which have been essential in ensuring people are happy with the services offered by the Arboretum and Public Garden.

“We count on all our fabulous staff members to represent the Arboretum and Public Garden every day, with every collaboration and with every project and program,” said Kathleen Socolofsky, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Arboretum and Public Garden, “and the survey has shown what a fantastic job they’ve done.”

From 2018 to 2019 the Arboretum and Public Garden’s scores increased in every category, but the biggest improvement was in the categories where the Arboretum and Public Garden had scored lowest the year before: “Accessible to customers (via phone, voicemail, e-mail, etc.)” and “Effectively uses the Arboretum and Public Garden website for information and services.” The survey results showed where there was room for improvement and Arboretum and Public Garden staff rose to the occasion, determined to maintain a standard of excellence.

“It’s not enough to do well, we want to continue improving, day after day and year after year. The satisfaction survey really shows us where we need to focus our attention,” Socolofsky said.

To make your voice is heard, be sure to participate in this year’s Academic and Staff Satisfaction Survey, opening tomorrow and continuing through March 11. Doing so will give you a chance to earn gifts, including a mug, an insulated lunch bag and an iconic t-shirt. Remember, we won’t know unless you tell us!