For the sixth straight year, U-M has been rated as one of the nation’s top university workplaces in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual listing of “Great Colleges to Work For.” The university is one of 97 universities included in this year’s list.
“We could not be more pleased with this continued recognition,” says President Mary Sue Coleman. “It is a credit to the U-M faculty and staff who make such important contributions to higher education and it affirms the collaborative community they’ve helped to develop on our campuses.”
The university was listed in 11 of 12 categories, and was named as a 2013 Honor Roll school for being highly rated in multiple categories:
• Collaborative governance: Faculty members are appropriately involved in decisions related to academic programs.
• Professional and career development programs: Employees are given the opportunity to develop skills and understand requirements to advance in their careers.
• Teaching environment: Faculty members say the institution recognizes innovative and high-quality teaching.
• Compensation and benefits: Pay is fair, and benefits meet the needs of employees.
• Facilities, workspaces and security: Facilities adequately meet needs, the appearance of the campus is pleasing, and the institution takes steps to provide a secure environment.
• Job satisfaction and support: Provides insight into the satisfaction with job fit, autonomy, and resources.
• Work-life balance: Policies give employees the flexibility to manage their personal lives.
• Confidence in senior leadership: Leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for institutional success.
• Respect and appreciation: Employees are regularly recognized for their contributions.
• Tenure clarity and process: Requirements for tenure are clear, faculty members say.
• Diversity: The institution makes a concerted effort to create a welcoming and fair environment for all its employees.
To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle uses ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous “Best Places to Work” programs, surveying hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.
The Great Colleges survey included a two-part assessment process: a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff, and an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies and practices from each institution. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received a Great College to Work For recognition is employee feedback.
