The Chronicle of Higher Education has recognized Elon University in its 2010 “Great Colleges to Work For” program, which honors institutions for best practices and policies, such as teaching environment, respect and appreciation, and confidence in senior leadership.
Elon is one of 97 colleges and universities recognized in the third annual list, and it is one of only 39 institutions named to the Honor Roll, institutions that were recognized the most in their size categories. This is the university’s second consecutive year on the “Great Colleges” list.
Results were announced July 26, 2010, and are included in a special supplement of The Chronicle. Among medium-sized institutions, Elon was named as one of 10 institutions to receive special distinction in the following areas:
Collaborative governance: “Faculty members are appropriately involved in decisions related to academic programs.”
Teaching environment: “Faculty members say the institution recognizes innovative and high-quality teaching.”
Facilities, work spaces and security: “Facilities adequately meet needs, the appearance of the campus is pleasing, and the institution takes steps to provide a secure environment.”
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.”
Results of The Chronicle’s survey are based on responses from about 43,000 administrators, faculty and staff members at 275 institutions, including four-year colleges and universities and two-year community colleges. Questionnaires were administered online in March and April.
“Just like colleges market to recruit students, they are now realizing they need to do more to attract quality employees,” said Jeffrey J. Selingo, editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education. “The Great Colleges to Work For survey is meant to help both employers and potential employees by giving them vital information about workplaces.”
“Great workplaces are about more than dollars and cents. This program shows that great workplaces are not decided on salary alone.”
The “Great Colleges” survey included a two-part assessment process: consulting firm ModernThink LLC administered a survey to employees, and an institutional audit captured demographics and workplace policies at each institution. Feedback from faculty and staff was the biggest factor in determining which colleges and universities made the list.
The Chronicle of Higher Education is a top source of news, opinion and job information for college and university faculty and administrators. It has a weekly print readership of 350,000 and Web traffic of more than 14 million views a month.