McKendree University is on ‘2011 Great Colleges to Work For’ Honor Roll
7/25/2011
Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree University remains one of the best colleges in the nation
to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. It is
one of just 42 colleges and universities nationwide to receive Honor Roll recognition
as well, rating highly compared to other institutions of similar size.
The results, released July 25 in The Chronicle’s fourth annual report on The Academic
Workplace, are based on a survey of nearly 44,000 employees at 310 colleges and universities.
In all, only 111 of the 310 institutions—including 85 out of 244 four-year institutions
and 26 out of 66 two-year community colleges—achieved Great College to Work For® recognition
for specific best practices and policies.
Now in its fourth year, the Great Colleges program has become one of the largest and
most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country, second only to Fortune’s
“100 Best Companies to Work For.” The number of 2011 survey participants tripled that
of 2008.
Results are reported based on enrollment size for small, medium, and large institutions,
with McKendree in the small size category.
Survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit
that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution; and a survey
administered to full-time faculty, administrators and professional support staff.
Employee feedback was the primary factor in deciding whether an institution received
Great Colleges to Work For recognition. McKendree University currently employs 274
full-time faculty and staff members, as well as a significant number of part-time
employees.
McKendree employees rated the university highly enough to be recognized in nine out
of 12 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.
• 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.
• Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship. Supervisor makes expectations clear and solicits ideas.
• Respect and Appreciation. Employees are regularly recognized for their contributions.
• Tenure Clarity and Process. Requirements for tenure are clear, faculty members say.
“Given how competitive the Great Colleges program was this year, this accolade is
a remarkable accomplishment, affirming that our employees feel appreciated and valued,”
said Dr. James Dennis, McKendree University president.
The Chronicle is the nation’s most important source of news about colleges and universities.
“With the Great Colleges program, The Chronicle can provide even more of the vital
information our readers rely on – unbiased reporting on which colleges are being innovative
in their workplace practices.” said Jeffrey J. Selingo, editor.
To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle worked with ModernThink
LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous “Best Places
to Work” programs, surveying hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.
Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition
programs in the country.
-McK-
