Old Dominion University Named a 'Great College to Work For'
Old Dominion University is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The results, released today (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 achieved "Great College to Work For" recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with ODU included among the large universities with 10,000 or more students.
Old Dominion won honors in the shared governance category.
"This is a great honor for Old Dominion University, but more importantly for the many faculty, staff and administrators that work daily to make our institution great," said President John R. Broderick. "At ODU, there is a strong commitment to collaboration in all facets of university life and the Chronicle recognition further underscores the importance of that approach."
The 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 faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.
"It is no surprise that at this point in Old Dominion's history it would be recognized for its inclusion of faculty and staff in its planning and decision making processes," said Paul Champagne, professor of business management and chair of the Faculty Senate. "President Broderick has made it a priority to include all voices in the creation of the strategic plan, enrollment management and student success initiatives, among others, and I believe we are a better institution for it."
Champagne also cited Broderick and Provost Carol Simpson's annual meetings with faculty from each of the university's six colleges to update them on university plans and discuss issues of concern to the faculty.
Additionally, the president hosts "Monarch Morning" breakfast chats throughout the year to talk with staff and hear their ideas and suggestions.
"What is particularly noteworthy about Monarch Mornings is that the feedback received by the president and administration is acted upon. Many institutions may give the appearance of inclusion, but it is really happening at ODU," said Kathy Pim, president of ODU's Hourly and Classified Employees Association and office manager for the College of Arts and Letter's Office of the Dean.
Pim gave the example of how during one such breakfast session a classified employee brought up that membership rates for the recreation center were too expensive for employees in the lowest pay bands. Within a few short months, she said, the president responded that a graduated fee schedule would be instituted for faculty and staff. "At ODU, there is a recognition that everyone plays an important role in how the institution is run and how it succeeds."
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, The Chronicle's 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. For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit The Chronicle's web site at http://chronicle.com/academicworkplace.