The Chronicle cites UB as ‘great college to work for’

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo again has been recognized as a great place to work, making The Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual list of “great colleges to work for” for the sixth straight year.

UB was among 97 institutions receiving the honor for 2013 based on a survey completed by nearly 45,000 faculty, staff and administrators at 300 institutions.

For the rankings, colleges were grouped according to their size based on overall student enrollment – small, medium or large – and whether they are a two-year or four-year institution.

They then were judged on 12 features of excellent academic workplaces – such as teaching environment, diversity and job satisfaction and support – based on employees’ responses on a five-point scale to 60 statements, such as “Senior leadership provides a clear direction for this institution’s future” or “Promotions in my department are based on a person’s ability.”

Recognition in each of the 12 categories, except for diversity, was given to the 10 highest-scoring institutions in each size for four-year colleges and the four highest-scoring in each size for two-year colleges. In the diversity category, three four-year and three two-year colleges were recognized.

The survey was administered by ModernThink LLC, a human resource consulting company, in partnership with The Chronicle.

UB was recognized in two categories: Compensation & Benefits, and Work/Life Balance.

The Chronicle noted that UB employees have access to the programs and expertise of the university’s new Institute for Person-Centered Care, “the first of its kind nationwide” to provide services for the frail and elderly. The publication also praised the university’s “state-of-the-art” child care center, which recently renovated its locations on the North and South campuses.

“We are pleased UB was again recognized by The Chronicle as a great place to work,” said Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration. “This is an honor shared by everyone at UB who helps make the university a collegial, equitable and supportive workplace.”

Visit The Chronicle’s website to see the full list of colleges. http://chronicle.com/article/Leadership-Work-Life-Balance/140421/