UW News

July 17, 2017

University of Washington named ‘Great College to Work For’ for fourth consecutive year, makes the Honor Roll

The University of Washington has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education for the fourth consecutive year. The UW received accolades in seven categories – the most categories to date – in addition to making the Honor Roll, a special distinction for institutions that were cited for recognition most often in their size group.

Now in its 10th year, the Chronicle’s 2017 “Great Colleges to Work For” program recognizes small groups of colleges for best practices and policies based on a survey of faculty and staff. The UW was specifically recognized for confidence in senior leadership; respect and appreciation; supervisor and department chair relationships; work/life balance; collaborative governance; teaching environment; and tenure clarity and process.

“This recognition honors the excellent work of our faculty, staff and students who make the University of Washington an extraordinary place to work and learn,” said UW President Ana Mari Cauce. “The UW is not only a special place, but a special community of talented, dedicated people driven by a mission to make the world better. Being included among the ‘Great Colleges to Work For’ reflects our belief that a better world starts at home, in our own community, when we treat each other with respect, take inspiration from one another and collaborate in service of a shared vision.”

Approximately 600 UW faculty and staff were randomly surveyed by the Chronicle and asked to evaluate the university in a variety of categories, including job satisfaction, professional development, compensation, leadership, respect, appreciation and policies.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies, 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, according to the Chronicle.

The UW is one of 79 colleges and universities honored across the U.S. Only 42 institutions made the Honor Roll.

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