The Chronicle of Higher Education has named Widener University a 2024 “Great College to Work For” after the university took honors in four categories based on survey feedback submitted by the university and its employees.
The survey went to 216 colleges and universities. The higher education trade publication released the survey results this week in its 17h-annual report, which stands as one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country.
Widener was one of only two Pennsylvania institutions to make the list and one of just 35 four-year colleges in the country recognized in four categories.
The university has been honored through the program seven times, including in five of the last seven years. The categories included:
- Faculty & Staff Well-Being, honoring institutions that provide the opportunity to do meaningful work, support for work/life balance, and the experience of a safe working environment.
- Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, honoring institutions that are demonstrating commitment to diversity, as reported by faculty and staff based on their individual experiences and the impact of institutional policies and procedures.
- Faculty Experience, honoring institutions where faculty report positive employment experiences including support for service and research, balance of teaching, and advancement and promotion opportunities.
- Shared Governance, honoring workplaces where faculty members are appropriately involved in decisions related to academic programs.
“This is such outstanding recognition and I’m so proud to see Widener honored – particularly in these categories,” said President Stacey Robertson. “Our staff and faculty are relentlessly dedicated to our students and they show up every day ready to provide an incredible learning experience in an atmosphere where students know they belong.”
“Widener is a special place – there’s no institution quite like us,” she added. “Our culture of belonging is exceptional and it ensures everyone at the university can thrive as they aspire to be their best selves. Widener faculty and staff care deeply about this institution. Their compassion and commitment are so inspiring.”
Carly Gardner, chair of the university’s Staff Council, said she was pleased to see the university recognized for faculty and staff well-being, a first in that category for Widener.
“The survey results that led to this recognition show Widener is a place where people feel they belong and are recognized for their contributions,” said Gardner, who works as assistant dean of admissions at Widener University Delaware Law School.
“Work-life balance is important to employees’ well-being, and it is gratifying to work for an institution where that balance is a priority for leadership. It is good news for our students, too, as happy employees contribute to a positive learning environment.”
The Chronicle’s survey results were based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional questionnaire that captured employment data and workplace policies, and an anonymous survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff.
Employee feedback was the primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition. Widener had a strong employee response rate to the survey that exceeded the national response rate.
Great Colleges to Work For is one of the most comprehensive workplace studies in higher education. The Chronicle worked with ModernThink LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm to administer the survey and analyze the results.
For more information and to view the recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website.
Widener University, located in Chester, is a private institution providing an outstanding student experience through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning.
Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.
Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens.
