Southeastern named a 'Great College to Work For'
by 'Chronicle of Higher Education'
Contact: Rene Abadie
7/17/08
HAMMOND – “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” the nation’s primary national source of news about post-secondary education, has named Southeastern Louisiana University a “2008 Great College to Work For.”
The only Louisiana institution recognized in the survey, Southeastern received high marks in 10 different areas. The university was recognized in the “medium sized category,” institutions with 500 to 2,499 employees. Southeastern employs approximately 1,700 full and part time faculty and staff.
“We are certainly honored by this national recognition,” said Interim President John L. Crain. “Throughout its history, Southeastern has tried to maintain a close family atmosphere for students and employees and to be an institution that is always open to improvement. We have promoted a culture of excellence in all areas, with top priority on strong academics. We believe this survey validates these efforts.”
"The efforts at Southeastern over the last decade or so represent a 'best practices' approach that has created a campus culture in which everyone -- faculty, staff and students -- can succeed," said University of Louisiana System President Randy Moffett, who served as Southeastern president for the past seven years. "It is truly an honor that such an esteemed publication as ‘The Chronicle of Higher Education’ saw fit to recognize those efforts."
The results of the survey were based on responses from more than 15,000 administrators, faculty members and staff at 89 institutions – 39 public universities and 50 private colleges. Southeastern received the most responses among medium-sized public institutions. Only four-year institutions participated in the study, which was administered by ModernThink LLC, a human resources consulting firm that has conducted many “Best Places to Work” surveys for various groups.
Among the areas in which Southeastern was recognized were collaborative governance, internal communications and teaching environment.
“We have always included faculty and staff in planning and decision making,” said Crain. “We strive to recognize and reward the efforts of our faculty and staff.”
The university was also recognized in the following areas:
▪ job satisfaction;
▪ confidence in senior leadership – respondents believe their leaders have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for institutional success;
▪ tenure clarity and process, in which requirements for tenure are clear, according to faculty surveyed;
▪ supervisor or department chair relationship – respondents indicated that their supervisors make expectations clear and solicit ideas;
▪ perception and confidence in fair treatment, particularly in areas regarding compensation and performance;
▪ policies, resources and efficiency – the institution is well run and prepares employees to be effective, according to respondents;
▪ career development; and research and scholarship – the institution provides adequate time for scholarly pursuits.
Southeastern enrolls about 15,000 students in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The university is a member of the University of Louisiana System, which includes eight regional institutions.
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