FMU recognized again as “Great College to Work For”

Florence, SC (PRESS RELEASE) –Francis Marion University once again has been recognized as a Great Colleges to Work For® Honor Roll school by the leading publication of the higher education industry, The Chronicle of Higher Education.

FMU’s high standing was released as part of The Chronicle’s eighth annual report on the academic workplace. The recognition is based in large part on a third party survey of FMU faculty and staff.

FMU was one of just 62 four-year colleges recognized by The Chronicle, and one of only 30 four-year schools recognized as an Honor Roll college. Schools are recognized if they receive satisfaction ratings of 70 percent or higher in any of the 12 rating categories covered by the survey. Honor Roll schools must receive high satisfaction ratings in at least seven of 12 categories.

FMU, in fact, received high marks in 10 of the 12 categories, climbing one category since last year’s survey. This is the third straight year FMU has been recognized as a Great Colleges Honor Roll school.

FMU was recognized in Collaborative Governance, Professional/Career Development Programs, Teaching Environment, Work/Life Balance, Confidence in Senior Leadership, Respect and Appreciation, Tenure Clarity and Process (faculty only), Job Satisfaction, Facilities, Workspace & Security, and Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship.

FMU President Dr. Fred Carter says FMU’s continued recognition as a superb collegiate workplace is fast becoming another University tradition.

“This national recognition is a natural for us every year. FMU is a great place to work- in large part because of the professionalism and amicability of our faculty and staff,” says Carter. “Their efforts make this one of the most harmonious work cultures in higher education.”

The survey results are derived from 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 via the survey.

To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle worked with ModernThink LLC, a strategic 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.