Contact:
Eleanor Lewis
410-455-2065
elewis@umbc.edu

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The results, released Monday, July 26, in the Chronicle’s third annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 43,000 employees at 275 colleges and universities nationwide, including UMBC.

UMBC received high ratings in three categories:

-Collaborative Governance
-Respect and Appreciation
-Tenure Clarity and Process

“The recognition by the Chronicle is especially meaningful now,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “The campus has made supporting people a priority as we face challenging times together. We are a ‘Great College to Work For’ because of the people here.”

Shared governance is one example of the value placed on collaboration and support for people at UMBC.

“The administration, faculty and staff believe that our success as a University depends on contributions and discussions from all involved,” said L.D. Timmie Topoleski, Faculty Senate president and professor of mechanical engineering. “The Faculty Senate's voice is strong, and we feel comfortable addressing difficult issues because we know the administration will be responsive. Shared governance at UMBC works because all parties see it as the pathway to continued success.”

Tim Sparklin, president of the Professional Associate Staff Senate (PASS) and administrator in the Human and Animal Protections Office, added, “The Professional Associate Staff Senate (PASS) is committed to maintaining open lines of communication among all staff, faculty and students of the university. We think it is essential to provide information and recommendations to the decision-makers of UMBC to recognize staff contributions and allow them to excel….We also take an active part in campus life by sponsoring activities that will provide an opportunity for non-work social events to encourage comradeship.”

Terry Aylsworth, acting president of the Non-exempt, Excluded Staff Senate and executive administrative assistant in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences said, “At the core of shared governance is the structural principle that University-wide committees include students, staff and faculty who act as voices for their constituents. It is at the committee level that the exchange of thoughts, concerns, and possible solutions to university challenges takes place. This unique structure encourages students, staff and faculty to be an integral part of shaping UMBC."

“Great Colleges to Work for” survey results are based on 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.

For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit http://chronicle.com/academicworkplace.