For the fifth consecutive year, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) was recognized as one of the best schools in the nation to work for, according to a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual report on academic workplaces. It is also the fourth time the school has been selected for the Honor Roll, which is given to institutions that were most recognized within their size category.
The WVSOM honor touches every area of campus. The six categories include:
1. Compensation and benefits
2. Facilities, workspaces and security
3. Professional/career-development programs
4. Respect and appreciation
5. Teaching environment
6. Tenure clarity and process
This is a meaningful honor for the WVSOM community since it is based on anonymous employee ratings. WVSOM had an outstanding participation rate with more than 60 percent of faculty and staff responding. The average response rate at other schools was 37 percent. This participation provides a strong foundation on which to access information, identify trends and determine needs.
Following last year’s recognition, Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM associate vice president of human resources, and the human resources staff reviewed the results and developed a number of new initiatives for employees that included an enhanced training program.
“The fact that we have a more than 60 percent participation rate represents a caring and conscientious team,” Bicksler said. “It is our goal to learn how to enhance current programs or establish new initiatives from this survey.”
President Michael Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D., acknowledges the sense of community among employees, and attributes the recognition to their strong commitment.
“Being selected as a Great College to Work For is a true honor because this recognition comes directly from the votes and comments of our own faculty and staff,” he said. “We continue to strive to provide a supportive, healthy and safe work environment that allows our employees to excel and to be recognized for the outstanding work that they do. What makes WVSOM a great place to work? Our people.”
Liz McMillen, editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education, said the schools listed in the survey are leaders in creating environments where people enjoy their work.
“The selection process is rigorous and being named to the list is a tremendous accomplishment, but it also positions colleges and universities well to recruit the people that make them a success.”
Survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and staff. The primary factor in deciding recognition was employee feedback.
