University of Phoenix-Cleveland Named One of Region's Top Workplaces

CLEVELAND, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Based solely on the comments of its own employees, University of Phoenix Cleveland Campus was selected as one of Northeast Ohio's top workplaces by the Plain Dealer and WorkplaceDynamics, the independent research company that conducted the study.

Sixty-five employees at University of Phoenix completed detailed questionnaires about their jobs, management and work environment, citing the company's values, mission and positive workplace as reasons why the University should be named one of Cleveland's top employers.  

"Being nominated as one of the best companies to work for certainly takes on greater significance when the employees themselves are behind the nomination," said Gina Cuffari, Vice President of Ohio Campuses for University of Phoenix.  "It is so very gratifying to see our entire workforce embrace our sense of purpose, to transform lives through education.  We have been successful here in Cleveland because everyone is focused on the same passion for education and personal growth among our students."

University of Phoenix is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Northeast Ohio.  It opened its first learning center in Independence in 2000 and went on to expand to facilities in Beachwood and Westlake at Crocker Park.  Today there are 450,000 University of Phoenix students, making it one of the largest private universities in North America; the Cleveland campus to date has 7300 students and 5100 alumni.

University of Phoenix was selected as a "Top Workplace" by WorkplaceDynamics for its strong scores in all six categories measuring: Pay & Benefits, Managers, Career, Execution, Conditions, and Direction.  Comments from employees indicate the University has successfully tied its corporate objectives to the individual achievements of its employees:

• "I feel valued as an employee.  I have the opportunity to make a difference in my community by helping people return to school and fulfill their educational goals."
• "I feel senior management wants their employees to know what's going on, to be part of a proactive process."
• "We are always looking for ways to improve our processes and keep up with our students' needs."
• "My manager makes it worth coming to work every day."

WorkplaceDynamics of Exton, Pa., has done similar studies for newspapers across the country, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Globe, St. Petersburg Times and Dallas Morning News.

Companies, nonprofits and government agencies in 11 counties were eligible to participate if they employed at least 50 people. Of 76,570 total employees, 41,579 received surveys in February, March and April, and 25,710 responded.

Employees were asked to indicate, on a seven-point scale, how much they agreed with statements such as "I have confidence in the leader of this organization" and "My manager listens to me."

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of February 28, 2010, 458,600 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S., as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix-Cleveland