University of Guelph Reviews in Kitchener, ON Area

Pros

The research is scientifically accurate, and as an agriculture student, it is the most well-recognized institiution in Canada. Highly suggested.

Cons

Funding is tight, the work is hard, the hours are long.... but what other university isn't exactly the same? None.

Advice to Senior Management

There should be more opportunities for the departments to mingle, more in depth feedback on how you are doing. We should feel proud to be a part of the institution.

Pros

Benefit package, pension, work life balance

Cons

Money driven, not research focused anymore.

Pros

Supportive co-workers, great work/life balance.

Cons

A lot of contract positions.

Advice to Senior Management

Hire more permanent staff.

Pros

Most of the job experiences at the University are reliant upon working with a good supervisor. For example, working in a lab can be wonderful if you are interested in the research and your supervisor treats you well. But it can be hell otherwise. Campus community is great and there's enough to do in the city.

Cons

Guelph is a fairly small town, but it has everything you need without the big town issues. And Toronto is just an hour away anyway. Food options on campus could be better. Benefits don't come unless you're a student or have been employed for some years.

Advice to Senior Management

Include a benefits package, even if small, for contracted positions. It doesn't have to be the best package but just something that shows some appreciation for people doing critical work at the university.

Pros

less pressure; nice environment; an easy place to live if having a family

Cons

conservative; little communication with world leading Universities/Institutes in the field; little support to lab development and research work.

Advice to Senior Management

More support to the research labs, let them run and develops healthily, dont be shortsighted, as the research competency is the major element to establish university's internationl reputation.

Pros

Flexibility in hours, a decent benefits package.

Cons

No accountability for abusive behavior by co-workers or by management.

Long hours and too high expectations.

Advice to Senior Management

There needs to be a very visible process put in place where managers and/or co-workers can be disciplined for abusive, harrassing behavior.

Pros

Friendly environment to work at.

Cons

Not enough career advancement for employees.

Advice to Senior Management

can provide more career advancement training.

Pros

An institution with a good reputation in Canada. Nice campus. The city of Guelph is a good place to live. The people are generally friendly and pleasant to work with. Flexible work hours offered a great work-life balance. Access to courses at the university for personal development was a plus.

Cons

Tends to be bureaucratic - which seems to be the case in most higher education institutions. Funding levels have a big impact on allocation of money to departments and programs. Some departmental decisions seem arbitrary and short-sighted. Politics can be quite entrenched in some departments. Not many opportunities for promotion but staff seem to stay because it is comfortable and the benefits are good. Lack of consistent procedures for employee performance evaluation.

Advice to Senior Management

Offer better training in management skills to senior managers and department chairs (who are well-versed in their academic fields but often lack sufficient management and leadership skills).