D'Youville University

What is D'Youville University?

D'Youville University is a private university located in Buffalo, New York, founded in 1908 by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. Originally established as a women's college, D'Youville has grown into a coeducational institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes across health sciences, business, education, and the liberal arts.

The university is named after Saint Marguerite d'Youville, the first Canadian-born saint, and maintains a mission rooted in serving the community and providing accessible education. D'Youville gained national attention in 2023 when it became one of the first universities in the United States to adopt a 32-hour, 4-day work week for its staff.

Where will I work?

D'Youville University is located on a compact urban campus at 320 Porter Avenue in Buffalo, New York. The campus sits on the west side of Buffalo, near the Peace Bridge connecting the US and Canada. Staff work primarily on-site, given the nature of university operations including teaching, administration, student services, and campus facilities management.

What is the team like?

With approximately 860 employees, D'Youville has a diverse workforce spanning faculty, administrative staff, student services, IT, facilities, and leadership. The university attracts educators and professionals who are drawn to its mission of community service and accessible education. The adoption of the 4-day work week has been a significant recruitment and retention tool, particularly for administrative and support staff.

The campus community is close-knit, reflecting D'Youville's roots as a smaller, mission-driven institution that values personal connections between staff, faculty, and students.

Work-Life Balance

D'Youville University operates a 4-day work week at 32 hours with full pay for staff. Introduced in 2023 by President Lorrie Clemo, the policy was designed to improve employee wellbeing, reduce burnout, and make the university a more attractive employer in a competitive higher education labour market. The move was inspired by research showing that shorter work weeks can maintain or even improve productivity.

The 4-day week applies to administrative and support staff, with academic schedules adjusted to accommodate the compressed format. D'Youville was a pioneer among US universities in adopting this model.

Perks and Benefits

• 4-day work week at full pay (32 hours)
• Healthcare benefits
• Pension and retirement contributions
• Professional development and tuition benefits
• Enhanced parental leave
• Campus community and mission-driven work
• Located in an affordable, revitalising city