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Arizona State University

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Over Worked, Under Paid - Anonymous employee Arizona State University Employee Review

3.0
Dec 9, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working on campus near the students and a lot of restaurants are wonderful. I was very proud to say I worked for the University. Many of your fellow colleagues are passionate about working for the University to help students, and you feel more motivated by them (not your upper management).

Cons

Consistently across the University, employees are underpaid and rarely receive raises. Departments over work employees, allow under performing employees to get away with it because management is too afraid to confront them, and then the good employees have to pick up the slack because they are dependable. People are promoted because they're favorites or they have been there a long time, not necesarily because they are the best person for the job. Several positions in my department were created and came out of nowhere to help out a favorite employee, while other employees working 60 hours a week consistently can not get budget for more staff to help them.

Explore other reviews about Arizona State University

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Good research environment and great teachers

Cons

Long hours working on research

2.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Competitive pay for some positions, some great colleagues.

Cons

The "culture" in some non academic departments is incredibly toxic. Employees often see others as competitors and some will try to throw others under the bus to avoid being in trouble from senior leaders. It is slow to get any work done if you need upper admin approval and often time work that you have created and completed is thrown away and never looked at again. Personalities of some administrators is very fake and friendly, when they will cut you with no regard or thoughts. The senior administrators of ASU act in a cult like manner and tightly control many goals, works, etc. You will most often have little to no freedom to accomplish the goals that you know would be best for your department because you spend an inordinate amount of time on projects deemed important to senior leaders, that have little to no impact but padding a report for someone in Fulton. Culture is extremely toxic in many areas, and senior leaders refuse to listen to those serving and trying to provide feedback. There is heavy turnover in many areas, while adminstrators turn a blind eye to it and chalk it up to "normal" turnover. Many mid level managers end up sick, stressed, seeking new employment, or taking FMLA to try to deal with the stress and trauma. You will have little opportunity for advancement unless you move departments regularly, or by hunkering down to be a lackey. Routinely expect last minute requirements and expectations, budget cuts without notice, and little to no professional development or support. Depending on the area you may also deal with difficult students/parents who are not held accountable for their actions.

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