The Corporatization of Academia - Administrative Specialist UCLA Employee Review

2.0
Jun 30, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Ok benefits. Flexible working hours in some situations. Possible to transfer to different departments on campus (once you pass your six month probationary period). 403b. Possibility of interaction with some brilliant researchers.

Cons

Terrible management and no consequences for bad decisions. It used to be more of a collegial friendly atmospher but in the last few years I've noticed more of a corporate type of outlook. Faculty are encouraged (that's an understatement) to bring in research dollars. Concern over teaching is not as important. On the administrative side I've noticed incredibly mediocre people getting hired into staff positions of power and helplessly watched as they hire their friends to come on board. Cronyism is huge here. In order to bypass unions if they want to remove "problem" employees, positions will be eliminated and then a few weeks later a re-worded job title will emerge.

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5.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

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Cons

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1.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None that I can think of

Cons

A colleague was laid off today. She was with UCLA for 10+ years. She got a meeting invite with 10 minutes notice. Her Director read out a cold statement that her position was eliminated and handed her over to the HR. Her manager came running to her cubicle and told her she had 2 minutes to pack up and leave. He insisted that he accompanied her to her car. Many other colleagues had similar or worse experiences. All Managers and Directors and above saved their jobs. And they sacrificed many individual contributors.

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