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Arizona State University

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Writing Programs Instructor - Writing Programs Instructor Arizona State University Employee Review

2.0
6 June 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits, great people. Academic life is engaging and fun.

Cons

The university is at the forefront of corporatization of higher ed, which means the administration grows and grows, both in salary and numbers, while everyone else suffers. This fall, Instructors in Writing Programs will experience an increase in workload of 25% in the form of an additional required course to teach each semester. As a result of how this has been implemented, we will suffer a pay cut in yearly pay come August. We have lost our hard-earned merit raises, the raises we earned over 10 or more years. It is demoralizing and disgraceful. The students will suffer as well as a result. Their instructors will have less time for them and they will see less challenging course content. The President of ASU earns nearly $1 million, yet those who are earning around $30-40K per year are the ones who make the sacrifices. I love this university, so it's been disappointing to see how they treat their long-term faculty.

Explore other reviews about Arizona State University

5.0
26 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Research oriented, learnt a lot.

Cons

Experience gained, depends on the research project and team.

2.0
29 June 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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