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Arizona State University

Engaged Employer

Unsustainable Growth - Teaching Professor Arizona State University Employee Review

2.0
Aug 29, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some good pockets and people at ASU. Most people and students are well meaning and good hearted.

Cons

Too many students and too little pay. Pay is about $20,000 under market. Little to no support. Top down politics that don't care about contract faculty, including long term contact faculty. The problem with ASUs campaign to "scale" is it isn't providing the support or resources to scale. I teach classes of 150 students and don't have a TA or grader. The growth and rate of growth is unsustainable. I see it not just in academics but also in student services. ASU doesn’t have the infrastructure to support 144,000 students. Additionally, the ASU Online (EdPlus) funding model is unsustainable and only provides $80 per student to the colleges to cover costs, salaries etc... I have no idea where the remainder of the tuition goes since ASU refuses to be transparent, even after repeated requests.

Explore other reviews about Arizona State University

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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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