Faculty are treated like Royalty, Staff treated like dirt! TOXIC work environment for Staff - Administrative Support Coordinator Penn State Employee Review

1.0
Sep 16, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Excellent University! Programs and opportunities for students are top notch. University Park Campus is beautiful! Low crime, low traffic small town, easy to get around, lots of things to do during school year. Football!

Cons

Highly toxic environment for staff. Management is corrupt, and will do anything to protect bureaucracy. Staff are treated like dirt. Management doesn't care about fairness, or keeping employees happy and healthy. No Work-Life balance for staff, only for faculty. Management abuses their power because they know that staff have no choice but to stay at Penn State (largest employer in town). Nepotism everywhere! Managers usually hire their friends, whether or not they're qualified for the position. Staff are penalized for expressing their opinions, even if it's in a respectful manner. If you don't agree with management, they threaten to fire you, or make your life unbearable so you'll quit. Diversity at Penn State is a scam, all a dog & pony show. Management is racist, and does not care at all about diversity students or staff. Most positions at the top are white males, white females. Staff pay is miserable, no raises either!

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5.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

I enjoyed working at outpost, it felt a lot more relaxed not including the rush and I could joke around with staff.

Cons

Stacks felt like alot more pressure that I had to get everything right and that I was always being watched.

4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Meaningful mission supporting community education and outreach programs. Gained valuable administrative and clerical experience, including scheduling, data entry, records management, and event coordination. Developed strong customer service and communication skills by assisting educators and community members. Worked for a well-respected public institution, which looks good on a resume. Opportunity to support nutrition education and public health initiatives, contributing to positive community outcomes.

Cons

Pay was very low compared to the responsibilities and cost of living. Limited opportunities for career advancement without changing positions or departments. Administrative work could become repetitive at times. Salary growth and raises were relatively modest.

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