SMU (Southern Methodist University) reviews

Long tenure equals management status without proven ability to manage a team; human resources are spotty in replying to important questions, nepotism/cronyism is rampant and favoritism is transparent; pay is terrible for what is expected of individuals; extremely political; inter departmental communication is horrible; merit increases cut in half to 1.5% this year, while president received a 16% raise;

If you have a bad boss, the compensation doesn't make up for it. Believe me: I know. If you work in an underfunded department, you won't get paid as well. Several friends work in similar jobs and make much less than I do. As in any university, nepotism is rampant. Advancement is not about performance; it's about schmoozing. Several associates in my area got their positions just by saying they wanted them. There is also reverse ageism. Younger employees have no voice and are treated as if they do not know their job, even if their performance is exemplary. However all of this is a hazard of working in higher education in general.