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Boston University

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Large bureaucratic machine, very hierarchical - Anonymous employee Boston University Employee Review

2.0
Aug 4, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of positions to choose from, not a very rigorous hiring process, good benefits. Tuition remission is good if you hold a staff position until you get your degree then leave, immediately.

Cons

No institutional plan for professional growth, promoting from within not a part of culture, salaries low compared to local schools and much lower compared to industry, minimal cost of living increases instead of performance-based raises, excessively hierarchical in structure and thinking, staff discouraged from thinking creatively or showing initiative because of a lot of very insecure, entrenched director-level and above staff who primarily serve the appearance of their value to the executive leadership. As at most universities, staff are at the bottom of the totem pole at BU and are openly considered expendable and easily replaceable.

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5.0
Apr 8, 2026
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Pros

Allows employees to do work on their laptops during work hours.

Cons

You may not get all the hours you want.

2.0
Mar 24, 2026
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CEO approval
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Pros

Flexible schedule, generous paid time off and other benefits, colleagues are kind

Cons

Budget cuts and layoffs only apply to lower paid staff, meanwhile Provosts and other administrators continue to have bloat. In my department several low paying positions have been eliminated or not replaced, meanwhile the Provost has an Executive Director, Administrative Assistant and Chief of Staff. None of these roles contribute to education delivery. Chief of Staff? BU is not the White House.

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