In the department where I work, I see that the University is focused on appearances and illusions rather than following logic. I saw first hand terrible management in high up positions (e.g. yelling at staff, flat out lying and making up things or 'facts' that make the University *sound good, cancelling meetings last minute to go on vacation and then blame it on an 'emergency,' etc). I found it to be an unethical environment with little accountability. Contracts would not be extended until last minute. Mine was not extended until literally a couple of days until it was done but I was still expected to take on work past the deadline. In fact, I was criticized because I declined to do further until I had a formal contract in writing. (My manager contacted me at 8:30 am to say that's not 'in line' with what people do or 'for' the University to refuse to work unless they provide a contract. I was shocked that she was suggesting that I was acting unprofessionally by *insisting that the University give me an actual written contract or else I would not continue to work after my contract ended. Often I see students get taken advantage of because they cannot stand up for themselves in this way). On another occasion, my own boss contacted me to say that she wanted to resign and didn't like her boss--very unprofessional. Furthermore, the University is very slow moving. I have heard it from colleagues and see it myself firsthand that if you have a good idea to improve the university thin
ProsGood benefits if you have a union
ConsBad management, little change, no accountability for management, no transparency of how high up decisions are made
2.0
Administrative Assistant | Toronto, ON | Jul 18, 2020
Good pay, but terrible management
Your salary is quite good, depending on your role. Benefits are somewhat okay, $500/year for massage is better than nothing, I suppose. Limited coverage in terms of mental health, yet they preach mental healthcare all the time.
Maybe not all managers are like this, but this one is by far the worst. One of the managers literally was so awful to me (and in general) that in a meeting with HR and the union, my union rep had to tell her to stop being rude, stop rolling her eyes and that her attitude was hostile and aggressive. My union rep said he had never seen behaviour like this before and was utterly appalled and shocked. She literally blamed me for having IT issues when we started working at home during the start of COVID19. Meanwhile, I was doing everything I could to correct these problems with IT; which I figured out by myself. Specifically, she attempted to discipline me for not being able to receive emails and not being able to access the system due to my IT issues. I won that dispute and I was not disciplined, but who does that? Not to mention the vicious, hostile and horribly aggressive attitude she has. She claims I lack an attention to detail, but I have been at my second job for a long period of time and never had any issues (and I have been working with no issues for the last 15 years until this). It is beyond my control if I cannot access our awful remote system, but ultimately, she should be supportive and try to help me if that is the case, rather than disci
ProsGood salary, easy work
ConsBenefits could be better, poor working culture, bureaucratic, slow and archaic practices
5.0
Telephone Interviewer | Toronto, ON | May 15, 2014
Extremely Productive workplace, full-filling and room for growth
A Typical day is extremely invigorating, face-paced, motivating, and a constant challenge.
I've learned quite a bit about surveys and what they promote and stand for. Helping the public, and teaching them new information such as health, and exercise, and also teaching myself of the new studies and information.
Management is great here, always motivating you, and providing you with training to keep your progress going. Giving us new information to learn and perform in our daily jobs. Their always supportive, and informative if anything is challenging
Working with co-workers at this organization is wonderful its based more on a supportive level, helping to keep each other motivated, however it is a one on one working environment.
The hardest part of the job, is not reaching enough people to get surveys completed, it can bring your progress down and result in losing hours.
The most enjoyable part of the job, is hearing what the general public has to say about the new information given for their benefit, and how it impacts their lives.
ProsFor every survey completed you received commissions
ConsIf your unsuccessful not by choice, it may result in losing hours or possibly terminated. Its the nature of this position
Great atmosphere with respectable & reliable coworkers
A typical day at work would be getting out the laptop and equipment from the security office, then setting up our sign-in area at approximately 7:00pm. We then sign into our account and start our shift report. During the shift we do numerous jobs including signing guests in and out of residence, answering questions that guests may have, signing out equipment that guests may wish to use, and monitoring activity that goes on in the lobby. We must make sure that we maintain a safe atmosphere. At the end of the shift, I finish off my shift report and put the equipment back into the security office. Certain days, including pub night and weekends, there are always two workers on, to make sure that all activity is monitored. Maintaining a good relationship with co-workers as well as security guards is essential. The hardest part of the job is explaining to guests why there are so many rules set, and why it's important to have them, to ensure the most safety possible for all guests. I would get irritated on the other side of the desk too if I didn't have the rules explained to me, in all honesty. The most enjoyable part of the job for me is getting to know all of the familiar faces, and building appropriate relationships with the guests.
I used to enjoy the company and environment, as compensation was very fair, benefits were great.. that’s to offset the bad management tactics and horrible HR practices. The collective agreement ended in July 2021, the union is holding on the new agreement to protect the workers that, in turn, play the union to their own benefit.
Interviewed internally for three roles after being in a position for a year+. Assisted with the implementation of a new booking system, tested and aided in the release (out of my agreement). Aided and assisted within frequent absences by my team members, one being away 1/3 of their contract, to be told I was not adequate for the position via email, twice, for the role I had been working within.
This is a toxic work environment. If you want to be lead down a road of useless assurances, over worked and under appreciated, apply. If not, look elsewhere. They do not give credit to the merit of your work, just the tenure of your union membership. The team worked great during the Covid lockdown with Work From Home available, however, they are looking to move back to full 5 days in office, a step back in the wrong direction.
ProsGood pay, benefits and paid vacation
ConsBad management tactics, no transparency, no respect
Fast-paced environmet with fellow university peers
This was a temporary position that was offered during "rush periods," that is, the times that textbooks and other stationary items were most needed during the academic year.
A typical day at work consisted of signing your name in, getting a tilt, beginning to cash out students-of which reminding them of store policy was crucial (return/exchange dates, damage policy etc), and cashing out.
I learned how to be concise and efficient multi-tasker with delivering crucial information, as well as aiding with inquiries while cashing out items properly.
Management was very well organized, and very approachable when in need of help.
Co-workers were generally fellow students, along with others that have graduated or do not go to the school. All of which were very friendly and responsible workers.
Hardest part of the job would be making sure not to forget doing something due to the amount of people. It becomes a lot easier once you develop a system for ensuring everything is completed during a transaction.
Most enjoyable part would be interacting with fellow students, and what they are studying when you glance at the books they buy.
Prosvery friendly, open team.
Consbusiness
5.0
Administrative Assistant | Toronto, ON | Sep 4, 2014
Great dental, medical, and health benefits.
Faculty secretaries. We were encouraged to take our breaks. Sometimes it got so busy, we forfeited our breaks. I particularly loved putting book reports together. Many of the professors were kind and understanding. They rewarded secretaries on birthdays and on Secretary day. The company had staff development programs where we learned how best to be an extremely effective secretary. I also loved catering and switchboard duties, which the secretaries took turns in doing. The hardest part of the job was assisting people on the telephone who had no clue what department they wanted or needed. This was not a frequent occurrence. We had to figure that out by asking a series of questions and some people did not like that. Yet, they did not know what department they wanted or needed. The co-workers all got along. There may have been one or two disgruntled co-workers. At the end of the day we went home satisfied that we put in an extremely good day at work and we looked forward to coming back to work the following day.
ProsGreat staff and management and great benefits.
Fun and interactive, physically demanding, no advancement opportunities
I worked mainly the afternoon shift, partly assisting students find their text based on course schedules/codes through the inventory system and from printouts. The remainder of the shift was restocking shelves once the store closed working until midnight. Team work is essential, sharing information with each other helps students.
Hardest part: physically lifting very heavy boxes and restocking
Enjoyable part: working with new and old students, discussing subjects of study and relating own experiences at university
I learned to use a new system to look up the books related to different courses.
Management is split between upper and lower floors; lower floor (text department) managers were very flexible, helpful. Upper floor a bit impatient and demanding.
Unfortunately no advancement opportunities (even for full-time regular employees in the textbook department)
Prosmeeting the students, helping them find books, could listen to earphones if on late shift
Consshort breaks, fast learning curve, no full time opportunities
A typical day as a Student Recruitment Ambassador involves data entry/collection, general campus tours for current and/or prospective students, answering general admission questions in office and phone calls, reporting any updates about admission deadlines and programs, organization of office equipment, representing York University at events such as open house, parent orientations,and Ontario University Fair. From this job I have learned how to adapt to different challenges and effectively accomplish tasks when situations are intense. My co-workers are extremely friendly individuals and always positive team players. Each individual is committed and dedicated to their work as a student and employee. The hardest part of the job is meeting the demands of students who wants answers immediately. The most enjoyable part of this job is the flexibility, diverse work environment, and positive work atmosphere. I take pleasure in talking with large crowds and helping people with what they need.
We are required to report to the briefing room at the beginning of our shifts where we are assigned our respective booths. After that, we are driven to our respective booths and our work day begins. We help patrons when they have difficulty paying at the exit of the garage, answer their parking and event related inquiries, provide patrons with directions and process transactions in our booths. The most enjoyable part of the job is interacting with various age groups and being such an integral part of events on campus. The hardest part of the job is having to stand outside in the winter and manually process transactions when and if the machines beak down. Through this job I have gained more customer service skills and cash handling skills. I have also learned to work in a fast paced environment that requires initiative and quick action.
Proswork/study job, long hours
Conslate hours, part time student job
5.0
Vice President of Operations | College | May 29, 2015
Educational, Professional atmosphere
Working at York University as the Vice president of operations was very informative and rewarding. In this job position i was able to meet with professors,students and staff of York university in order to give current and future students the best possible experiences in different facets such as, education, social life, and finances. I learned how to keep track of co-workers hours through data basing and how to interact with people based on each special environment. my co-workers each had different personalities and work habits, learning how to have good communication with my co-workers and making sure that they felt comfortable in the work environment and felt comfortable to talk to me when problems arose was very important. the hardest part of the job for me was all the different responsibilities that i had such as being a full time student, a son, a partner and a part time worker, but all these different roles helped me find a good balance, and helped me acquire the skill of prioritization.
ProsOffice Space
ConsLoud Environment
Questions and answers about York University
How often do raises occur at York University?
Asked Jan 3, 2022
Annually
Answered Jul 27, 2023
Once a year
Answered Apr 3, 2023
How often do you get a raise at York University?
Asked Nov 22, 2022
minimum
Answered Sep 17, 2023
Once in 5 years. Very small.
Answered Aug 25, 2023
Can you work remotely at York University?
Asked Jan 3, 2019
Hybrid 3 days from home 2 days at campus
Answered Jan 12, 2023
no, you are required to be on campus as the job cannot be complete remotely
Answered Aug 4, 2022
How did you get your first interview at York University?
Asked Sep 16, 2020
Recruited as top level student.
Answered Apr 22, 2022
through a friend
Answered Feb 26, 2022
What questions did they ask during your interview at York University?
Asked Jan 20, 2020
My previous experience in the field, my interests.
Answered Feb 20, 2023
How would you handle a late submission for a grant?
How would you file the expenses and if you don't now about a category what would you do?
What are your expectation from this job?
How can you contribute best to this position and to the team?
