Stanford is a feudal society. The Crown (senior academic officers) flourish in a rarified atmosphere of privilege and pomp. The nobility (faculty) also enjoy extensive privilege and, depending upon what fiefdom they inhabit, are well paid and accommodated. Vassals (exempt administrative staff) and peasants (non-exempt support staff) are treated like servants -- expensive, but necessary., nuisances.
Employee benefits are generally competitive, however they are gradually eroding as Stanford becomes more and more corporate and seeks costs savings in these areas. E.g., promised retiree healthcare benefits were recently reduced for non-vested staff, employee training funds were cut by one third, and layoffs have become routine. Faculty are favored, with housing stipends and other programs not enjoyed by administrative and support staff.
Plans exist to move as many administrative staff as possible off campus, effectively removing one of the most attractive reasons to work at Stanford. A number of departments have already been moved to an office park and many more will be moved to similar quarters in surrounding communities over the next several years.
Paid parking permits are required during normal working hours. Permits are expensive and parking can be scarce and inconveniently located. However, the university promotes and sponsors an excellent alternative transportation system (see previous section).
