Since the 1970's, national universities in Saudi Arabia have created closed centers for women off their main campuses. Though segregated, women study and work in accordance with the same structure and regulation of "mother" universities. This study investigates women administrators work conditions, their role in decision-making, the hierarchical power structures established between males and females; tensions underpinning the current administrative 'traditions'. In all state universities, male administrators are in control of higher administrative positions, colleges, deanships, and all academic as well as service departments. Women serve as deputies and have a limited role in decision-making. The present study reports results of interviews with 36 female administrators at 12 higher education institutions representing a variety of administrative structures, and locations.