-- I am not sure the situation in colleges.
-- If you work in the company, you do not have to worry of much.
-- No matter were laid off or fired, for your reference check, the HR will not tell why you left this position, they only tell your start date and end date.
-- You should always use people who say good thing about you as your reference, it is not hard to do this.
-- Get a contractor job, it is not too hard.
-- I knew many real people who was laid off or fired, found better job immediately.