How do I ask this question?

[fallingup77]

I have an upcoming interview for a Sociology Grad Program at a school that has a stigma for being a conservative Christian institution. In thinking through questions I want to ask faculty, I am trying to decide how to best ask about this stigma and how fair, if at all, this stigma might actually be, and also how such an environment might affect the research and expectations of the grad students. I am pretty liberal myself, and have a suspicion that many of the staff are as well, and want to get a general feeling of the overall program.

I don't want to perpetuate a stereotype or seem like I am questioning the academic integrity of the faculty.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[snes]

I think this is more of a question to ask current students, if you get the chance!

[CarlieE]

Your question might be answered indirectly as you interview: you might be able to pick up on ultra religious or non-religious sentiment. It's that whole reading "between the lines" kind of thing.

I agree with snes in that the university (adminstration and perhaps faculty) probably won't answer your question without keeping in mind their own agenda. The profs might really not be at "liberty" to say whether the stereotype is true or not, for political reasons. And so, asking the current grads is the better option.

[AnnzPB]

honestly, i would avoid risky questions like that during the interview phase and concentrate on getting the offer first.

remember, EVERYTHING during the interview is evaluated by interviews, and anyone can have input (from the janitors to the dean). get the offer in hand first and then you can worry about asking the candid questions. schools always like to tout the whole "you're interviewing us just as much as we're interviewing you" junk, and that's a load of you-know-what. i've heard several horror stories about interviewers noting the most random, insignificant things about interviewees as basis for rejection. just not worth it at this stage.

get the offer first and then ask all the questions you want.

[fallingup77]

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I will play it pretty safe for now.

[Andsowego]

I'd suggest you ask a question such as, "Can you please tell me a little bit about the culture/climate of this university?" This kind of question is open-ended and non-accusatory, but it will still give you some things to consider in the answer you get. You'll either get a direct confirmation of your suspicians, or you'll get a stock, politically correct answer... or maybe something in the middle!

Edited February 24, 2012 by Andsowego