notabaker Posted March 19, 2012 Posted March 19, 2012 This is terribly off-topic, but Timshel's last post raised something I've been thinking about a lot recently: would you accept a tenure-track job at a community college after getting your PhD? I don't mean to stereotype because it might be the area, but English teachers at community colleges around here teach composition about 90% of the time (at least). I'm doing that now (as an adjunct) with just my MA, but I could've easily gone for the full-time positions they're trying to fill. There was an article on the Chronicle not too long ago about how people shouldn't think of CCs as "just a stepping stone" to a 4-year university - that they offer legitimate jobs. I guess that can be true, and they often pay well, but who here would actually consider would actually consider working for tenure at one?
Timshel Posted March 19, 2012 Posted March 19, 2012 This is terribly off-topic, but Timshel's last post raised something I've been thinking about a lot recently: would you accept a tenure-track job at a community college after getting your PhD? I don't mean to stereotype because it might be the area, but English teachers at community colleges around here teach composition about 90% of the time (at least). I'm doing that now (as an adjunct) with just my MA, but I could've easily gone for the full-time positions they're trying to fill. There was an article on the Chronicle not too long ago about how people shouldn't think of CCs as "just a stepping stone" to a 4-year university - that they offer legitimate jobs. I guess that can be true, and they often pay well, but who here would actually consider would actually consider working for tenure at one? Only if I had no other options. Since getting my Masters, I have worked adjunct at a community college and a university, and I am ready to move on. It was this experience that made me realize that this isn't really for me. I am not interested in teaching introductory composition courses for the rest of my life. I understand that a lot of people enjoy that, but it's just not for me. That is why I am concerned about placement records. However, I am trying not to worry too much about it because I know that placement is ultimately up to you, and I had many TT professors that got their PhDs at schools that aren't even top 100 schools, so it's doable.
cquin Posted March 19, 2012 Author Posted March 19, 2012 Is anyone going to the open house weekend March 30th-April 1st? I just bought my plane tickets, so I'm definitely there.
figuredso Posted March 20, 2012 Posted March 20, 2012 Is anyone going to the open house weekend March 30th-April 1st? I just bought my plane tickets, so I'm definitely there. I wish, cquin. I'm flat broke, and will be for a while. I've already accepted their offer, however, so please do report back and let me know how it is (I may have to wait until August to find out for myself). Have fun!
cquin Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 I wish, cquin. I'm flat broke, and will be for a while. I've already accepted their offer, however, so please do report back and let me know how it is (I may have to wait until August to find out for myself). Have fun! I will have a full, detailed report for you when I return!
notabaker Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 Well, this is just.. wonderful. They never even considered my application. Somewhere between the FedEx in Ohio and their office, my writing sample vanished. No notification, no nothing. It was my first choice and I never even got the chance to be considered. (I had to call to find out this horrible news, too.)
rainy_day Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 Well, this is just.. wonderful. They never even considered my application. Somewhere between the FedEx in Ohio and their office, my writing sample vanished. No notification, no nothing. It was my first choice and I never even got the chance to be considered. (I had to call to find out this horrible news, too.) Oh, notabaker, I'm so very sorry. That is heartbreaking. At least you have some great acceptances & waitlists to consider! *internet hugz*
NoYork Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 I turned down U of F's offer today - I hope it helps someone out here!
Venti White Choc. Mocha Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 I want to publish, and I think a regular university is the best avenue for that.
cquin Posted March 22, 2012 Author Posted March 22, 2012 Well, this is just.. wonderful. They never even considered my application. Somewhere between the FedEx in Ohio and their office, my writing sample vanished. No notification, no nothing. It was my first choice and I never even got the chance to be considered. (I had to call to find out this horrible news, too.) UGH, this is awful! I'm so sorry But hey, you're in at Temple! That's pretty awesome.
rainy_day Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 (edited) Is there anyone still waiting to hear from Florida? I haven't heard a thing, and I have not received a response to my two inquiry emails. It just seems awfully late. Edited March 26, 2012 by rainy_day
collikl Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 rainy_day, I hadn't heard anything either, even after writing Kathy Williams 10 days ago. So today I wrote Prof Wegner, and he immediately wrote back saying there had been a bureaucratic mix-up and some people hadn't been emailed (I had been waitlisted and accidentally not emailed). Therefore, if you write him, you might get back a response. Good luck!
rainy_day Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 Hi collikl, congrats on the waitlist! After writing my comment, I finally called Florida and spoke with Kathy Williams (who is insanely nice) and they let me know I am also on the waitlist. Anyone else still waiting, I suggest placing a call.
Galoup11 Posted March 26, 2012 Posted March 26, 2012 Just dropping in to say that I'm visiting Kentucky on Friday, and as long as I don't come out with a rather negative view of the program, will be turning down Florida's offer shortly thereafter. Hopefully it helps someone here.
WendyMoira Posted March 29, 2012 Posted March 29, 2012 I declined my offer from UF yesterday. Hope this helps!
Galoup11 Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Just declined, good luck to those on the wait list!
cquin Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 I just returned from UF's open house weekend and found it to be a great experience. I'm fairly positive I will accept. If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me and I can give you some details.
Timshel Posted April 5, 2012 Posted April 5, 2012 Has anyone on the wait list for the PhD contacted the department? I am debating on whether or not to contact them for an update to see if getting in off the wait list is a possibility or if they know when they could notify.
remark7 Posted April 6, 2012 Posted April 6, 2012 Has anyone on the wait list for the PhD contacted the department? I am debating on whether or not to contact them for an update to see if getting in off the wait list is a possibility or if they know when they could notify. I emailed regarding the MA waitlist late last night and received an extremely cordial email from Dr. Wegner early this afternoon. He thanked me for the note and said he had every intention, barring complications, to be in contact with real information early next week. If I were you, I'd go ahead and email -- it made me feel a lot better and he was very sweet about it.
remark7 Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Has anyone heard anything? Nothing. Did you email?
Timshel Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 Nothing. Did you email? No. I'm not really sure what to say.......
Mistral Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 I was accepted off the wait list yesterday. I was also "near the top" of the list. I may decline, though. I hope to decide very soon.
Timshel Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 I was accepted off the wait list yesterday. I was also "near the top" of the list. I may decline, though. I hope to decide very soon. Hmmmmm.....This morning, I was convinced I wouldn't hear anything so I was ready to go ahead and accept my other offer, but now, I feel like maybe I should wait. The problem is, I don't know much about what they offer, which is why I am keeping my options open. Does anyone have any details they could share about the offer? Teaching load? Money? Anything would be appreciated.
Mistral Posted April 12, 2012 Posted April 12, 2012 I think the standard package is a 1-1 teaching load, $10,700 stipend. I guess that Gainesville has a pretty low cost of living...
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