What questions should one ask during faculty phone calls?

[mino_inkwell]

I've been accepted to five History PhD programs, and faculty at the schools have emailed me asking to schedule phone conversations. 

What are good questions to ask during these conversations? For folks who've been through it, what do you wish you had asked?

[ThisGreatFolly]

2 hours ago, mino_inkwell said:

I've been accepted to five History PhD programs, and faculty at the schools have emailed me asking to schedule phone conversations. 

What are good questions to ask during these conversations? For folks who've been through it, what do you wish you had asked?

 

I'm in the exact same boat - down to the same number of History programs to choose from. Since I only interviewed with one of the programs beforehand, I've been using my calls to ask some general questions like:

1) Where do you see me and my research fitting in with the rest of the program? It's been a nice opportunity to talk about my research interests in a slightly more expanded format than the SOP. Some discussions have centered around potential dissertation ideas. Some have talked more in depth about projects potential advisors are working on. It's just a nice way to get a feel for the department.

2) What can you tell me about completion rates, time to degree, and placement? Lots of this information is available, but I've found it nice to talk to people in the department about it.

3) Since my work touches heavily on other disciplines and departments, I've been asking about how those interdepartmental relationships are and if there are POIs in those departments that they think fit well with my work. I have my own POIs in mind, but it's nice to hear what the department thinks.

4) The availability of research and travel funding, along with teaching and research assistantships.

5) Anything new happening with the department - new professors, new initiatives, etc.

6) Any logistical questions I have about the department, i.e. clearing up foreign language requirements for Americanists, etc.

7) Just their general impressions of the town, campus, program.