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[anon]

So I struck out looking for a TT position this year and I am chomping at the bit to get strarted on next year's search (due dates August - Feb).  There are definitely some schools/departments to which I would be very interested in applying if there was a position available (I'm sure everyone has such a list).  What about emailing chairs of these departments to inquire about possible searches in the near future - places having a search this coming fall for new faculty must have some idea about now wouldn't you think?

[%sig%]

[joey]

ooh...I don't know.  Dept chairs get so much email that an email inquiry about future positions may just be ignored.

I think it is more effective if you get a chance to talk to these chairs directly at an upcoming meeting -- introduce yourself and invite them to your presentation.  If that's not option, perhaps try to contact a senior faculty member whom you know (or, at least, have interacted with in the past) at these departments...

[Tenured Feminist]

I'm not sure what the point would be.  They'll have the jobs or not, and you'll be looking for them.  It's not like you'd miss them if they are advertised.

Think about it this way.  One has a few free bites at the apple of contacting schools to express interest/ask questions before one becomes considered an intolerable noodge.  You're best off using those opportunities when they are likely to be concretely useful -- i.e., clarifying something about an actual ad, using back channels to see what level an open search is really seeking to recruit, contacting the search to let them know that you've just had two more articles accepted for publication.  Don't contact a department to get information that is, or soon will be, available anyway.

If, on the other hand, a good buddy from grad school has a job at a desired institution and is willing to talk informally, that can be a good way to find out what the lay of the land may look like down the road.  But that's a very different situation than cold e-mailing a department head.

[pageparadise]

I was thinking of doing this at a small extension campus near the rural community where I now live...I give this information on the demographics because it probably makes a difference.......


My plan was to make an appointment with the Dean and give him a proposal for at least three classes I would be willing to teach, giving him copies of the syllabi. I would then also give copies of reference numbers, a letter of recomendation and my CV.

In addition to descriptions about the classes I would bring to his campus (after checking to be able to explain how my classes would be different from existing classes and how it could add to the dynamics of the campus, etc.) I would also mention the exisiting classes I would be willing and capable of teaching.

I have previous experience at this campus, so I think I am in a unique position to make this contact...maybe not. I will let you know how it goes, but still in process of preping before making the appointment.

Would love some advice.

[%sig%]

[anon]

Back when I was a doctoral student, I sent unsolicited letters of inquiry (about possible jobs) to department chairs at several universities.  I got polite responses from most telling me that when they have openings, they advertise them in The Chronicle.  I received no interviews or job offers as a result of my "cold calls."

[IndianaProf]

I think cold calls are just about useless for TT positions. On the other hand, for adjunct positions, they can be a big help. Some unversity & CC's business plans basically depend on having a "stable" of adjuncts and getting your name & possible course coverage into the hopper will help.

[Could Work]

Under the circumstances, I'd recommend you go for it, since you already know the people there.

I wouldn't call though--I'd send a letter detailing your teaching experience and interest in working there, as well as your c.v. It's true that you likely won't get a tenure-track offer that way, but it's how I got my first full-time visiting gig.

Gook Luck!