|
02824219
Guest
|
 |
« on: June 14, 2006, 05:06:46 PM » |
|
I am teaching (on tenure track) in a small liberal arts college in Midwest. I will start my 3rd year in the fall. I received my Ph.D from a R-1 university but I am working at a teaching school. (This is my first job).
In my first year here, I made the mistake of talking about research at faculty meetings (because of the size of the school, all faculty members meet once a month). I also made a few comments about what I saw as the ares that needed to be improved (the college website and the need for the college liberary to purchase more books published by university press).
I soon found out that I both transgressed my prescribed role as a new untenured faculty member and violated the culture of the school. I was excluded from most of the parties given by faculty members and quite a few faculty members have been openly hostile.
Let me say a few words about the culture of this college. One does not have to publish in order to get tenure. One will also be promoted to full professor if you spend enough years here. As I see it, there is no fair competition (Of course you have to teach well and do tons of committee work). Politics therefore plays a vital role.
I posted a message on this forum about 6 months ago, asking for advice on how to cope in such negative environment. A few people responded by saysing that I should "kill with kindness" the hostile people.
I tried that. A few people responded to my strategy and our working relationship has improved. But others simply ignore me and be very rude when I greet or talk to them. I am not sure I still want to use this strategy because I am sacrificing my dignity and I am very hurt.
I am revising a manuscript for a major university press (R & R) in the summer. I hope that my re-submission will be accepted so that I can leave. In the meantime, can everyone please give me advice on how to deal with these negative people. Thanks a lot!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
spork
|
|
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2006, 06:34:16 PM » |
|
Transgressed your role as a new, untenured faculty member? Violated the culture of the school? By saying the library and website needed improvement? Jeebus.
Until the publication of your book automatically lands you a job elsewhere (I doubt it), you can:
- contribute your time and energy to redesigning the website and raising charitable contributions for the library (everyone likes to complain, few actually are willing to do something),
- give a big smiley "hello" to those people who are hostile and leave your interactions with them at that.
- throw your own faculty parties and invite only those people you like.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
a.k.a. gum-chewing monkey in a Tufts University jacket
"Please do not force people who are exhausted to take medication for hallucinations." -- Memo from the Chair, Department of White Privilege Studies, Fiork University
|
|
|
skirt
aka La Falda
New member
Posts: 37
|
|
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2006, 06:51:53 PM » |
|
Take the high road. Feign cluelessness and that way you can be magnanimous. Smile and be gracious. Throw your own parties and invite everyone, even the ones you don't like. Just make sure they show up by making sure some key people come!
If you can get some people to really, really like you, you're on your way to dividing and conquering. Meanwhile, secure yourself a better job elsewhere. By the time you leave they will regret their whole attitude -- all those wasted years when they could have been good to you!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I wear the pants in this family !!
|
|
|
larryc
Hu hatin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 18,285
Eschew the hu.
|
|
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2006, 07:53:16 AM » |
|
There has to more to this story than one set of incautious remarks. Sit down with someone who does like you and ask them to be frank: "Why do my colleagues hate me?" It sounds like you might be coming of as arrogant or unpleasant in other ways. Or maybe you have bad breath (seriously). You need to find out.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
untenured
On far too many committees
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 5,625
|
|
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2006, 09:36:31 AM » |
|
There's no option but the high road. If you want tenure these fools have to be on your good side. Your first focus of course is working on that research so you can publish your way out of this prison. Failing that, find someone you trust and ask them about the culture and specific colleagues. You will learn much by listening to others and folks with not too much to do just loooove gossip.
Untenured
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
You are among the Pure and Truthful, however small their Number.
My goodness, that was an exceptionally good analysis of the forum. |
|
|
|
02824219
Guest
|
|
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2006, 10:47:24 AM » |
|
Hi, everyone,
Thanks for the sound advice!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
adjunk
|
|
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2006, 12:57:45 PM » |
|
Do you really want to spend the rest of your career submerged in a political culture fueled by hostility, pettiness, and resentment? My advice is to lie low this upcoming year while you quietly apply elsewhere. Escape now while you still have the chance.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
02824219
Guest
|
|
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2006, 02:22:30 PM » |
|
Dear adjunk,
Yes, I agree. I am working like crazy on my project this summer.
I will remember what you said, keep a low profile and quietly look for other jobs. Thank you very much for the support!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
