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[treehugger1]

I've just started working as a VAP. That's my official job title, at least.

However, there are a few anomalies in my situation and I'd like some advice.

First, at this institution, one needs to have a Ph.D. in order to be a VAP (instead of an Instructor). It also seems that one needs to be at least a VAP in order to teach upper level classes (which I will be doing).

Now, here is the problem. Although when I interviewed for this post I said I would have my Ph.D. soon, I do not have it yet, since my dissertation defense was postponed. I will not have it in hand until December. I have made this clear both to the department head and to the secretary. However, they have refused (or at least not made any effort) to change my title -- apparently because they need someone to teach upper level classes (they are short-handed and due to a hiring freeze are unable to sign anyone else up). They also seem to want to believe that I have the Ph.D. when I don't. (I had to insist several times that they not list me as a Ph.D. on their web site or on the sign for my office.)

So ... if I insist on having my title changed to instructor, I won't be able to teach upper level courses.
This would be perfectly fine with me. I don't need the experience (at this point) or even the money, but I would love to have more time to finish my diss. However this would, as explained above, create problems for the department. Also, I'm concerned that I will appear right off the bat as a PITA.

However, I'm concerned that if I don't insist on the title change, I will be the one held responsible, if someone discovers that I don't have a Ph.D. and actually cares about this kind of thing. In other words, I'm concerned that if there is some kind of trouble, the department might let this fall into my lap.

Advice anyone?

Should I insist on the change, even if it inconveniences the department? Should I find a way to tactfully point out my concerns in writing (i.e. email) just in case? Or should I just stop worrying about it altogether since I will (hopefully) be getting the degree soon.

[larryc]

Just be quiet about it and teach the courses.

[wannabeprof]

I agree with LarryC's advice.  You committed to teaching the classes when you were hired, presumably, and you've tried to tell them that you're not a Ph.D.

That said, I'm in a dis/similar position to yours -- I'm a visiting instructor (starting in two weeks! yea!) who told the search committee I'd have my Ph.D. soon, and now it's looking like months and months.  I've hinted to them that I won't become a VAP as quickly as anticipated, but I'm scared to tell them outright about the disagreement with my advisor that's lead to major dissertation overhauling.

[yellowtractor]

OP:  Presumably at some point, in your attempts to communicate your predicament to your dean or department chair, you sent an e-mail explaining your situation.  Save copies of any such e-mail, and any follow-up from the other side.  Otherwise, what LarryC says.

Wannabeprof:  I sympathize.  If you told the SC "soon," then you can, of course, hide behind the curtain provided by that lack of specificity for as long as you need, or at least until somebody asks.  If you actually suggested or verbally agreed to a date or deadline, however, then you really must tell your department head what is going on.

[trabb]

I agree with LarryC's advice.  You committed to teaching the classes when you were hired, presumably, and you've tried to tell them that you're not a Ph.D.

That said, I'm in a dis/similar position to yours -- I'm a visiting instructor (starting in two weeks! yea!) who told the search committee I'd have my Ph.D. soon, and now it's looking like months and months.  I've hinted to them that I won't become a VAP as quickly as anticipated, but I'm scared to tell them outright about the disagreement with my advisor that's lead to major dissertation overhauling.

wannabeprof: it may not matter a bit.  I was in a similar situation, and my department didn't care about my Ph.D. since they regularly hire ABDs to teach the courses I would be teaching.  When I finally did finish my degree, I got a letter from the Dean saying "Congratulations on your degree.  You have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor of English."  The following day I got a second letter.  It read: "We congratulate you again on your degree, but please disregard the previous letter. You have been promoted to the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor."

treehugger1: One small piece of advice no matter what you decide.  Presumably, someone at this school will be writing you a letter of reference if you're looking for a TT position.  Be absolutely certain that whoever writes that letter gets the title correct in their letter; you really don't want to have to explain why your reference thinks you're a Visiting Assistant Prof when you only claimed to be a Visiting Instructor.

[daniel_von_flanagan]

Make sure you actually get your degree ASAP.  The good news is that you're there as a VAP and not tt, since this could actually be used against you at tenure time. - DvF

[treehugger1]

Thanks all.

It looks like the department is trying to cancel my upper level classes. If they do, I'm sure a "demotion" will be in the pipeline. Incredibly, I actually had a few moments of disappointment about this.


TH1