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[cecil]

Hello...this is my first post.  This site has been very informative and I appreciate the contributions everyone makes.

I recently got my PhD in the social sciences and have been offered what had been advertised as a visiting assistant professor position.  However, the offer indicates the rank as lecturer.  Is this something I should address?

Thank you for any advice.

[onion]

Welcome Cecil.

At my university, the rank of VAP carries about $2,000 more in salary, and the "privilege" of teaching upper-level and, in some rare cases, graduate courses.  Lecturers are paid less, don't always get retirement or health benefits, and teach the survey almost exclusively. The reason there is a difference between the 2 ranks is that a VAP must have their PhD, and a Lecturer is often ABD.

It could be completely different at your school.  I might "naively" inquire as to the differences.  Did you interview for the job before you finished the PhD? Do they know you have the PhD?

I wonder what other forumites think about asking--they are better with this advice than I.

Good luck.

[slac_vap]

Welcome, Cecil!

My thought's echo onion's response.  At some schools a terminal degree is a requirement for a VAP.  Still, the school might choose to hire an ABD for the position that was advertised as a VAP, and offer them the position of lecturer or instructor.  This was exactly the situation I was in the first year I went on the market.  I was hired just before my defense date, so my initial contract said "Visiting Instructor."  However, as soon as I sent my final transcripts to my employer showing that the PhD had been awarded, my title was changed to VAP and my salary was increased marginally.  You might ask the Provost's office if this is a possibility for you.

Take care and good luck! 

[cecil]

Thanks for the information.  I have my Ph.D. and will be teaching at least one graduate course.  I ended up sending an email request for clarification and to have the offer revised to reflect the VAP status.  The chair emailed me back saying that the appointment of lecturer was a mistake and would send a revised offer.