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[philo71]

I was just informed that my "permanent" faculty position at a small, private college is being terminated at the end of this academic year.  I currently have a one-year contract, but the permanent status carries the expectation that the contract will be renewed.  The Dean said my position is being terminated because of "the numbers".  By "the numbers", I assume the Dean is referring to the college's dire financial situation and low enrollment in some of my classes, but I'm not sure.  Has anything unseemly happened here? 

After catching my breath, I responded by saying that I did not want to (1) teach a fifth course in the spring (which I was going to teach to make up for a cancelled fall class), (2) participate in two committees, or (3) attend any more faculty meetings.  My rationale was that I now have to spend a lot of time finding another job.  In addition, I have effectively been demoted to term-status, and such faculty members are not required to do (2) or (3).  The Dean did not raise any objections to my requests, but we'll see what happens.  Do my requests seem reasonable?       

[shrek]

Yep.

[santommaso]

My apologies for your situation; this isn't fun at all. Best wishes on your job search.

[untenured]

My sympathies.  It's amazing how far the reach of the recession has spread.

Yes, you need to focus on your future employment and CV first and foremost.  This job is now just a job.  Do the minimum and use the extra time to prepare for the road ahead.

Untenured

[hrvatski18]

Absolutely reasonable requests.

Sorry to hear your news;  good luck on the job search this spring!

[new_bus_prof]

I think your requests are entirely reasonable.

[kedves]

Yes, you are being reasonable.  You can think well on your feet--I'm envious.  I am very sorry about your situation.  Regularly remind yourself, "It's all about me.  I owe it to myself and my future students to get ready to move on.  People here want me to land on my feet.  It's time to look ahead."  Make your spring class assignments as time-efficient as possible (no intensive grading) and plan some flexible movie time or similar projects in the schedule for interview travel.

Also, look into unemployment compensation.  This varies by state, but there have been some states recently in which the expectation of continued university employment, even with one-year contracts, has been ruled as a continuing job that generates unemployment comp.

I'm in a similar situation, except that there is a probability (but not certainty) that I'll get one more year.  In my case, the axe fell because my contract ended this year.  If there are several--or any other--people in FT non-TT status on contracts, then the chances are that the dates are staggered.  The cut could also be based on the course needs.  It's not personal.  Get good recommendations from the chair, dean, and anyone else relevant.  And good luck.