next »

[grasshopper]

We have a VAP support thread, where people can discuss the problems that they face as contingent faculty, and I don't want to hijack that. But I have this new VAP job, and frankly, I love it. I have zero problems. Hence, this new thread.



Someone told me last week that I was "exploited."

But, you know, this VAP gig is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't feel exploited in the least. In fact, I think I'm going to have to barrel my way into some service obligations (so that I can learn how that aspect of the job works, and also list them on my CV), because my colleagues are concerned about overworking me. I make over twice as much money as I ever have in my life. And I teach just over 50 students - in all my classes combined. I've never taught a single class before with under 50 students. My colleagues have bent over backwards to make me feel welcome, and have given me free rein to do whatever I want in the classroom. The admin has been incredibly accommodating, even going so far as to extend my contract by a few weeks to cover some income anomalies.

I can't imagine anything that would make this job better - well, unless it were tt. I just feel so incredibly fortunate. What are the chances that I will luck into this kind of position twice?


Anybody else have happy situations they want to discuss?

[skinnymargarita]

sorry, what's VAP?

I am also thrilled with my job. I have a small class of polite, respectful students. We have interesting discussions and I learn from them as well as they from me. My only complaint is I wish the position would be full-time, even if not tt. It is only one class, but it gives me hope and feeds my psyche with positive energy. I am also energized in my other teaching jobs as a result of discussions and research I am doing for it. Love the whole ball of wax and one day I will be posting a message about my new full-time position. One day!

[der_gadfly]

I too love my VAP slot... far better than unemployment. Students are respectful, colleagues helpful and pleasant, and despite the mountains of red tape inherent in a large institution, they really do try to make it as easy as possible. I have 5 classes and well over 150 total students, but it is not all that bad. I do not feel exploited either. I do have to attend meetings, and will have to try to do advisement, but other than that, there is little pressure to be active this semester.

Unfortunately, the job search continues... (sigh).....

[grasshopper]

sorry, what's VAP?

A Visiting Assistant Professor - it's a full-time, limited term contract, usually one to three years depending on the institution.

[skinnymargarita]

sorry, what's VAP?

A Visiting Assistant Professor - it's a full-time, limited term contract, usually one to three years depending on the institution.

Ah, yes. Non-tenture track and not permanent. The search continues.

[advil]

In fact, I think I'm going to have to barrel my way into some service obligations (so that I can learn how that aspect of the job works, and also list them on my CV), because my colleagues are concerned about overworking me.

It's great that you are enjoying your job, but seriously, don't do this.  Use the time to do research or work on a book or whatever -- do the stuff needed to build the other parts of your CV that are actually important for getting hired in a TT position.  Learn how service works by chatting with your colleagues about it.  The reason they are worried about overworking you is that in a good department they really should shield a VAP from service (also, it may be fairly limited what you can get involved in).  This is especially so if they have you advising any grad students or even undergrad theses.

[skinnymargarita]

In fact, I think I'm going to have to barrel my way into some service obligations (so that I can learn how that aspect of the job works, and also list them on my CV), because my colleagues are concerned about overworking me.

It's great that you are enjoying your job, but seriously, don't do this.  Use the time to do research or work on a book or whatever -- do the stuff needed to build the other parts of your CV that are actually important for getting hired in a TT position.  Learn how service works by chatting with your colleagues about it.  The reason they are worried about overworking you is that in a good department they really should shield a VAP from service (also, it may be fairly limited what you can get involved in).  This is especially so if they have you advising any grad students or even undergrad theses.

Seriously, I wouldn't have guessed that. I am spending my time in service areas to build my CV too. Does this advice fit same-same for adjuncts?

[abdbcb]

I'm with Advil. I'm a little less giddy about my VAP than grasshopper because I have set myself an absurd conference and dissertation completion schedule so my courses are not as well-prepared or enjoyable as they should be. Which kind of sucks for everyone, but I need to get a TT job, so there you go. I have the pressures of kids and families, too, and NO desire for another temporary gig. So the VAP is an improvement on random adjuncting, but, call me glass half empty, such a far piece from a permanent position. My point is that service isn't even on my radar; I have a fund availalble to organize a conference or lecture series and have sent out some feelers but not even sure if that is worth my while as I don't think it has a big CV impact.
FWIW I am being totally 'shielded', it is a small department with almost half on visiting positions this year so it is sort of understood that little is going to happen. I have been told repeatedly that I have NO obligations beyond teaching, that I can't take on advisees or thesis projects, and even discouraged from setting up this lecture series. In a helpful way. We have department meetings where the us VAPs leave early so they can talk about important things!
Anyway, glad to be here, I'll be glad when I know where I am going next!!

[systeme_d_]

I'm not a VAP, but we currently have two VAPs in our very small department, and we are shielding them like crazy from anything other than their teaching responsibilities.  Our department has all kinds of service needs right now, but it would be unconscionable to ask anything of these VAPs, particularly in this market.

If these folks want to get a job next year (we may or may not be able to renew their VAPs) they are going to have to focus on publications.

We are helping them network with folks in related areas both on our campus and at other universities, but there are no projects associated with this networking.  Our VAPs are welcome at are department meetings, but we tell them to skip them unless something will be coming up that directly and immediately affects them or their classes.

[watermarkup]

A good VAP really is a thing of beauty. Heck, even my first no-benefits, 4/4 position was pretty cool. After years of grad school, it's pretty powerful stuff to be treated like a valued and respected colleague. I say savor the moment for everything it's worth. 'Cause your next VAP might come at Snake Pit U, where your colleagues feel cheated  and resentful if you selfishly spend your non-teaching time on research.

[grasshopper]

Use the time to do research or work on a book or whatever -- do the stuff needed to build the other parts of your CV that are actually important for getting hired in a TT position.  Learn how service works by chatting with your colleagues about it. 

This is very good advice. I will heed it.

I suppose, in the end, there's no point in learning how to do service if there's no department actually wanting my services.

[der_gadfly]

I'm not a VAP, but we currently have two VAPs in our very small department, and we are shielding them like crazy from anything other than their teaching responsibilities.  Our department has all kinds of service needs right now, but it would be unconscionable to ask anything of these VAPs, particularly in this market.

I was told by numerous people where I VAP that I should not get involved with committees and the like, but that I will need to do 'advisement'. Not having the SLIGHTEST clue how to navigate their catalog, nor being even vaguely familiar with the 100ish programs offered, I find this to be a far worse fate.

I do not have to join committees, but I do attend some, just to see what is going on. A few hours a month will not hurt, BUT, I was told that 'in the event something pops up [TT slot] in the near future, it would be helpful if people know who you are...', therefore, I attend, seen but not heard.

[jwormold]

Those of you whose departments shield you from service, count yourself lucky (aka, grasshopper, don't do it!).  The chair of my department wants service, keeps pressing for service, even though I explicitly asked about this in my interview and was told "of course not."  Grrrrrrrr.

But, congratulations, Grasshopper!  Enjoy it while it lasts!

[magistra]

VAPs are great.  Everyone says how awful the first year or two on the tt is, but I think a good VAP is helpful to mitigating that.  You do get more random crap across your desk, you really find out how the department works, you broaden your teaching (maybe), and you learn to do things like plan ahead for the next class, rather than do as you're told. 

I think a little service is a good idea -- find out what it's like, get something on your CV -- but I'd be very careful to make sure it's small, like something for a specific event you know will be over soon.  You don't want to risk getting sucked in.  Publications are more important, but if your pubs are ok and you have the time, why not?  You never know when you'll be interviewing at a SLAC and they'll be ok with only a few pubs, but be really impressed by what a team player you are and how much experience you have with the extra stuff. 

I do agree that advising can be more of a time suck, but I've had to figure some of this out even though I don't have any advising duties.  As a member of the department the students expect me to know this stuff, and they ask questions; when they're "my" students, I do want to help them.  I also think it's a good idea to know what your students will be doing the next year.  I really enjoy having students in more than one class, plus seeing them at club meetings -- very different dynamic.

JW, this is truly unfair.  I'll bet you're as pissed by feeling lied to as anything -- what else might they have lied about?  And that really is above and beyond -- it's hard enough settling in to a new place and new classes, plus you don't know anything about the school's way of doing things that first year.  I can see why they'd want to keep our service to a minimum simply because we're all going to leave soon.

[advil]

In fact, I think I'm going to have to barrel my way into some service obligations (so that I can learn how that aspect of the job works, and also list them on my CV), because my colleagues are concerned about overworking me.

It's great that you are enjoying your job, but seriously, don't do this.  Use the time to do research or work on a book or whatever -- do the stuff needed to build the other parts of your CV that are actually important for getting hired in a TT position.  Learn how service works by chatting with your colleagues about it.  The reason they are worried about overworking you is that in a good department they really should shield a VAP from service (also, it may be fairly limited what you can get involved in).  This is especially so if they have you advising any grad students or even undergrad theses.

Seriously, I wouldn't have guessed that. I am spending my time in service areas to build my CV too. Does this advice fit same-same for adjuncts?

I haven't been on a SC so I'm not speaking from the inside here (rather I was basing what I said on just having had a VAP year where I was successfully shielded from service, and my experience getting a TT job), but I would think this applies to adjuncts also.  I don't think it is that service will be a negative (and probably for many jobs, having some will be a small positive), but that the corresponding quantity of research would be much more of a positive.  Even if the product of this time is not so immediate as to show up on your CV this round, it'll contribute to e.g. answering that pesky "what have you been doing since grad school" question at interviews.  Probably magistra is right that if you have time, you might as well do a little bit; but I haven't personally run across anything that I can be sure of reining in like that.  Don't forget about service to your field (i.e. reviewing) taking up some time, too.