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[frenchgirl]

Has anyone had any recent experience as a Visiting Asst. Prof in the SUNY (state university of NY) system, especially at one of the SUNY universities known for research productivity? I have an on-campus interview this month for a VAP at one of the top (relatively speaking) SUNY Unis but have no idea what the teaching load is or how much the salary offered might be or whether the contract is renewable. Do they offer VAPs any money for moving or research? Do VAPs teach a great deal more than the TT faculty? Are SUNY VAPs renewable?

Generally, from what I have heard, if the ad does not specifically state "one-year VAP," there is a chance to keep working as said VAP for 2-3 years, depending on whether or not a TT line is opened in the department or if the courses taught are popular, etc. I have looked on these boards but cannot determine how many courses regular SUNY faculty teach per year either.

TIA for any insights. The position sounds like a good one but I have no idea what I am getting myself into at this point.

[lerasmus]

Without knowing specifics it's just guesswork, but I had been offered a VAP at a top SUNY which paid in the 50s and had a 2/2 load, which was definitely of the eternally-renewable kind. I didn't get into negotiating for moving or research funds, but would guess that if it's 2+ years in duration in the contract, they'd be likely to chip in for moving.

You would probably want to become familiar with the budget woes of the SUNY system and why there are almost no TT searches happening at the moment - although it wouldn't affect your particular search (good luck with the interview), it would be something on the minds of all TT and tenured faculty you meet.

[frenchgirl]

Thanks for the detailed response. I have heard about the budget woes faced by universities across the country but know next to nothing about the financial crises impacting the SUNY system at the moment. I better do some google searches.

It looks to me like the VAP position in question is a line the Dept. wants to have TT at some point but cannot get the admin. to approve right now. So perhaps a position like this would last at least 2 yrs, if one performed well, and if a TT search for the same position was not approved anytime soon. Delaying a TT search indefinitely would be a shame, though, for everyone involved. I am a big supporter of TT jobs, even if I don't make the cut!!

I am at least relieved to hear that the teaching load might be 2/2. Four courses per year would give me great teaching experience without being too cumbersome to get anything else accomplished. (I'm assuming there would be minimal service expectations for a VAP.)

A bit of money for research and moving expenses would make things even better. Or as good as can be expected when one is unemployed and considering contractual employment. I have had interviews for TT jobs as well at more teaching intensive schools, but none has yet to result in an on-campus interview. Of course, it is pretty soon after the phone interviews and MLA to know for sure.   

[lerasmus]

It looks to me like the VAP position in question is a line the Dept. wants to have TT at some point but cannot get the admin. to approve right now. So perhaps a position like this would last at least 2 yrs, if one performed well, and if a TT search for the same position was not approved anytime soon.

Based on the depth of the SUNY budget woes (and the strangeness of their process for approving new TT searches), that 2 years could become more like 4 years.

I am at least relieved to hear that the teaching load might be 2/2. Four courses per year would give me great teaching experience without being too cumbersome to get anything else accomplished. (I'm assuming there would be minimal service expectations for a VAP.)

If it's a position they intend to be TT, I would assume rather that there could be maximal service expectations. I know visitings at one SUNY who are advising dissertations, for point of reference. But it would still be good experience, good luck with that search...

[der_gadfly]

SUNY is in deep doo-doo...... a VAP is a temp position, nothing more, nothing less. No promises are made, no potential discussed. it is a job to pay the bills.

Stay the h3ll out of NY if you can: they tax your every move... and the Governor cannot see past his nose to see that it is unsustainable.

[mended_drum]

If it's Buffalo, take a tour of the grocery stores.  They're pretty amazing.