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News: Talk about how to cope with chronic illness, disability, and other health issues in the academic workplace.
 
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Author Topic: Here's how we did it  (Read 4912 times)
spaceman999
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« on: December 20, 2011, 12:16:34 PM »

My spouse and I both received tenure at the same institution (different departments in the social sciences).  It can be done!  Our advice:

1. Take job at an institution that "talks the talk" when it comes to accommodating your spouse.  The provost or dean must recognize that your spouse is a potential asset and should be is willing to discuss the possible channels to a permanent position.  Ask to talk to other academic couples on campus to get a candid opinion on how the administration deals with the dual body problem.  If everything checks out, negotiate adjunct slots for your spouse but make it clear that your goal is a permanent position.

2. You and your spouse become visible and valuable on campus.

3. You and your spouse cultivate separate professional identities while on campus.

4. In a year or two get another job offer and ask for a shared TT position (perhaps a 1.5 position) at both your current and prospective institutions.  If your current institution can't or won't commit to it at that point, leave.

5.  After you get a shared TT position, work to expand the position to two full time positions.  For us, this was not too difficult as there was huge demand for our courses. 

YMMV of course... for us it was really a combination of luck, good timing, supportive people in the right places.
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compdoc
Distinguished Senior Member
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Posts: 2,311


« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2012, 08:02:06 PM »

Congratulations!
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hoptoad
across that road
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Posts: 40


« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2012, 08:09:24 PM »

Congrats!  That gives me hope.  My wife and I are a young academic couple still trying to work out two positions in the same geographic area/same school.  I'm in a STEM field and she's in art and we've found it very difficult so far.  Perhaps I should start a new post, but I'd appreciate advice on negotiating two jobs in these disparate fields!
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