Our Journey, Day 93

Now that I'm actually focused on looking for jobs, there seem to be a bunch out there for me to pursue. And although I had sort-of written off the idea that I might be able to find another gig teaching History, it turns out that might be the case! This is kind of cool, I have to admit. While I really value Open Ed work, I'd miss history. If there was a job where I could do both, that would be even better.

One of the things that become more important, if I'm actually gong to pursue History Professor jobs, is tenure and promotion. Especially if there's a possibility of a job within the Minnesota State system (which I've heard a rumor there may be). Going in as an Associate rather than an Assistant Professor would mean a better salary as well as immediate tenure (within the system). There are also "bump" privileges I haven't really worked hard at understanding, since I assumed there was little chance of there actually being a job to claim. So I'll have to look into that. I've contacted the legal counsel at my faculty union to get a better understanding of my rights under the contract.

That means I'm going to need to begin working on a tenure and promotion application. Some of the information I'll be pulling together will be the same as what I’m preparing for outside job applications. I attended a Zoom meeting yesterday afternoon of people preparing to write T/P applications this winter. The applications are due right around new years day and faculty typically get a letter from the president in June, notifying them of the outcome before the next academic year begins. I'm not sure exactly how that would work in situations where I'm applying to "bump" into jobs in the system before June. Also not sure what to say on outside applications -- I guess I'll just explain I was urged to apply by my Provost and Dean, which suggests I will get tenure.