Transcript How to be a Mathematics Professor

How to Become a
Mathematics Professor
Michael A. Karls
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Decide to Attend Graduate
School
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Choose a graduate school!
Things to consider:
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Mathematics program
Research areas
Location of school
Financial aid available
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Teaching Assistantship (TA)
Research Assistantship (RA)
Fellowships
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Graduate Degrees in
Mathematics (UWM)
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As an example, UW-Milwaukee offers the following
graduate degrees in mathematics:
Master of Science Degree (M.S.)
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Standard Mathematics/Statistics
Industrial Mathematics
Atmospheric Sciences
Applied Statistics
Actuarial Science
Dual Master’s Degree (UWM and FHA in Germany)
Foundations of Advanced Studies (preparation for
advanced-level graduate programs)
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (Ph.D.)
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Getting into Graduate School
(UWM)
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UW-Milwaukee’s Graduate School has the following
minimum requirements for all applicants:
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Bachelor’s degree
English proficiency
2.75 undergraduate grade point average (4.0 scale)
Official transcripts
Reasons for graduate study (including goals and
background)
Application fee ($56 base fee)
Application is done on line - once complete, it is
forwarded to the department or program of interest.
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Getting into Graduate School
(UWM)
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Individual graduate programs may have additional
requirements, earlier deadlines, or choose to admit
students only in particular terms.
The program reviews your application and makes a
recommendation on your admission to the
Graduate School.
Additional items that a department may require:
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Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE Subject Test
Letters of recommendation
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Additional Requirements for Graduate
School in Mathematics (UWM)
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In order to be considered for admission to the graduate
program, candidates must do each of the following:
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Information about submission of transcripts, GPA
requirements, and English proficiency can be found on the
Graduate School website.
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Complete the university-wide online application to the UWM
Graduate School, and
Complete departmental online application which gathers information
specific to the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
The departmental application will request names and email
addresses of three (3) references who have agreed to provide letters
of recommendation.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences encourages, but
does not currently require submission of general GRE scores.
GRE Mathematics subject test scores are appreciated, but
also not required.
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Additional Requirements for Graduate
School in Mathematics (UWM)
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For the standard Mathematics/Statistics Option, an applicant
must meet Graduate School requirements plus these
departmental requirements to be considered for admission to
the program:
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Completion of three semesters of undergraduate calculus.
At least 18 credits of acceptable undergraduate preparation
beyond calculus.
Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined
course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no
more than two courses.
The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within
three enrolled semesters.
The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the
individual graduate program unit.
No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be
counted as program credits required for the degree.
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Financial Support (UWM)
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Graduate Teaching Assistants:
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Most students are supported as Teaching Assistants.
These half-time teaching positions include a remission of all
tuition and the opportunity for health insurance coverage.
The TA stipend for the 2015-2016 academic year ranged
from $11,838 to $16,595 depending on the degree program
and progress toward the degree.
GAANN Fellowship:
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The department has several Graduate Assistants in Areas of
National Need (GAANN) Fellowships available to support
U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
These fellowships provide full tuition, a stipend, health
insurance, and a lighter teaching load than the standard
Teaching Assistantships (typically one semester per year).
GAANN Fellowships are renewable for up to five years.
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Financial Support (UWM)
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Research/Project Assistantships:
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Some faculty members have support for research assistants or
project assistants as part of their research funding.
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These positions pay a semester, academic year, or full-year stipend,
have remission of tuition and offer health insurance.
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The duties of the positions are determined by the faculty members.
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These faculty select who they want for their positions from among
current students and admitted applicants.
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There is no application for these positions.
Graduate School Fellowship:
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Outstanding applicants may apply for a Graduate School Fellowship.
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This fellowship pays a 9-month stipend, remits all tuition, offers
health insurance and does not require any teaching during the year.
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This fellowship is not renewable.
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The deadline for application is January 15 each year.
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General GRE scores are required.
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Financial Support (UWM)
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Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowships:
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These fellowships are available to qualified new and
continuing graduate students who are members of groups
underrepresented in graduate study or who are otherwise
disadvantaged minority applicants.
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More information is available at the program website.
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Application deadline is typically January 15 each year.
Chancellor Graduate Student Award:
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Applicants with excellent records are offered Chancellor
Graduate Student Award, ranging from $1000 to $7000 as
supplements to their other support.
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These awards are renewable for several years, depending on
satisfactory progress being made toward the degree.
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No application is necessary; every applicant is considered for
these awards.
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Financial Support (UWM)
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Research Excellence Award:
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The Research Excellence Award (REA) program is
designed to incentivize growth of extramural support for
graduate students.
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The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers this
award to high-quality, talented graduate students.
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Subject to fund availability, new applicants and current
graduate students with excellent records are offered
Research Excellence Award as supplements to their other
support.
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No application is necessary; every applicant or current
student is automatically considered for the award.
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Preference may be given to graduate students who have
made excellent progress in research.
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You get in—now what?
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Usually offers that include assistantships are sent
out by early April (often earlier) for the following fall
semester.
Find a place to live
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Dorms
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Affordable for one person
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Less living space
Apartment
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Need roommate to afford
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Most common housing choice
Room in family’s home
Other
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First week of graduate school
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TA meetings
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Orientation
Meet other students
Practice teaching sessions
Practice labs set up (physics grad school)
Talks by other students about teaching
Social events with “senior” grad students
Sign up for classes
Get teaching assignment
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Physics grad school—two sections of lab
Math grad school—two sections remedial algebra
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Master’s Program Requirements Mathematics/Statistics Option (UWM)
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Minimum degree requirement is 24 (for students
enrolled before Fall 2014), 30, or 36 credits
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24 credits from Math and MthStat courses, at least 18 credits
of which are numbered 700 or above (for students enrolled
before Fall 2014); or
30 credits from Math and MthStat courses, at least 12 credits
of which are numbered 700 or above; or
At least 36 credits in Math and MthStat courses open for
graduate credit.
Under the 36-credit option, no more than 12 credits below the
500 level from within the Department of Mathematical
Sciences can be counted as program credits required for the
degree.
Under the 30-credit option, up to 9 credits may be in
approved courses from outside the Department.
Under the 36 credit option, up to 12 credits may be taken in
approved courses from outside the Department.
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Master’s Program Requirements Mathematics/Statistics Option (UWM)
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Major Professor as Advisor
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The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise
the student's studies as specified in Graduate School regulations.
The entering graduate student is assigned a temporary advisor by
the Department Graduate Program Coordinator.
Thesis
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A thesis is optional.
A student choosing the thesis option must enroll in Math 790.
A maximum of 3 credits of thesis may be counted toward the
degree requirements.
An acceptable thesis will represent an original contribution and
may involve applications, a novel exposition, or computational
aspects of a mathematical problem or theory.
The student must pass an oral defense of the thesis.
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Master’s Program Requirements Mathematics/Statistics Option (UWM)
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Examination or Project: Each student who does not
elect the thesis option must satisfy one of the following
requirements:
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Pass a written comprehensive examination.
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Analysis and Algebra Exams
Given three times per year (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Present a satisfactory oral and written report on a
comprehensive project done under the supervision of a
faculty advisor.
The project option is only open to students who
complete the 36 credit graduation requirement.
Students electing the project should register for 1 to 3
credits of the M.S. seminar 791.
Students planning to continue for a Ph.D. should select
the written comprehensive examination option.
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Master’s Program Requirements Mathematics/Statistics Option (UWM)
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Time Limit
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Under the 24 or 30 credit option, the student must
complete all degree requirements within five years
of initial enrollment.
Under the 36 credit option, the student must
complete all degree requirements within seven
years of initial enrollment.
GPA Requirement (when I was in school)
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3.5 needed for graduation
Lower GPA => oral examination must be passed
to graduate.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Admission
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Applicant must meet Graduate School requirements
plus departmental requirements as given for
admission to the master's program.
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A master's degree is not a prerequisite for admission
to this PhD program.
Reapplication
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A student who receives the master's degree must
formally reapply for admission to the Graduate
School before continuing studies toward the PhD.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Major Professor as Advisor
 The student must have a major professor to
advise and supervise the student's studies as
specified in Graduate School regulations.
 The entering graduate student is assigned a
temporary advisor by the Department
Graduate Program Coordinator.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Course of Study
 Minimum degree requirement is 54 graduate credits beyond
the bachelor's degree, at least 27 of which must be earned
in residence at UWM.
 The student, in consultation with the major professor, must
select both a primary and a secondary area of
specialization.
 The primary area may be chosen from one of the following
eight fields with minimum credit requirements as shown.
 The secondary area may be chosen from another of these
fields or may be chosen from another appropriate
department.
 Minimum course requirements for all work in both areas of
specialization require approximately two full years of study.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Algebra field: 12 credits in algebra; 3 in complex
analysis; 3 in real analysis; 3 in topology; 3 in
applied mathematics; 3 outside the field.
Analysis field: 3 credits in algebra; 6 in complex
analysis; 6 in real analysis; 3 in topology; 3 in
applied mathematics; 3 outside the field.
Applied mathematics field: 3 credits in algebra; 6
in complex analysis; 3 in real analysis; 12 in applied
mathematics; 3 outside the field.
Probability and statistics: 3 credits in complex
analysis; 6 in real analysis; 12 in probability and
statistics; 3 in applied mathematics.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Topology field: 3 credits in algebra; 3 in complex analysis; 3
in real analysis; 12 in topology; 3 in applied mathematics; 3
outside the field.
Industrial mathematics field: 3 credits in algebra or topology;
3 in complex analysis; 3 in real analysis; 9 in applied
mathematics; 6 in probability and statistics; 6 in approved
credits outside Math and MthStat.
Atmospheric sciences field: 12 credits in atmospheric
sciences (synoptic, dynamic, cloud/radiative, air pollution); 9 in
applied mathematics or probability and statistics; 3 in analysis.
Actuarial Science field: 6 credits in actuarial science; 6 in applied
mathematics; 6 in probability & statistics; 6 in real analysis; 3 in
business or economics.
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NOTE: Admission to this program is limited to students who have made significant
progress towards and are close to achieving a professional designation from an
internationally recognized actuarial organization.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Foreign Language
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Computer Proficiency
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Except for students in the atmospheric sciences field, each student must
pass a written examination in one foreign language.
The examination is administered by the Department's Language
Committee.
Acceptable languages are French, German, and Russian; exceptions
may be permitted upon written request of advisor.
The student shall pass an examination on a higher programming
language and/or other appropriate advanced computer skills.
The examinations are administered by the Department's Computer
Committee.
The Computer Committee may accept advanced computer science
course work in lieu of the examination.
Residence
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The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence
requirements.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Doctoral Preliminary Examination
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When the student is sufficiently prepared — normally when the
student has earned 24 credits in specified areas above the 700
level — a doctoral preliminary examination to determine the
student's knowledge and achievement is taken.
For students in mathematics, the exam evaluates the student's
general knowledge of mathematics, as well as the student's
knowledge of the major area of concentration.
Students in atmospheric sciences are examined in three areas:
at least one from Atm Sci and at least one from Math or MthStat.
Students must pass this examination to continue in the program.
With permission of the examination committee, the student may
repeat this examination once.
If the student does not have a master's degree in mathematics
before this examination, the committee will determine whether
the student's performance is sufficient to qualify for the master's
degree.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Hearing
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After passing the language requirements and the doctoral
preliminary examination, the student participates in a doctoral
dissertation proposal hearing.
At this hearing, the student is examined on the student's chosen
area of research and a dissertation topic is approved.
Dissertation
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The primary requirement for the PhD in mathematics is the
candidate's completion, under the supervision of the Department
advisor, of an original and significant mathematical investigation
presented in the form of a dissertation.
The investigation is to be in the field of algebra, analysis, applied
mathematics, probability and statistics, topology, or atmospheric
sciences.
A dissertation for the industrial mathematics field must involve an
industrial problem requiring a mathematical solution.
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PhD in Mathematics (UWM)
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Dissertation Defense
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The candidate must, as the final step toward the degree,
present a colloquium based on the dissertation and must
pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation.
If the candidate does not successfully defend a thesis within
five years of admission to candidacy, the candidate may be
required to take another doctoral preliminary examination
and be readmitted to candidacy.
Time Limit
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All degree requirements must be completed within ten years
from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.
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Looking for an Academic Job
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Position announcements appear in fall semester for
openings that start the following fall semester.
 AMS Employment in the Mathematical Sciences
(EIMS) http://www.ams.org/eims/
 MAA Math Classifieds
http://www.mathclassifieds.org/
 Chronicle of Higher Education
https://chroniclevitae.com/job_search/new
 MathJobs.org http://www.mathjobs.org/jobs
Example of a current Ball State job ad:
http://cms.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/humanr
esources/employopp/public/faculty/colscihum/101033assistant-associate-professor-statistics
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Joint Meetings of the
AMS/MAA
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Held each winter
One of the largest meetings for professional mathematicians
Employment Register
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Employers post positions available
Job seekers fill out cover sheet outlining background and interest
Employers request applicants
Applicants request employers
Computers match requests
Mini interviews are held (15 minutes)
Additional interviews are held outside of employment register
In 1993 when I was looking for a position
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Approximately 600 PhD’s looking for a job
I got 12 interviews at Employment Register
Ball State interviewed me outside of register
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Typical Academic Position Job
Interview
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Candidate is invited to campus by search committee
Interview takes place over two days
Day 1:
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Day 2:
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Candidate arrives
Search Committee members take candidate out to dinner
Informal breakfast with department members
Meeting with departmental Promotion and Tenure Committee
Meeting with College Dean
Campus Tour
Lunch with selected faculty members
General talk on research to department faculty and students
“Chalk Talk” on research with faculty in research area
City tour, including housing in area
Dinner with department chair
Reception with departmental faculty
Day 3:
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Candidate departs
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Professor!
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Main Responsibilities
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Teaching
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Research
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8-9 credit hours/semester
3 hr prep per hour in class ) 24-27 prep hours
32-36 hours for teaching
Publish refereed journal articles
Give talks on research
Attend conferences and workshops
Service
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Departmental committees
College and University committees
Hiring committees
State and National committees and boards
Professional meetings
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Professor!
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Tenure
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Seven year probationary period
Rated on each of the three areas
All three needed to be tenured
Rank
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Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Professor
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