CreativeWriting 2011

=Job Listings 2010-11=

=Poetry Positions=

Bowling Green SU (TT Asst Prof, Poetry)
HigherEd

"Tenure-track assistant professor in Poetry Writing and Literature."

"Qualifications: PhD in English or MFA in Creative Writing by start date of employment; Specialization in poetry writing; Strong record of publication of poetry, including at least one book of poetry; Strong commitment to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate teaching, including the teaching of literature. Desirable attributes: secondary specialization in creative nonfiction; experience editing a national literary journal; and interest in form/theory of poetry."

Deadline: 11/15/2010

Acknowledgment received: 9/19

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/2 phone interview requested (4)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 12/29

Did they say how many they are inviting? Four.

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Q: Does anyone know the teaching load for this job? A: 3/2

Q: Does anyone know who's leaving (or left) BG? Or are they just adding a poet to their roster?

A: They're just adding a new poet. No one's leaving.

Q. Anyone hear about campus visits?

A: No, but since a 4th phone interview popped up after the first round of interviews was conplete I (pessimistically) assumed we all bombed and they are reaching further into the candidate pool.

A 2: Or someone interviewed at the same time only just posted it. I had a phone interview on the same schedule as noted above but neglected to edit the page to say so. I too haven't heard anything back yet; thought we would have by now but expect we will soon. . . Here's hoping we didn't all bomb!

A1: Well that is some comfort... I wish you luck, A2 (and the other 2 as well)--it was my toughest interview so far--the questions were so general and the tone of one committee member so curt that I think you must have fared very well in comparison!

A 3: I doubt you all performed as poorly as you think: phone interviews are inherently awkward and therefore give us more to dwell on. There are probably other reasons for the delay...perhaps they need to get administrative approval for campus visits, and trying to get that done in the couple of weeks before winter break (when it's finals/grading/holiday) can be challenging. They've interviewed early enough in the hiring cycle to earn some breathing room, though it may not necessarily put candidates at ease. Best of luck to you all!

Brown University
Higher Ed

"Brown University invites applications for an Associate Professor or Professor specializing in Poetry. Candidates should have a strong national and international reputation as a poet, a substantial publication record, and extensive teaching experience; additional expertise in other areas such as translation or poetics. An ideal candidate will also have leadership potential and be interested in helping to develop and administer the future of the Literary Arts Program...."

Deadline: December 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: letter dated 12/1/10

Request for additional materials: letter dated 12/1/10 requesting 3 rec. letters (ad had asked only for names of 5 referees) 4

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: on about 12/15 I emailed to ask what the timeline & was told they were in process of narrowing to 12 and then bringing 3 to campus. thought they wld not notify until Jan at earliest. no mla, no awp; seemed to imply maybe no phone, either?, maybe no first-round process at all?

My advice on the above note. I've chaired two hiring committees and been on others and talked to many other people about it and calling to see what the timeline is or whatever sounds like fishing for information and it's virtually the kiss of death. People hate it. They're doing all this extra work and people are e-mailng to ask when they'll be finished. Many say if this is the sort of impatience someone would exhibit in the hiring process, how would he or she act as a colleague. Sorry to have to say something so harsh, but maybe it's a pet peeve of mine nd no one else's.

I'm the poster of the above and I've also been on search committees and don't mind if people check in about timeline. It is certainly not the kiss of death at my institution! I feel like if a school says, we're interviewing at MLA or AWP or whatever then yes, I would never bother them, but if they don't say anything, it's ok to ask about timeline. I personally think that this process is so convoluted and difficult that everyone ought to be as kind and transparent with one another as possible: I certainly tried to ask my question about timeline briefly and with no hint of impatience. I applied for the job, so I think I'm allowed to ask when one might be notified. Then again, maybe it's indeed the kiss of death at Brown, and if so, ah, well.

California State University, San Bernardino
From MLA JIL

"The English Department seeks a poet to fill an entry-level Assistant Professor tenure-track position. Terminal degree (M.F.A. or Ph.D.) in creative writing required. Candidates also must have a strong record of publication and professional accomplishments. While teaching poetry in our undergraduate Creative Writing Track and in our M.F.A. program will be the primary focus for the successful candidate, a secondary area of interest and expertise is a plus. The teaching load is 3-3-3 beginning in September 2011. Please see our individual ads in the MLA Job Information List. Please send letter and c.v. by November 30, 2010 to Juan Delgado, Chair, English Department, California State University, San Bernardino, 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397. Interviews will take place at the MLA in January 2011."

Deadline: Nov. 30

Acknowledgment received: 11/20 (letter) X1

Request for additional materials: 11/26, 12/4, 12/7 (letter) X22 --must be a blanket request?

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/7 MLA interview x 2

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1/15

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q. So the teaching load is really 9 courses a year? How can that be?


 * Clearly on the quarter system--3 courses per 10 week quarter.

Q. So they scheduled an MLA interview today (12/7)...but I received a letter requesting additional materials (teaching phil, poems, letters of rec) today. What does this mean? Wouldn't it stand to reason that they've already advanced past the extra materials phase if they're already scheduling MLA interviews? I mean, I'm sending the stuff, because one never knows...but this just seems bizarre to me.

A: When they called to schedule the interview, they asked me to email all the additional materials you list above. I'd mailed hard copies last week, but it seemed they hadn't received them yet. They made the interview request anyway. I'm not really sure how that worked. I suspect the additional materials were, in fact, a blanket request, and I'd guess they're still in the process of scheduling interviews.

A: It at least "feels" like bullshit how they're doing things. They're just collecting samples for evidence they ran a search.


 * A: I can't really speak to that except to say I'm not an inside candidate, I don't know anyone in their department, and I don't know of anything else that would incline them to run a b.s. search for my benefit. I just sent my stuff in like everybody else.
 * A: It is perhaps ill-advised to read the actions of any given search committee for signs of intent at this stage. It's maybe best to assume no ill will until after the fact. As I was saying to someone earlier this week, the whole process can be like alchemy—you may not get the job you apply for, but someone saw your application and some unexpected opportunity can still come from left field as a result. And this is not, like, The Secret or anything. I am no positive thinker. I have seen this happen, and people who have been on search committees have told me similar things.
 * A: It is perhaps ill-advised to read the actions of any given search committee for signs of intent at this stage. It's maybe best to assume no ill will until after the fact. As I was saying to someone earlier this week, the whole process can be like alchemy—you may not get the job you apply for, but someone saw your application and some unexpected opportunity can still come from left field as a result. And this is not, like, The Secret or anything. I am no positive thinker. I have seen this happen, and people who have been on search committees have told me similar things.

Columbia College Chicago
Elma Stuckey Liberal Arts & Sciences Emerging Poet-in-Residence, Department of English, Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago is an urban institution of over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students emphasizing arts, media, and communications in a liberal arts setting. The Department of English is seeking candidates for the position of the Elma Stuckey Liberal Arts and Sciences Emerging Poet-in-Residence.

Annual, one-year non-renewable position, starts August 2011. Poets from underrepresented communities and/or those who bring diverse cultural, ethnic, theoretical, and national perspectives to their writing and teaching are particularly encouraged to apply.

Successful candidate will teach one course per semester (undergraduate workshop, craft, and/or literature seminars), give a public reading, and possibly supervise a small number of graduate theses.

Qualified candidates will have received an MFA in poetry or PhD in English (with creative dissertation) or other relevant terminal degree in past five years, demonstrate experience and excellence in college-level teaching, and have strong record of publication in national literary magazines. Salary: $30,000 for the year, benefits not included.

'''Deadline for applications is January 18, 2011. To view the full job listing and apply online, please visit our website at: https://employment.colum.edu (job opening ID 100101).'''

Columbia College Chicago is committed to diversity in its faculty. This includes, but is not limited to, diversity of race, gender, generation, geography and diversity of training and professional background. Columbia College Chicago encourages female, GLBTQ, disabled, international, and minority classified individuals to apply for all positions. We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.colum.edu/.

Chronicle

Deadline: Jan. 18

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Has anyone out there been able to successfully fill out the education section of the on-line application? The interface is impossible to navigate, I think. I have an email in to their HR dept. but wondered if anyone had luck and could possibly relay, via this wiki, how they cracked the code. Thanks.

East Carolina University
InsideHigherEd

Job Description: The Department of English at East Carolina University seeks applicants for a position in Poetry Writing at the assistant or associate professor level to begin August 15, 2011. Will consider other titles based on degree and qualifications. Successful candidate will teach graduate and undergraduate poetry workshops in the Creative Writing Program and literature courses; work with students on theses; engage in creative/scholarly writing and publishing; engage in service to the university, community and profession; and participate actively in the life and governance of the Creative Writing Program, including its efforts to recruit, advise, and retain students.

Minimum Qualifications: MFA or PhD with creative dissertation by August 1, 2011; significant poetry publications (at least one book of poetry with a nationally recognized press); and demonstrated ability to teach poetry writing. All degrees should be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must complete a candidate profile and submit a letter addressing the qualifications cited above, a curriculum vitae, and 8-10 poems or pages of poetry online. In addition, three letters of professional reference should be sent to: Jeffrey Johnson, Chair, Department of English, Mail Stop 555, Bate Building 2201, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353. Additional documentation may be requested. Screening begins November 15, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled. Official transcript required upon employment.

Deadline: 11-15-2010

Phone interview scheduled: 3 (phone interview, 12/20)

NOTES:

NOTE: ECU cancelled Search--budget cut.

Q. Anyone have a precise definition of "nationally recognized press"?

A. It means that if you publish with a small press, then the press must have a solid national reputation. No vanity presses. No small presses that only publish ten books a year. The press has to have some kind of reputation to back it up and positive name recognition within the poetry community.

A. To follow up on that previous answer, 10 books a year is actually quite an awesome publication schedule for many nationally-recognized small presses. You should go by the reputation of the press, not number of books they publish per year.

Emory University Creative Writing Fellowship.
Two-year fellowship in poetry in lively undergraduate English/Creative Writing Program, beginning fall 2011. Load 2-1, all workshops; $26,000 salary, and health benefits. Required: MFA or Ph.D in last five years, with Creative Writing teaching experience. Desirable: record of publication, and secondary interests, such as creative nonfiction and working in archives. Fellows will give a public reading and have access to the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, a 75,000-volume rare and modern poetry library housed at Emory."

Deadline: November 17, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 1x (by mail)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Note: someone started a separate page for this fellowship here: Emory Creative Writing Fellowship (Poetry) 

- Bummer that this was just posted here today. The deadline's well past now. Good luck to those who knew about this already. Looks like a fun postition!

Georgia Southern
Assistant Professor, Creative Writing (search 59262)

Position Description. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Writing and Linguistics, the Assistant Professor of Creative Writing position requires teaching, service, and research responsibilities and a terminal degree. The successful candidate will teach 3 courses per semester with primary assignment in multi-genre and single-genre Creative Writing courses. The position is a 9-month, tenure-track appointment, and the salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Deadline: Postmark deadline for receipt of applications is October 15, 2010.

Acknowledgment received: 10/19 (letter w/ EEO request); 10/30 (a second letter, saying that initial screening done, still in the running) 14 ''So, if we've heard nada, does that mean we're out? Has anyone received a letter saying the initial screening is over, not still in the running?;'' 11/15 (a letter saying initial screening done, still in running); 11/17 (letter w/ EEO request--no mention of "still in the running")

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 - phone, 11/30 (C: Interesting that there's only one interview noted here--with fifteen folks using this site "still in the running") A: I agree. I was the one who posted the interview and I know of one other person who had an interview scheduled. Outside of that...

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: scheduled 12/23 (4 candidates)

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:
 * "Preferred Qualifications: Poetry as primary genre."
 * Should this be posted under Creative Writing (general)? They are still considering prose writers.
 * It was originally posted under "General" but someone wanted to move it here because of the stated preference for "Poetry."

Georgetown College (KY)
From MLA JIL:

"Georgetown College invites outstanding and diverse candidates to apply for the following visiting position in the Department of English: Assistant Professor. Specialization in poetry and creative writing, but must have a capacity and willingness to teach composition. Duties include a 4/4 teaching load and serving as poetry editor of Georgetown College’s nationally-distributed literary magazine, the Georgetown Review. MFA or PhD in area of specialization required. Georgetown College is a private liberal arts institution and emphasis is placed on teaching excellence in the context of a church-related college. The College complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Please send letter of application, vita, copies of transcripts, a writing sample of no more than 10 pages of poetry, and at least three letters of reference to Dr. Rosemary Allen, Provost, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled."

Acknowledgment received: 11/1 (letter)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled: 4 (11/30 phone interview)

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Seems like there may be an inside candidate here--anyone know for sure?


 * The former VAP has reached the end of a term and is not returning.

Q: Anyone have a sense of what "in the context of a church-related college" means for this particular school? I'm very interested in sacred traditions and literatures, but amn't Christian, and wouldn't want to waste their time, if Christian's what they're looking for.

A: They mean Christian.

Q: I see the current VAP is not returning as noted above. Is this because the term is limited or was this the VAP's choice? Just curious if anyone out there might have some additional info.

A: The VAP served a three year term and the college chose not to renew.

Q: So has anyone been asked for a campus visit yet at Georgetown College?

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
From MLA JIL

"The Department of English and Comparative Literature at Hobart and William Smith Colleges invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor in Creative Writing -- Poetry. An MFA and/or Ph. D. in creative writing is required as well as a significant record of publications. In addition to introductory and advanced workshops, candidates should be qualified to teach a range of literature courses in 20th Century American poetry. The position will share responsibility for directing a new distinguished visiting writer program, the Trias Residency. We seek broad competencies that will allow the faculty member to work with faculty from other departments in our general curriculum and to cross list courses with our interdisciplinary programs (see catalogue; these include, for example, Environmental Studies, Women’s Studies, Africana Studies). The teaching load is five courses a year, one of which would be a section of the introductory course to the English major."

The deadline for receipt of applications is November 15.

Acknowledgment received: 11/16 email

Request for additional materials: 10/27 (e-mail; writing sample) 4

Rejection (no interview): 12/9 (x10) 12/10 (letter) Q: E-mail or letter? A: Mine was a letter. A: Letter said 250 applicants. If schools nobody's ever heard of are getting 250, how many are the others getting? Oy. Q: Who hasn't heard of Hobart and William Smith? It's considered a really good school on the East Coast, and publishes the Seneca Review. Kind of a big deal. C: This is very, very frustrating. I'll be curious to see who gets the job. Q: For those who received a rejection letter, would anyone mind saying how many books they have? A: 2 books with top presses, NEA, etc. Yes, I'm bitter. I was really interested in the job. A: 2 books for me too. Have to assume whoever they're bringing in must have more than 2, yes? A: Or they wanted someone more entry-level? A:One book and another under contract; both presses are well known. I am also one of the 10/27 people, so I guess that request did not mean much. Not bitter about this rejection in particular, but a bit perplexed about what is going wrong. I’ve looked at many departments who are advertising here (searching for professors and their publications). For the life of me, I can’t figure out why they have jobs and I don’t. Hold me. C: For the record, I've witnessed CW searches that received 350+ applications. Bear in mind that what you're seeing in this year's market (and the last couple years', for that matter) is the confluence of two powerful forces: a glut of highly qualified candidates and a paucity of openings, especially in poetry. This means that many fine.strong poet/teachers will not land positions. It's hard but best not to take it personally. A: 4 books, two with Wisconsin, 15 years teaching, MFA & PhD in CW. D. Wow, A, you've certainly got the pubs and put in the years! I think with many schools, especially the small liberal arts colleges, the focus isn't so much on number of pubs, once a minimum has been met. A look at the faculty suggests to me that it's not number of pubs at HWC, for e.g., that's important but the fit. If I'm reading correctly, the two poets didn't have books at time of hire! HWC has a highly interdisciplinary focus with an emphasis on international citizenship--so you'd want some sort of educational and experiential background that would support teaching in an interdisciplinary format and with an eye toward a global perspective. I think developing our expertise into more particular offerings may become important after basic publication credentials have been obtained. Another note: I had a friend who wasn't getting interviews, so she had her rec's vetted by another friend. The friend discovered an ambigous rec and so that one was not sent out again. Now, my friend looking for work teaches in a very desirable Colorado research school--so maybe check the recs? E. Four books, MFA, prestigious PhD. Many years of teaching experience. Rejection without request for additional materials.

Q: What's weird to me is that it seems rejections went out before calls--is that normal? Or is it just that no one on this Wiki got a call but interviews have, nevertheless, been scheduled? I have not received my rejection yet.

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 2 (MLA, 12/17, called) Post MLA interview news: 1 (1/14, received email saying the Provost must approve campus candidates and there's a back-up, so the process will be slightly delayed -- to be clear, the email definitely does not say I have a campus interview)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: '''Possibility of an inside candidate? '''

A: Maybe, but a lot of folks are out here who haven't received the dreaded letter. I think it's just the case that a good few of us are highly qualified in a general sense, and then many--if not most--jobs have pretty particular needs (demographics, ability to cover certain courses in major, admin experience, cross-listing). I maintain what I said above about the specific needs of HWS--they have a very particular sort of curriculum in which students are required to have an interdisciplinary focus. It's a tough tough market. I have 2 books published--one prize, both with well-recognized university presses--and a third forthcoming--also have a MFA and am ABD at a strong school. Also I have many years teaching experience and have gotten an interview or two before in past times, with fewer credentials. This year, I have received zero calls for an interview thus far. I'm pretty disappointed. But I'm also trying to figure out ways to create a more interesting CV for the next go, tho' I haven't entirely given up hope on this year. Meanwhile, perhaps we could count up those still waiting for word from HWS. Here goes: x 1

make that 3

They received 250 applications.


 * The department will conduct preliminary interviews at this year's MLA convention in Los Angeles.
 * The original job ad on the HWS HR website did not include "writing sample," so 10/27 requests might include candidates who applied before the JIL listing.

Oklahoma State University
HigherEdJobs

Tenured or tenure-track Associate Professor or Professor in Poetry. MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing with significant poetry publications and demonstrated teaching excellence required. 3-2 or 2-2 load depending on rank and experience.

Deadline: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 3, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: Skype interview scheduled 11/29 x 2

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Portland State University (Assistant Professor in Poetry Writing)
University HR Posting

"Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Poetry Writing"

Deadline: December 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: (12/22 - email) X 9

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled: 12/23 X 2 - The department's office manager said they are interviewing 24 people by phone, and then narrowing it down for AWP interviews. 24 seems like a lot!

AWP interview scheduled: 1/11

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Qu: Does anyone know whether one of the poets currently on the faculty is leaving?

Q: I'm curious about that too--do they have a Visiting Writer that fits the job description already?

A: I heard a rumor that a local poet working at Portland Community College is likely slated for the spot. Rumor but also perhaps true. . A: I thought it was difficult to jump to a 4-year institution once you'd started working at a 2-year CC. Is that just talk? A; It's difficult but not impossible.Case in point: Gerald Stern, who started out teaching at a CC, then had his work championed by C.K. Williams, and you know the rest. I know, a dramatic example, but there have been others, lesser known.

Interviewing @ AWP.

This is the sweetest job on the market right now.

Why? More than UVA or Brown?

The above rumor must be pointing to Zach Schomburg. Maybe he can confirm? Be nice to know, for those of use who applied, if this has been an inside job all along. If so, seems like a colossal waste of taxpayer money, peoples' time, and whatever else. I wish sometimes these job searches wouldn't just be an exercise in going through the motions, when they already have a candidate picked out. Why not more transparency?

Q: What is the response to this question?

1. "Yes, I am the favorite and so you all have no shot."

or

2. "We've already made our selection, but due to the laws of fair searches, we have to pretend."

C: I don't think we should be posting names unless there is confirmation...

C: State universities are pretty bound by hiring practices which create the obligation to go through the motions. Nobody at Portland or Idaho is trying to make writers miserable on purpose. (Which is not to say that the above is true or untrue. --Only thing I know about Portland is that they're looking for someone with at least 2 books.)

About "inside candidates": most well-accredited institutions go by the standard of conducting open, national searches for all tenure-track jobs. And sometimes the "inside candidate" gets hired...and sometimes they do not. I have been on searches with an "inside candidate" who did not end up getting the offer, because the pool ended up offering better choices. Just sayin'...

C: I agree with commenter above. Sometimes searches with inside candidates go in favor of someone else because the insider is a known commodity and the outsider has some other talent that proves useful. Or vice versa. It all depends on the magical combination of curricular and aesthetic talents the chosen few can offer. Job descriptions can be cryptic/general and often do not reveal the particular balance of what a search committee is looking for. In the interview for this job, for example, half of the questions were about administrating their program, which one would not infer from their description, and which made me less interested in the job--not so much that they were looking for an administrator, but that it appeared that they were looking for a junior person to be a workhorse in addition to a 6-course a year job. IMHO, this is definitely not the "sweetest job on the market" as another commenter said.

Q: I had a phone interview early last week and haven't heard anything (though they said they'd be letting us know within a week). Based on one other post and the amount of time that has passed, I'm assuming this means that I didn't get an AWP interview, but I'm definitely curious if others have heard anything yet. ..

Rhodes College
AWP / MLA JIL

College Employment Site: https://jobs.rhodes.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/search/SearchResults_css.jsp

"The English Department at Rhodes College seeks a Poet to join the Department at the level of Assistant Professor (Tenure Track). We seek a published poet, with additional specialties in American or other literatures, to teach a 2/3 load in our Creative Writing & Literature track within the English Department, starting Fall 2011. Applicants should have an MFA and/or PhD in Creative Writing or Literature in hand or expected by August 2011. Successful candidates must demonstrate evidence of teaching excellence in both literature & creative writing, as well as a strong record & potential for continued publication." Send a letter, c.v., and 3 professional references by November 1 to Marshall Boswell, Chair, Dept. of English, Rhodes College, 2000 N Parkway, Memphis, TN., 38112. WWW.RHODES.EDU

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 6 (11/2/10 - e-mail)

Request for additional materials: 10 (11/18/10--email)

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 3 (MLA, phonecall 12/9) [just curious--who called? chair or sect'y?]

Sec. for me--the chair seems remarkably free of the whole process, in fact--which stands in stark conteast to Idaho since the communication there has transpired with a lot of chair/major poet involvement...was that also your experience? Or did the chair call you?

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1/14/11 x2

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Anyone know if "professional references" means a list of the names of one's references, or actual letters of reference in this situation?

A: My guess is that they want the actual letters--since they specified 3 be "sent."

Q: As someone who has never been through this process before, can the people who were asked to send additional materials share what kind of things they were asked to send? Just curious about the process.

A: Words used in the request were: "representative sample" and "best poems"--I sent 9 poems, which, with table of contents, came to 10 pages.

Q: Why one school and not another?

Georgia Southern, UALR, and California State University, San Bernardino have asked for additional materials. Why has Rhodes not asked for more material? Has my application been lost? Did their request e-mail land in spam? Is there something I am missing?

A: I'd imagine that they just haven't screened applications yet. Committees have four to five people on them; finding a time when they can all meet together and sift through hundreds of applications takes time.

A: What do you mean? If they've asked 9 people for additional materials, they've obviously screened their applications. As for the question, that's just how it goes with the market -- you'll probably get more requests, but who knows what each individual school is looking for and how you fit into that scheme.

A: Sorry. I meant to say that perhaps they've screened some but not all of the applications. I agree with your comment on the market. It's not work trying to make sense of it.

A: Maybe you don't match the Am Lit expertise sub-specialty? Maybe they're only interviewing PHds or only MFAs and your degree(s) don't match, maybe they reached their quota of whatever demographic their aiming for, maybe they solicited materials only from those people who were invited to apply...don't take it personally, and don't freak. Three additional materials requests is good.

OP: Thank you guys for your thoughts. For an anonymous wiki board we do a pretty good job of supporting each other. I am not too worried, but I couldn't help wondering. Maybe it is the demographics that I am missing out on because I do fit the other requirements (at least at this early stage). I also wonder if this might have something to do with style of poetry. Anyway, won't think about it anymore. Will move away from the computer now. Slowly.

Q: I'm just wondering OP about your situation...how you can be so confident as to freak if one school doesn't ask you for materials. I mean this genuinely not rhetorically and certainly not rudely. Could you say more about your profile?

OP: Sorry to freak. Didn't even feel like a freak, want more from my next one. My profile is nothing special, but I was on a roll! I didn't want the streak to end.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
HigherEd

"Tenure-track assistant professor in Creative Writing-Poetry, full-time appointment beginning August 2011. MFA or PhD from an accredited institution required by time of appointment. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to teaching, service, and professional activity including published poetry (preferably a book). The 4/4 course load will include creative writing, general education courses in composition and literature, and other courses in the English major depending on interest and expertise. Course reduction available for advising the student literary magazine."

Deadline: November 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/12 email; 11/13 email

Request for additional materials: 12/4 email x 7

Rejection (no interview): 12/9 email x 5 ("The search committee for the tenure-track Assistant Professor-Poetry position has completed its initial review of applications. While no additional materials are being requested from you at this time, the search will remain open and your application on file until the position is filled." Oh yeah, and "best wishes for the holidays." Right.)

AWP interview scheduled: 4 (12/23, call to schedule AWP interview)

Rejection (email) received today (12/23) said: "While we remain impressed with your credentials...we are not going to have time in our schedule to meet with you at AWP." No time in the schedule? Seems a little unprofessional. And lame...

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Taylor University
http://careers.cccu.org/jobs/3606264

Taylor University is seeking applications and nominations of distinguished candidates to fill a tenure-track position with an emphasis in Creative Writing in the English Department. The successful applicant will assume faculty responsibilities in August, 2011 pending final budget approval. Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The appointee will teach multi-genre creative writing courses, upper-division poetry workshops, general education literature courses, and expository writing. Student advising, individual senior project supervision, and customary faculty and committee assignments will also be expected. '''PhD, ABD, or MFA in creative writing is required, ideally with an emphasis in poetry. A publication record in poetry is strongly preferred'''; expertise in other genres, including fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama or screenwriting, may also be considered. Proven ability to teach writing at the undergraduate level is important. Candidates must be committed to the educational mission and evangelical Christian orientation of the University. Inquiries, credentials and supporting materials should be addressed to: Dr. Tom Jones, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Taylor University, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland, IN 46989, or via email at [mailto:academics@taylor.edu academics@taylor.edu ]. Likely candidates will be sent an appointment questionnaire for completion and return. All materials will remain confidential. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Deadline:

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Should this be moved to the poetry section? A: Done.

Temple University
Assistant Professor of Poetry

The Department of English at Temple University invites applications for a tenure-track position as a poet-critic, able to teach writing workshops and tutorials within the Creative Writing MFA Program and courses within the graduate and undergraduate programs in English. The candidate should be in a field that allows for the teaching of modern, late 20th-, and early 21st-century poetry. The successful candidate will be conversant with a wide range of poetics, poetic movements, and poetic traditions. Additional specialties that center on poetry are welcome. The candidate should have a publication or research record that shows s/he has promise and achievement in both poetry and criticism/scholarship/theory, commensurate with an assistant professor. Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree (such as an MFA) required on appointment. Prior teaching experience is required. Please send cover letter, CV, and three (3) letters of recommendation by October 18th to: Professor Shannon Miller, Chair, Department of English, Temple University, 1114 Pollett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122. We plan to interview at MLA, but the position will remain open until filled. Temple University is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer, committed to achieving a diverse community. Qualified women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply."

Deadline: Oct. 18

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/09 (email) x12

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/13 MLA interview; contacted by phone X2. 12/15 MLA interview; contacted by phone.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview): 1/11 (email) X2

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Is there a link to this listing? I've gone to the Temple website and can't find anything, and I've done a Google search and come up only with a blog entry.

A: The full positing is on AWP. (9/18: Also now on MLA JIL).

Tufts University
Higher Ed

"Professor of the Practice of Poetry: Five-year, non-renewable position teaching courses in poetry writing. Candidates should be established poets with strong records of publication and proven excellence as undergraduate instructors. Candidates should be prepared to teach poetry writing courses at the introductory and advanced levels, to direct undergraduate theses in poetry, to serve as an academic advisor to undergraduates, and to serve on university and departmental committees."

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/2/10, 11/12/10 x 4 (mail)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1/9 (Skype interview, said 11 would be conducted)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Anyone know a) if "Professor of the Practice of Poetry" means that they're looking for a Full Professor, or b) why this is a five-year (strange. . .) job?


 * I don't know about Tufts' specific interpretation, but I do know that at many institutions "Professor of Practice" = "non-tenure track" i.e. not a permanent position (hence the 5 year limit). Really, you can think of it as a glorified visting professorship. It sounds like they want someone with a lot of experience, but I can't imagine someone who is a full prof. with tenure leaving that position for this one (unless there were some unusual personal circumstances).
 * I agree with the above--except to add: that 5 year contract at a great school, in a real city, will definitely be enough to persuade many in the boondocks (tenure track or otherwise) to throw in for it. 5 years is a good bit o' time to try and scavenge up something else.
 * Oh, mos def. I'm sure they'll have more than enough apps from very good people. I simply wonder why a five year position. A one or two year visiting position makes sense sometimes for interim or pre-search periods, and certainly a tt position makes sense. And then there are longer non tt positions like the briggs copeland, but at places that already have established tenured poets. Tufts would seem to be looking for one main poet. I just wonder why this job description, and what it might imply about who they're looking for.
 * It may simply be that a 5-year "Professor of the Practice" is all that the university admin was willing to fund/approve. Often it boils down to something like that. I'm sure they will be looking for the best person they can possibly get for a position defined this way.
 * I think this is the reason for five years: Once you enter your sixth year in a full-time position at a university (that is, once you've served beyond the university's standard "probationary period"), the AAUP is willing to consider that you have "de facto tenure." Not all universities worry about that, but some do. Some years ago, I taught at a university where all instructorships were five-years-and-out so the instructors couldn't have any claim to job security or tenure with the AAUP if the school had to close down their positions. Unless I'm misremember, that is...
 * Does anyone else find it strange to be asked for an interview when no writing sample has been requested?
 * Please refrain from posting hearsay and rumors in this forum. Thank you.
 * So has anyone heard a definite rejection on this one? I note interviews have been scheduled, but haven't heard anything one way or the other.
 * I haven't heard anything either.

University of Arkansas, Little Rock
The English Department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock invites applications for a tenure-track position with a primary emphasis in Creative Writing-Poetry at the rank of Assistant Professor (R99370). Desired secondary emphases include fiction writing, screenwriting, and film studies. The applicant will be expected to teach "Introduction to Creative Writing," "Poetry Writing," "Form and Theory of Poetry," the core survey of world literature, and will have the opportunity to develop new courses in creative writing. The applicant will also be expected to advise the university's literary magazine, serve on committees, assist with departmental advising, and publish creative literary works in peer-reviewed journals and books.

LINK

Deadline: Screening of applications will begin December 3, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 17 November - writing sample x 11 (I believe this is a generic request of all applicants; they seem to have decided they wanted the sample after posting their ad)

A: I beg to differ--they did not ask to see a sample from me (sigh).

Q: What makes you think this is generic?

A: I'm happy to be wrong, which seems to be the case in light of the previous poster's comment. I based my original conclusion on the language ("If you haven't already done so, please send a writing sample and three letters...") and form of the request (it's actually an acknowledgment, request for writing sample, reminder re letters, and link to equal opp. form all in one).

A: Thanks for the response. Yes, it does seem to be a generic letter (I got the same one). However, like you mentioned, it does not seem to be a blanket request. I've begun to wonder about numbers at this point. If there are five of us here, how many more do you think there are that are not on this site? I usually multiply the response on this site by three (5 X 3) to get an estimate on how many requests were made. What do you think? Do you have a guess?

A: Probably that estimate's about right -- but keep in mind that the deadline hasn't even passed yet. Surely there are many more requests to come.


 * I would think the 5 X 3 estimate is exceedingly optimistic. Most folks I know in the market don' t mess with the wiki, and I would assume they'll be seeing MANY more than 16 samples. How do they get down to a manageable number from which to pull conference or phone interviewees? If there are 5 of us on this page who admit to having got the letter, figure 15 more on the page you haven't fessed up (for tons of reasons), and then double or triple that for people who say "Wiki what?" Of course I could be completely wrong as well, but I've worked on a dozen or more searches in CW so perhaps I'm not miles off.


 * You may be right! I've never served on a search committee. But -- take Rhodes, for example, since their deadline's passed already (UALR isn't really a reliable example since theirs hasn't). Nine people have posted on the Wiki that they've been asked for more materials. So, say this indicates that the committee's asked 30-40 people for writing samples, and will interview 8-12 of those. These numbers don't sound crazy to me - do they to others?

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 1/13 (email)

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of California, San Diego
Link

"we seek candidates for a faculty position in the areas of creative writing and poetry. Preference will be given to scholars at the tenure-track assistant professor level. Excellent candidates in other discipline areas or at other levels will also be seriously considered. The level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience."

Deadline: November 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: X2 12/13 Q:Would you mind telling how they contacted you (Phone/Post/E-mail/Singing Telegram)?

Q: MLA or phone interview? This is an MLA interview, I was contacted by telephone

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Does anyone have any idea what "Excellent candidates in other discipline areas or at other levels will also be seriously considered" means? Are they saying that people outside poetry/creative writing might be considered too? It seems odd to me.

A: This is a truly outragous guess with no factual evidence to support it. But I wonder--the language of the full ad makes it crystal clear that diversity is a priority. Is it possible they are asking for the widest possible pool of diverse candidates to choose from? If so, then it would make sense to write such an ad hoping to attract a diverse candidate in, say, Latino or Africana studies who may also have a published book or two lying around.

A: That's not an outrageous guess, although it's always hard to know these things. Given the pronounced aesthetic slant of the program, it might also be an attempt to gather apps from, who knows, media studies, performance studies poetics, sound studies, landfill assemblage poetic studies. Or poets with degrees from the U. of Marjorie Perloff's Hall Closet. Whatever.

Q. Harsh?

University of Central Missouri
Chronicle

The Department of English & Philosophy at the University of Central Missouri seeks to hire a Poet at the Assistant or Associate rank, tenure-track, to begin August, 2011. The successful candidate will have a terminal degree (MFA or PhD), significant publications, and outstanding promise as a writer and teacher. Past editorial experience is essential. Duties will include teaching composition, survey literature, and all levels of creative writing, as well as editorial responsibilities at Pleiades: A Journal of New Writing and Pleiades Press. Teaching load is 4-4 with the possibility of a course reduction for work on Pleiades. Applicants must complete an online faculty profile at https://jobs.ucmo.edu. Apply to position #998412, and attach to the profile a letter of application, a current CV, and a 10-page writing sample. Include the names, numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only applicants who have completed online faculty profiles with attached documents will be considered. Questions regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Don Melichar, Chair of English and Philosophy at melichar@ucmo.edu, (660) 543-8665. Screening will begin on February 10, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled.

Deadline: Feb. 10, 2011

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of Cincinnati (Assistant Professor of Poetry Writing)
From MLA JIL (12/23):

The Department of English and Comparative Literature invites applications for a poet. MFA or PhD is required in creative writing/poetry or a related area. Candidates must have significant publications, and at least one book is required. Workload expectations will include two courses per term in addition to publication and service. The appointment will be made at a salary commensurate with the individual’s record and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The University of Cincinnati has a creative writing poetry track in its undergraduate major and in its masters program, and offers a PhD with the option of a creative dissertation. It supports graduate fellowships, a special collection of contemporary poetry, and regular visits by distinguished poets through the George Elliston Poetry Fund. For full consideration, apply online with cover letter and c.v. by February 11, 2011 to the following URL: www.jobsatuc.com, position #210UC2061. We will begin reviewing applications at that date. Cover letter should be addressed to Russel K. Durst, Head, Department of English. Applicants being considered will be asked to provide additional information and materials. Any questions can be directed to Prof. Durst at [mailto:russel.durst@uc.edu russel.durst@uc.edu]. The University of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we actively seek a broad spectrum of candidates including women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans. [R]

Deadline: Feb. 11

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Q: They are on a quarter system. Does anyone know how 2 courses/term translates to that? 2-2-2?

A note: UC will convert to semester system by 2012.

Q: And then what would the load be?

University of Idaho
AWP -- Link to University HR posting

"We welcome applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in poetry writing. Teaching load 3-2; begins August 2011. PhD in English or Creative Writing, or MFA in Creative Writing, with specialization in poetry, as well as a full-length book of poetry in print or under contract, required at time of appointment. Preference given to candidates who have demonstrated excellence in teaching & strong prospect of high-profile publications in poetry. Teaching assignments include undergraduate & graduate courses in poetry writing & craft, & literature classes in poetry."

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/15 (email) X3

Request for additional materials: 11/15 request for materials.

Q: What were the additional materials requested? A: I also received an email 11/15--but it was not a material's request (as the 1st responder received)--it was a note from the chair to say that the aps. will be processed 1st week in Dec. and that interviews decided shortly after--a promise from the chair to be candid if we have questions after that. A: Yes, I got this same update sort of email on the 15th -- which is why I was wondering about the materials request. A: Not sure--but it could be this: The web-program did not process some writing samples well--I know because I received a request that they be re-formatted. I wonder if that's what the above respondant meant? It's just strange because they already have our work, CV, letter, teanscripts, etc. Seems like they'd have asked for syllabi, etc. with the original ap.

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 3 (11/30 phone interview scheduled)--candid conversation: there are 11 of us total who made the short list. The shorter list, those invited for campus visits, will consist of a minimum of 3, but they are open to having up to 5 candidates do campus visits.

Q: would phone interviewees mind saying how many bks they have? A: 1 book for me. A: Me too.

Q: would those who've been to the town mind saying what it's like? quick glance @ the Eng Dept site shows there are no writers of color in the dept. A: I'm sure this has more to do with geography than anything else. A: Daniel Orozco, fiction writer, son of Nicarguan immigrants. The town is very progressive; Idaho, not so much. A: "Very progressive" is relative; it ain't Madison, but it isn't Tuscaloosa, either. Expanded A: while these concerns are valid, carry them to the campus visit and ask questions: what are the health ins. policies for same-sex partners, are there associations for professors of color, etc. A school committed to diversity will know the answers, and will expect all candidates to be interested in quality of life issues.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 12/18 X2 (I'm told there are 3 of us, total) C: Break a leg! It's Sarah Palin's alma mater, y'know.

A: Palin--yeah--but the CW folks seem progressive, talented, and sweet--you'll let me know if you know otherwise? C: Didn't mean the Palin trivia as cautionary. Rather, by that yardstick, we are all eloquent geniuses, hooray! Re: the dept.--Wrigley & Barnes are gifted writers. And English depts tend to be necessary and vital havens in conservative places. A: Oh good--I've lived in "Palin Country" before so as long as there's a "haven" I'm not too concerned. A: Right, Palin. Of course, George W. Bush is an alum of Yale and Michael Savage has a PhD from Berkeley.

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Illinois at Chicago
From MLA JIL:

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing - Poetry

Department of English (M/C 162) University of Illinois at Chicago 601 South Morgan Street, Room 2027, Chicago, IL 60607-7120

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing (Poetry), beginning Fall 2011. We are currently seeking a poet with distinguished publications (including one book, published or in press) and substantial promise as a writer and teacher. The successful candidate will also complement our existing strengths in Latino and/or African American literatures. Ph.D. preferred. Candidates must be committed to making a significant contribution to the intellectual life of the English Department as well as to broader discussions throughout the university. Applications from women and minorities are encouraged. Please upload letter of application, cv, and 15-page writing sample (no books at this time) to our online job site at https://jobs.uic.edu. Click on “Job Search”; in Keywords, type “Poetry”; click on the job title, then click on “Apply Now,” and create an account. Send three letters of recommendation to Barbara Powell at the above mailing address. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue through November 5, 2010 or until position is filled. Final authorization of the position is subject to availability of state funding.

Deadline: Nov. 5

Acknowledgment received:5 November - letter/notification that application was received

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/3 MLA inteview scheduled x 4

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1/12 campus interview scheduled x 2

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Link (Requisition Number 167937)

"The Department of English at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (poetry), a tenure-track position with a 2/2 course load, to begin fall semester 2011. Successful applicants are expected to maintain an active record of publication in poetry; teach primarily in the graduate creative writing program; direct MFA theses; serve on MFA admissions committee; act as advisor to dislocate (the graduate student literary magazine); and teach some undergraduate creative writing and literature courses."

Deadline: To be assured of full consideration, online applications with attached materials must be submitted by October 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/1/10 x 3 (4 copies of most recent book + at least 3 reference letters) Q: Out of curiosity--would you mind telling how many books you have?

2 books. 6 books.

Rejection (no interview): 12/8/10 by letter (2); 12/9/10 by letter (2)

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 11/30/10 x 3 (MLA interview)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Chronicle

"The Department of English at the University of Nebraska Lincoln seeks applications and nominations for an advanced associate professor or a full professor to serve as the Glenna Luschei Professor and Editor of Prairie Schooner..."

Deadline: October 25, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/3/10 (x 2) tons of stuff;

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/2/10, phone interview scheduled

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Person 1: Did anyone on this Wiki even apply for this job?

Person 2: No. Question though: so I'm hearing that, on average, 300 ppl apply for some of these jobs. How many of those 300 have a book and a PhD? In other words, of those 300 how many are actually in the running? Seems hard to believe that there's really 300 ppl with books and PhDs all applying for these jobs...but then again, perhaps I'm ignorant. R/Q: Did this job ask for a PhD?

R: Fewer people here will have applied for this, Brown, &...which am I forgetting...b/c they're Associate, which presumes a higher level of experience, often several books, etc. I didn't apply b/c w/ an MFA & one book, I'm not qualified. The people who turned it down last year had several books and national reputations.

Person 3: Looks like one person on this Wiki applied for this job and one person got asked for a ton of dossier materials? Why wouldn't you think anyone on this Wiki would apply for this job? As to the above: I think your numbers are a little high. I've been on two different creative writing search committees (one in each genre) and you get around 175 apps. 25 don't even have the right degree and shouldn't have applied in the first place; 25 more don't meet the minimum requirements of the ad and shouldn't have applied in the first place, or they're trying to pass themselves off as fiction writers when they're poets or something like that; 50 don't have books or the books sound like they were self-published (whether or not the ad calls for a book); and another 25 don't have nearly enough teaching experience. That leaves 50 people in the running, and it's pretty easy to get that down to 10 or 12 because those 10 or 12 are so much better than the others. It seems to me that if you make it to the phone interview/MLA interview stage, you have a really good shot because half those people reveal that no one could possibly work with them. And you have the literature faculty to contend with on some committees. They have bizarre and unkown agendas. It makes it harder and harder to end up with the person you really want. I would imagine that most times the person who gets the job was ranked very low in the top ten before the interviewing starts. But my experience is very limited. Just don't underestimate how many people apply for jobs without a chance in the world of getting the position (unless someone on the committee wildly misreads the CV: and this happens).

Person 2: Thanks for the breakdown, #3. That makes me feel a *little* better. Those are still slim odds, though I'd like to think I'm in that top 50 for a good deal of these jobs. Thank you, again.

Person 3: I'm sure you're high in that top fifty, so I wish you the best of luck.

Person 4: Looks like they're starting this search over again. Offers made last year to Kevin Young (stayed at Emory) and Kevin Prufer (chose U of Houston instead).

Person 5: I have PhD and books, applied and didn't get any word at all.

Person 3: What happened with the one person who got phone interviewed?

University of Virginia
From MLA JIL:

"The Department of English, Creative Writing (poetry) at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, invites applications for a tenure-track, full-time (9 months) Assistant/Associate Professorship. The appointment begins August 25, 2011. A strong background in contemporary poetry and in the canon required; ability to teach prosody and forms would be a plus. MFA preferred, Bachelor's degree required. The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Considerable publications (two books or more) required, along with a proven teaching record. The 2-2 teaching load will include graduate and undergraduate poetry workshops and courses. The successful candidate must demonstrate promise of continued creative excellence, a commitment to teaching, and readiness to assume a full share of service responsibilities within the Creative Writing Program;(http://www.engl.virginia.edu/creativewriting) and the Department of English; (http://www.engl.virginia.edu). To apply, candidates must complete a Candidate Profile and attach a cover letter, CV, and a statement of teaching philosophy through Jobs@UVA ( https://jobs.virginia.edu); the Posting Number is 0606100. Work samples will be requested after review of application materials."

Deadline: For immediate consideration, candidates must apply by no later than November 1, 2010; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/16 emailed request for dossier and writing sample.

C: It would be helpful to know if those receiving dossier requests are among the 30 or so people UVA invited to apply-- C: How do you know that 30 people were invited to apply?--C: I was invited to apply but didn't receive a dossier request. A: I also was invited to apply but did not receive a dossier request. Email saying HOLD ON, MORE INFO SOON: 12/23

Rejection (no interview): 1/11 (e-mail) x2

AWP interview scheduled: AWP 1/6

Q: Anyone in the same boat as me--no rejection and no AWP interview scheduled? And no word at all after 12.23 email?

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: This is the job posting to replace Charles Wright, who retired this year.

Q: Does anyone know if they're interviewing at MLA?

Bueller? Bueller? Does anyone know anything about this? Seems kind of late.

Q: not sure what bueller? means, especially in regards to lateness...? more?

A: Sorry. Slightly corny eighties movie reference. It means, in effect, "Hello, is anybody there?"

a: my application was not solicited, but i was asked for more materials. i have not heard anything since 11/22 when receipt of materials was acknowledged. Bueller? (i guess) A: Same here. A: Me too (or me three, I guess.) A: Me four. I postulate (and I typed this before, but it vanished--what gives?) that they aren't interviewing at MLA (sheer speculation) only because they've solicited some folks who aren't necessarily on the market to apply for the job--people who might have no plans to go to LA as they already have stable TT jobs at decent places and only applied for this one. My guess is phone or AWP. But I could be totally wrong. Anyone else want to join me in crackpot speculation? Bueller? A: That seems totally plausible. They could also be going straight to campus visits as, for example, George Mason (their sister school, as it were) did last year. Either way, we're all left wondering when the word will come, and what it will be. A: and good luck all--it's a sweet job.

Worcester State University (MA)
The English Department seeks a generalist with strengths in 20th century and contemporary American literature, especially the poetry, to teach surveys, literature electives, and composition for a tenure-track position. Preference may be given to applicants with interest/experience in teaching creative writing (poetry). Requirements: Advanced ABD or Ph. D. required.

LINK

Deadline: December 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Has anyone on the wiki heard from these people in any wise?

A. I've heard nothing.

Cross-posted at 20-21 c. American 2011 & Generalist 2011

=Fiction=

American University of Beirut
From MLA joblist

American University of Beirut, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, P.O.Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut Lebanon 1107

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing The Department of English at the American University of Beirut is seeking to fill several positions, open rank, including Creative Writing (Fiction). Candidates with an interest in the Middle East and multilingual environments such as Beirut are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a PhD at the time of appointment. Positions begin September 15, 2011. Appointments are for an initial period of four years. The usual teaching load is 3/3. The appointee will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate, as well as general humanities courses. S/he may also contribute to MA curriculum development. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply electronically sending a cover letter, CV, writing sample, sample syllabus and three letters of reference to [mailto:as_dean@aub.edu.lb as_dean@aub.edu.lb]. Review of materials begins December 1, 2010 with interviews at MLA. For more information about this position, visit our website at http://www.aub.edu.lb/fas The American University of Beirut is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deadline: Dec. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:
 * }

Baldwin-Wallace College
From the Chronicle

Asst. Prof. of English

Tenure track position to begin August, 2011. MFA and Ph.D. required by August, 2011. The department seeks a colleague to teach creative writing (fiction emphasis) along with some other area of specialization in literature. Teaching load normally 21 semester hours per academic year comprised of seven 3-credit hour classes, including lower-level writing and literature courses. Department needs may require flexibility in scheduling and types of courses taught as needs change over time. Additional job expectations include advising, committee work or other college service, evidence of scholarly and professional activity (such evidence may include but is not limited to publication). The English Department at Baldwin-Wallace College seeks to attract faculty whose highest priority is undergraduate teaching. The College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of race, creed, age, disabilities, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation in the administration of any policies or programs. We support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms, both within the student body and the faculty (see http://bw.edu/quickfacts/diversity). Send letter of application, CV, letters of recommendation, writing sample (25 pages or less, please) and unofficial graduate transcripts to Michael Dolzani, Chair, Department of English, Baldwin-Wallace College, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, Oh 44017-2088 by Dec. 1. MLA interviews in Los Angeles. Official transcripts upon request only. Receipt of application acknowledged by departmental letter.

Deadline: Dec. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: Very courteous and informative letter: calls for MLA interviews will occur on a rolling basis up to 16 Dec.

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/15 MLA interview scheduled (phone) x4

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Quite the requirements--Ph.D. and MFA--for a 4/3 courseload that includes lower-level writing (read: comp) and literature classes.

Bowling Green State University (Visiting Writer, Fiction)
From AWP's joblist

Bowling Green State University. The English Department of Bowling Green State University seeks strong applicants for the College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Visiting Writer. Duties: The Creative Writing Program at Bowling Green State University seeks a distinguished visiting fiction writer who can contribute to both its undergraduate & graduate instructional programs as well as enhance its national reputation. The successful candidate will be in residence spring 2012; teach one fiction writing workshop in our BFA program & one workshop in our MFA program; give a public reading & a lecture; & advise theses. Qualifications: MA, MFA or PhD by time of employment; at least one book of fiction & critical recognition consistent with a writer of national reputation; evidence of outstanding teaching. Competitive salary. Send cover letter, CV, transcripts, three current letters of reference, writing sample (one book), a list of courses taught with brief descriptions, & 1-2 samples of undergraduate syllabi to: Kristine Blair, Chair, English Department, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403-0191. The starting date of employment for this position is January 2012. Screening of applicants will begin January 10, 2011 & continue until the position is filled

Deadline: January 10, 2011

Acknowledgment received: 1-Dec. 3

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Bridgewater State College (MA)
InsideHigherEd

"tenure-track Assistant Professor of English, Creative Writing with a specialization in fiction. The successful candidate will design and teach upper-division and graduate courses in fiction writing, courses in the department's Writing Concentration, and lower-division courses in composition or literature. . . Record of publications (fiction) required. Preferred Qualifications: Secondary specialization in creative non-fiction, screenwriting or playwriting would be welcome. Since faculty in the department teach freshman writing, preparation in composition will be an advantage."

Deadline: Resumes received by November 12th will receive priority.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 5 (Nov.16, phone, phone interview)

-- Additional phone interviews will be conducted on Monday, November 22. Campus visits will take place in early December. Teaching load is 4/4.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: (11/29, visit to take place week of December 6th)

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Should we assume rejection if no phone interview has been scheduled? Just curious.

It seems they are moving pretty fast, so that might be the case. I'm wondering whether people who are going for a campus interview have been notified? Can someone post to that effect if so?

Q. Is it usual to do phone interviews without reading creative writing samples? What does it mean when a school does this?

Q: I'm feeling painfully neurotic about this. Has anyone heard word post-interview? It's now Monday. Should I assume campus visits have been scheduled?

Haven't heard anything, either. From the schedule they gave, the first campus visit is Friday, right? It seems like we'd know by now if we were invited, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed, anyway.

Q. Would anyone like to share what qualifications they have that they think got them the phone interview? I'm rejected and just curious. This seems to me like a slightly odd position --but a fantastic one. Congrats to folks who got phone interviews.

Q. Just curious, has an offer been made yet for this position?

A. Yes. Q: Offer accepted?

Bucknell
"Tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of English (Creative Writing), entry-level (no more than four years of full-time post-doctoral teaching experience at the time of appointment), beginning August 2011. Specializing in creative writing: fiction, with ability to teach fiction writing at beginning and advanced levels as well as introductory multi-genre courses. Ability to teach creative nonfiction, screenwriting, or playwriting is desirable."

LINK to HigherED

Deadline: October 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 (11/15, phone) 1 (11/19 MLA)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1 (1/12)

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Does anybody know if Bucknell's going to MLA?

A: Yes.

Q. Any backstory on this position? It seems like Bucknell has posted a tt fiction position more than twice in the past five or six years.

A: It's a new tenure-track line, alongside a pre-existing tenure-track line in fiction.

A: Word is there's an insider candidate.

A: Easy to say, hard to prove.

California State University, Monterey Bay
Link to Higher Ed

The Division of Humanities and Communication (HCOM) at CSUMB seeks an Assistant Professor whose specialty is in both Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Writing to teach undergraduate courses in its Creative Writing and Social Action concentration (CWSA). We seek a candidate who is uniquely qualified and committed to educating working-class, ethnically diverse, and historically under-served students through innovation in interdisciplinary teaching and learning, scholarship, community service, and collaborative and imaginative program development.

Deadline: 5:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2010, TO BE GUARANTEED A REVIEW

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 12/20 - email x 3

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

I interviewed for a fiction position with this university five years ago and was very put off when I was told that "no one owns their classes." My response was, "Any professor can teach a fiction workshop?" The reply was, "Yes." I was also told that it was a 3/3/3/1 teaching load where you had to teach during an intensive one-month winter quarter in addition to the 3/3/3 load. Though the situation may have improved at CSU, whoever interviews for this job should ask a lot of questions.

Any applicant should think very long and hard about coming to Cal State right now. The entire system is in meltdown.

As a fellow Californian, I can say this is certainly true: meltdown. However, I suspect every state college -- BSA above, Texas State-San Marcos below -- is dealing with a similar thing, to some degree. Maybe natives of Massachusetts and Texas can tell us more.

Did anyone ever hear anything about this job? Even an acknowledgement? I never even received so much as an EEOO form. Dead in the water?

Human Resources page has an update saying they are interviewing. :(

Clarke University (IA)
From Higher Ed jobs

Assistant/Associate Professor of English

The Clarke University English program is currently seeking qualified candidates for a full-time, tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of English, Writing, with undergraduate courses in writing, composition and literature to begin August 2011.

Candidates must have an MFA or Ph.D. in creative writing, with prose preferred, and must have successfully taught related college level courses for a minimum of two years. Candidates must show evidence of involvement in creative writing communities through publications and networking as well as familiarity with the business side of writing and publishing, and the ability to use technology effectively in publishing, teaching and learning. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to collaboration across disciplines and the flexibility to meet the changing teaching needs found at a small liberal arts university.

To apply for this position, please upload a current CV/resume, letter of application addressing all qualifications and references directly on to this site by December 15, 2010. In addition, writing samples should be mailed to Human Resources, Attn: English Writing, 1550 Clarke Dr, Dubuque IA 52001. Copies of transcripts and letters of recommendation can either be mailed to the above address or uploaded into the iApplicants system.

Deadline: Dec. 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received: (1/3/11 email notification of making initial cut; will be notified if phone interview)x2.

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled: 1/15 - email

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Colgate University
Colgate University seeks to fill a tenure-track position in fiction writing, rank of assistant professor, beginning fall term 2011. Completion of MFA or PhD prior to or shortly after date of hire required. Teaching load of five courses per year includes creative writing workshops and courses in literature.

LINK

Deadline: Review of applications will begin November 15, 2010. Preliminary interviews will be held at the MLA Convention, January 6-9, 2011.

Acknowledgment received: 4 (11/15, email)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 4 (12/6, 12/7 mla) (12/8 notified for MLA interview)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: To replace Patrick O'Keeffe

Q: Why? I thought O'Keeffe was still there.

Q: Total amateur question here: when they ask for a dossier (including letters of reference) what should one send along? I'm guessing teaching statement, maybe evals, a writing sample? Is there something else?

A. You'll get mixed responses on this question. My two cents: My advisors once told me never to send anything that isn't asked for in the job ad. (The advisors were emphatic about this. Never meant NEVER.) Now here's the "However" part. However...since my dossier service handles transcripts and letters, I "might" toss in the transcripts just because they ask for the whole dossier. If your dossier service handles samples, evals, and teaching statements, then you can send them along. I personally wouldn't. Instead, I'd save the samples, evals, or teaching statement for a later request for materials from Colgate.

R: Initial questioner here. I've heard this too about not sending something not in the ad. I guess the request for a dossier in addition to writing sample, cover letter and letters. My cover letter addresses teaching, of course, so i might hold off on a teaching statement more specifically and wait for an additional request. Then send in evals, transcripts, etc. thanks for the response!

College of Wooster (OH)
Higher Ed

"Visiting Assistant Professor of English, beginning Fall, 2011. Three-year position. Background in teaching all forms and levels of writing, especially fiction and/or creative nonfiction; secondary expertise in U.S. ethnic literatures desirable. The successful candidate may also teach the department's introductory course in textual and cultural interpretation. Ph.D. or M.F.A. expected; significant publication record expected. Please send application, cv, and three letters of reference to the Chair, Department of English, The College of Wooster, 1189 Beall Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691."

Deadline: December 4, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 12/1 email

Request for additional materials: 12/3 email x 2, 12/4 email (writing sample, 20-25 pages) x 8, 12/7 email

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: (MLA scheduled): 12/15 x 2; 12/16 x 2

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Why does this ad make me feel uneasy? It describes a post-doc-like experience -- three years -- and yet it's asking for full-time teaching. With no promise of tenure-track. Or even the hint of being converted to tenure-track. I don't recall seeing ads like this last year. Am I wrong to think they're just looking to lock in an adjunct for three years? If so, that's fine. I'm just trying understand what this means.

Hmm. I look at it thinking it means 3 years of job security and an opportunity to round out teaching experience with a much better title (and pay) than an adjunct is likely to receive. Your basic dream-job in this market if you do not have the book pubs. and prizes that can afford you a cream-puff position elsewhere.

It's a 3-year VAP, almost certainly to replace someone who will be serving a term as a dean. A very common scenario. It's a regular job with a regular teaching load, regular benefits, and no service or advising requirements. Probably pays a bit less than a first-year tenure-track assistant professorship, unless you're a good negotiator. They have to cap it at three years; AAUP guidelines prohibit keeping on non-tenure-track faculty for longer than that. It will never "convert" to a t-t job; the only possibility is that someone else might leave, and you might -- might -- have an inside track. But you'll still have to apply, interview, etc. and there will be other candidates. If that even happens.

Wait--their deadline is Dec. 4th (postmarked, so actually later). I find it a trifle worrisome, as someone who just sent off an application, that they're already moving on to the next step...

-- Submit early. No point waiting for the last minute.

-- Must be doing it in waves...received request today (12/7)

--requested graduate transcripts from candidates 1/18

Denison University (OH) - VAP
Job Summary: Denison University seeks a one-year visiting assistant professor in creative writing with an emphasis in fiction. Ability to teach introductory creative writing classes is required, with capabilities in poetry and nonfiction. The 3/3 teaching assignment may include introductory and advanced creative-writing courses, first-year writing, a literature course in the candidate's field, and supervision of senior creative-writing projects.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidate must have an MFA or PhD, a strong record of publications, experience, and evidence of teaching writing and literature to undergraduates.

Higher Ed Jobs (1/13/11)

Deadline: 02/21/2011

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Drake University
From MLA JIL:

Assistant Professor of English, Tenure-Track, Fiction Writing We seek an outstanding teacher and active writer to teach courses in fiction writing. A secondary specialization in new media, genre fiction, or literature in translation is desirable. Drake University values interdisciplinary research and teaching and seeks to attract candidates prepared to develop courses and programs that integrate classroom learning with learning that takes place outside the classroom. Three classes per semester, all undergraduate, including a First Year Seminar in fall term. Candidates must have relevant teaching experience and a commitment to ongoing writing. PhD or MFA preferred, candidates in final stages of completing work on these degrees will be considered. For December interview consideration, application review will begin October 15. Please send letter of application and c.v., including e-mail address (so we may acknowledge receipt) to Jody Swilky, Chair, Department of English, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311.

See also: Ad from HigherEdJobs

Deadline: Review begins Oct. 15

Acknowledgment received: 10/4, 10/12, 10/13

Request for additional materials:10/28 (email)

Rejection (no interview): 10/29 (email) x 14

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 <-- date?

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q. Are the rejections above for 10 separate applicants? This is going fast! I'm expecting my email on monday.

A. Yep. Seems premature to be rejecting people just two weeks after the application due date. Is anyone else thinking this job got cancelled? If anyone out there gets an interview, please let us know.

A. The position was posted 10/5 with a deadline of 10/15. My educated guess is that they already have somebody. Q. Would the person with the request for more materials mind giving a brief, anonymized version of where they are professionally (any books/what degree/etc.)? I'm just curious what the threshold was/is for this job.
 * If the search were canceled, wouldn't the rejection have mentioned it? It's not unheard of for searches to move quickly like this, altho it could also mean they have someone particular in mind. Time will tell.

R: It was posted to the Drake HR site on 9/23 (not a huge difference, admittedly), and I feel like I saw it someplace else (AWP or something) even earlier than that. Either way, though, this seems to moving awfully fast.

Q: I would also be curious to see anonymized profiles of those who received rejections (books? # of journal pubs? MFA/PhD? years teaching experience?).

R. If someone received a request for materials, I suspect it's because s/he has one or more of the secondary specializations plus strong publications. I did not have any of the secondary specializations, and I have over ten years of teaching experience, one book, another book under contract, numerous individual publications, an MFA, a PhD, plus multiple writing awards but no book award. I didn't exaggerate my abilities in New Media, Genre Fiction, or Lit in Translation. I told the truth and tried to sell my other qualifications.

R: This might be a good time to remind people (or let them know) that if you post as an anonymous wikia user, someone can learn the origin of your IP address, right down to the neighborhood of your college campus, very likely. With the use of a user name, your location is hidden.

I wonder why the lull in rejections/notifications here. Seems like that first batch of rejections went out pretty quick and then here we are only one phone interview scheduled. Odd.

East Tennesee State
From MLA JIL

"East Tennessee State University, located in the Appalachian Mountain region, invites applications for Assistant Professor, Creative Writing-Fiction, to begin August 2011. Secondary expertise in Screenwriting a plus. The 3/3 teaching load includes freshman composition, sophomore literature, and specialty courses. Faculty must be committed to service, research, and student advising. Ph.D. required by June 2011. Apply to the position at 'https://jobs.etsu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51090 by submitting evidence of publication in fiction, personal letter of application, teaching statement and a CV by December 10, 2010."

Deadline: Dec. 10

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: Email (12/14)

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida
Chronicle Ad

Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, renewable contract, to start in September, 2011, at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Teach seven courses per academic year, to include four courses in the Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners (our adult education program) and three courses in the residential undergraduate college. Coordinate creative writing program delivery and logistics in the Program for Experienced Learners, advise students, work with adjuncts, and coordinate senior theses in creative writing. Participation in an interdisciplinary, values-oriented general education program in the residential college is required, including a regular rotation in the two-semester freshman program. We are looking for a writer of fiction and plays. Teaching responsibilities will include some combination of beginning, intermediate, and advanced fiction courses, one-act play, the short comic sketch, the full length play, etc. The ability to teach screenwriting is also welcome. We will only consider working writers with promising records of excellence in publishing and teaching and with a commitment to undergraduate and adult education in the liberal arts. Eckerd College, the only independent national liberal arts college in Florida, has a tradition of innovative education and teaching/mentoring excellence. Applicant's dossier should include vita, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and one ms. of a play and a short story by January 15, 2011 to Chris McLean, Creative Arts Collegium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711. Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the college. No electronic applications please. EOE. Applications from women/minorities encouraged.

Deadline: January 15

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

12/20: See Universities to fear for an extremely recent, very troubling issue with a rescinded job offer at this school.

Eastern Kentucky University (Tenure-Track Asst. Professor)
link

Position Summary: The Brief-Residency MFA Program and the Department of English & Theatre at Eastern Kentucky University seek applications from fiction writers for an entry level, tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor in creative writing. Though we seek a fiction writer for this position, we will consider applications from writers who specialize in creative nonfiction, as long as these applicants can demonstrate the ability to teach graduate workshops in both fiction and nonfiction. Applicants must have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, including willingness to participate in online teaching, mentoring student research, and developing an active program of scholarship that encourages student involvement.

Minimum Educational Qualifications: Terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in creative writing from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution.

Minimum Experience Qualifications: Strong record of publication and an excellent teaching record. (For position finalists, we will request copies of formal teaching evaluations.)

Online App. Form: https://jobs.eku.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=65572&jtsrc=www.higheredj obs.com&jtrfr=www.peopleadmin.com&adorig=PA

Deadline: 02/15/2011

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Eastern Kentucky University (Visiting Fiction Writer, Spring 2011)
HigherEdJobs.com (10/19)

The Brief-Residency MFA Program in Creative Writing at Eastern Kentucky University seeks a Visiting Fiction Writer for the Spring 2011 semester. The successful candidate will attend the program's Winter Writing Residency in Lexington, Kentucky from January 1st - 9th, 2011, where, among other duties, she or he will teach an intensive fiction workshop. After the Winter Residency, the Visiting Writer will teach two online courses for the MFA program, a fiction workshop and a class in contemporary literature. Although the Visiting Writer must attend the Winter Writing Residency as a guest of the MFA program (with travel, lodging, and meal expenses provided by the university), this position does not require that the Visiting Writer relocate to Kentucky.

Minimum Educational Qualifications: Candidates must hold a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in creative writing from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution. Minimum Experience Qualifications: Strong record of publication. Online App. Form: https://jobs.eku.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=65122&jtsrc=www.higheredj obs.com&jtrfr=www.peopleadmin.com&adorig=PA

Deadline: Review of applications will continue until position is filled. Position will begin on January 1st, 2011.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: phone interviews conducted late November

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made: (12/1)

Offer accepted: by Amanda Ward (12/2)

NOTES:

-- And how are we supposed to attend the MLA if we take this job?

Fordham University (2 positions)
From MLA JIL

"A research-based English department with a growing undergraduate creative writing program and an M.A. with writing concentration seeks two Writers in Residence: a Fiction writer (with secondary expertise in Creative Non-Fiction or Poetry preferred) and a Creative Non-Fiction writer (with secondary expertise in Fiction or Poetry preferred). Required: MFA or PhD, teaching experience and at least one book publication. These visiting positions are for one year (renewable to three) with alternating responsibilities at the Bronx and Lincoln Center campuses. Responsibilities include: teaching graduate and undergraduate writing workshops; leading undergraduate and graduate tutorials; advising campus literary publications; assisting with University reading series and creative writing prizes; participating in the administration of creative writing program. Course load: 2/2. Competitive salary with benefits. Fordham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Submit required application form electronically here: http://www.fordham.edu/writerinresidence. Additionally, send letter of application and C.V. to Chair, Writer in Residence Search Committee, Fordham University, Dept. of English, Room 541W, Dealy Hall, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458."

Deadline: Electronic application and postmark deadlines are November 1st.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 3 (11/9, email) (11/13 email)(11/13 email)

Rejection (no interview): 1 (I was just told by someone on the committee -- someone I know a little -- that, for financial reasons, they had to limit the search to candidates already in the tri-state area)

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 2 (12/6 email to schedule) (dec 4th scheduled for 1/3, fiction) Q. Is this scheduled interview for poetry or fiction? A: Fiction.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

George Fox University (OR)
Higher Ed Jobs: http://www.higheredjobs.com/faculty/details.cfm?JobCode=175476548

Assitant or Associate Professor

The Department of English at George Fox University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to begin August 2011. Primary teaching responsibilities will include fiction writing and world literature, along with other introductory literature and writing classes. Qualified candidates with secondary specialties in rhetoric/composition, journalism, or professional writing may be considered. Excellence in teaching is essential. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a scholarly or creative agenda, and to publish consistently in his/her chosen field. In addition, candidates will be expected to assist other department members in shaping curriculum, advising majors, serving on faculty committees as requested, and carrying out other faculty responsibilities.

George Fox University, a Christ-centered community, prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Professors teach all truth as God's truth, integrating all fields of learning around the person and work of Jesus Christ, bringing the divine revelations through sense, reason, and intuition to the confirming test of Scripture. All applicants must express a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a local church. In addition, professors agree to live in agreement with the university lifestyle statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith. Individuals who would fit this profile are encouraged to apply for current openings in our faculty.

QUALIFICATIONS
 * Ph.D. in English or related field is desired, although MFAs with extensive coursework in literature or a related field will be considered.
 * Publications and teaching experience at the college level are preferred, but all candidates with appropriate preparation will be considered.

SALARY AND RANK Appointment level is open depending upon qualifications and experience. Salary and benefits are competitive with comparable institutions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES Candidates should submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to: Dr. Hank Helsabeck, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, 414 N. Meridian St. #6246, Newberg, OR 97132 or to [mailto:scott@georgefox.edu scott@georgefox.edu]. Recommendations and other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Deadline: Open until filled

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES & QUERIES:

- I have it on good authority that there is an internal candidate for this position.

Grinnell College (2 year position)
From MLA JIL (12/10):

GRINNELL COLLEGE. 2-year leave replacement position in the English Department in Creative Fiction Writing. Assistant Professor; MFA required. Strong preference given to applicants who have published at least one novel or collection of stories; applicants with substantial fiction publications but no book will be considered. The teaching schedule of five courses over two semesters will include introduction to literary analysis, introductory course on fiction writing, and seminar in fiction writing. In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher and scholar in an undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction. They also should discuss what they can contribute to efforts to cultivate a wide diversity of people and perspectives, a core value of Grinnell College. To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by January 7, 2011. Please submit applications online at https://jobs.grinnell.edu. Candidates will need to upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts (copies acceptable), and writing sample, and provide email addresses for three references. Interviews at AWP.

Deadline: Jan. 7

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 1(1/18)

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES The search committee met on Tuesday, January 11th.

Indiana University
(Link to IU Website)

Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Creative Writing to teach graduate and undergraduate fiction workshops, as well as literature courses in contemporary fiction. Expertise in African American and/or African Diaspora literature strongly desired. Appointment to begin Fall 2011. Ours is a highly ranked program with a national reputation for diversity among its faculty and students, and we are looking for a dynamic colleague to join us. We also have a new joint interdepartmental MA/MFA in creative writing and African American and African Diaspora Studies. Indiana University's Bloomington campus and the surrounding community offer a progressive, cosmopolitan culture with world-class music, theater, and art, and a wide selection of other cultural activities. Substantial publications, an MFA, and previous college-level teaching preferred. 2/2 annual teaching load plus thesis advising. Letters of application and current c.v., which will be reviewed beginning October 15, should be sent to Samrat Upadhyay, Chair, Creative Writing Search Committee, Dept. of English, Ballantine Hall 442, Indiana University 1020 East Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-7103. All other inquiries should be addressed to Jonathan Elmer, Chair, Dept. of English. For further information about our program, please consult 'http://www.indiana.edu/~mfawrite/. Indiana University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and has a strong commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We are especially interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of candidates, including women, members of racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Deadline: Reviews begin October 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 1 (date?); 2x10/20

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 2 12/06, mail; 1, 12/07: mail; 12/8: mail. 12/9:mail (1) 12/10: slow-ass postal mail.

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1 - date?

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: I'm crushed. :(

Q: How did the notification come? Email? A: Mail.

John Carroll University
"Primary responsibility for teaching fiction, creative nonfiction and introductory creative writing courses; secondary responsibility for teaching courses in American literature. Interest in professional writing desirable. Tenure track, beginning in fall 2011. 3-3 course load. PhD desirable, though MFAs encouraged to apply." (From MLA JIL under "American Lit")

Deadline: November 26, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 12/21 (email) x 2

MLA or phone interview scheduled: MLA Interview (phone, 12/20) x 2

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Has this search been canceled? There's no listing on the JCU employment page.

A: The ad for this job is still listed in the MLA JlL (as of 10/16), so I would assume it is still going forward unless one recieves direct information to the contrary. It is not unusual to see a disconnect between what a school's employment site lists and what is actually advertised in other publications (this season, there have been a lot of instances in which jobs have been advertised in the Chronicle or MLA, but are nowhere to be found on the school's jobs page).

Q: Any news?
 * For what it's worth (which may not be much), I heard through an employee that JC is looking to eliminate 33 tenured or tenure-track profs this year.
 * FWIW 2: this job was reposted at Inside Higher Ed yesterday (10/27).

Marymount Manhattan College
From MLA JIL:

"The Department of Literature and Language at Marymount Manhattan College seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in creative writing with a specialty in fiction. M.F.A. and/or Ph.D. in creative writing required. A commitment to excellence in teaching as well as significant teaching experience in creative writing is essential. The ability to teach academic writing and ethnic and minority literature is desired. A commitment to service and a strong record of publication is required (at least one book of fiction is strongly preferred). The starting date of employment will be September 2011. To be considered for an interview, please submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and three letters of reference to Dr. Jerry Williams, Creative Writing Search Committee, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 E. 71st Street, New York, NY 10021."

Deadline: The application deadline is November 1, 2010.

Acknowledgment received: 5 (date?), 11/4 (letter) 1 (11/14 letter)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 1 (1/5, letter)

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 3 (12/9 via email to schedule phone interview for January) (phone interview scheduled)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

National University (CA)
(Link to Chronicle)

"Assistant Professor in Creative Writing, fiction preferred . . . Applicants should hold an MFA or PhD in creative writing or a related field and have at least one published book with a reputable publisher. Some experience in writing genre fiction--particularly science fiction, horror, thriller, or young adult literature (including fantasy)--is encouraged."

Deadline: Review of applications begins Sept. 8.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): Nov 1 - e-mail (x2)

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

A: Do they run on a corporate model? I did a phone interview with them a while back from my research beforehand it seemed to me like they were a vast, military/industrial complex of schools in California that ran on a strange and intense schedule, possibly at a profit, and that there was a high turnover rate for profs. Can someone out there speak to this at all?

B: They've stopped taking applications.


 * Per e-mail received on Nov 1, the position has been filled.

New College of Florida
From AWP job list

New College of Florida announces an opening for a Writer in Residence, spring semester 2011 (February-May). This year we are looking for a candidate with a specialty in fiction. We welcome all applicants, & are particularly interested in those who push the boundaries of the genre. The successful candidate will have two published books or the equivalent, two years’ experience teaching creative writing, which can include instruction as a graduate student, & be strongly committed to playing an active role in the community of our residential honors college. MFA, MA, or equivalent degree preferred, but experience considered. The Writer in Residence will be responsible for teaching two semester-length writing courses (preferably one multigenre introductory course & one course in fiction), & will give at least three public readings. Salary $22,725 for .75 FTE, with no benefits. Send curriculum vitae, letter of application, writing sample, dossier with three letters of reference & official transcript, & two course proposals (one for an introductory level course & one course focusing on your specialty) to: Dr. Andrea Dimino, Chair, Search Committee, Division of Humanities, New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243-2109. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2010 & continue until position is filled. For disability accommodations, contact Chair a minimum of five (5) days in advance @ (941) 487-4360. Security background check required. EOE/AA (AWP)

Deadline: Dec. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

New Mexico State University (NM)
Assistant Professor of English (full-time, tenure-track): Fiction

Qualifications: MFA or PhD in Creative Writing with a specialization in Fiction; a minimum of one full-length book of fiction in print. Ability to teach fiction writing workshops and fiction form and technique seminars in the graduate MFA program and to teach undergraduate creative writing courses (typical teaching load is 3/3). Experience in teaching fiction desirable. Ability to advise students, supervise thesis projects and support departmental outreach. All requirements for the MFA or PhD completed by date of hire in August 2011.

Deadline: Screening of applications begins January 3, 2010, and applications received after this date may be considered. Interviews will be conducted at AWP. Interview candidates will be notified of AWP interview on approximately January 26, 2011.

Reply to: Letter of application with current CV, sample of published fiction, statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Kathryn Valentine, Chair of Personnel, Department of English, MSC 3E, Box 30001, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM 88003

Deadline: Begin screening January 3, 2011; accepting applications after this date

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled:

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: This is posted so late that I can't possibly get my letters there in time; my graduate department handles my letters and is closed for the holiday.

R: WHY not call them up and explain your situation? Worth a shot.

R: It only says they begin screening on Jan 3, not that you can't send the materials in after this date. I would say that since they are contacting folks around Jan. 26, you actualy have until the last week of January to get those letters in.

New School (NY)-Visiting Associate Professor of Writing/Fiction AY 2011-2012 (3 courses)
HigherEdJobs (1/11/11)

Eugene Lang College the New School for Liberal Arts seeks an accomplished fiction writer to serve as a one-year visiting associate professor in Fiction Writing for the academic year 2011-2012 to contribute to the rich undergraduate program in Literary Studies, writing concentration. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching three fiction workshops, academic advising of students in the program, and participation in departmental service and events.

Eugene Lang College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies/Writing Concentration, which provides students with intensive study of craft and technique in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and journalism, taught by active practitioners of national repute in their genre. The writing concentration is committed to the notion of writing as a liberal art, requiring a broad exposure of the student writer to the full array of liberal arts and sciences, and that writers are, above all, readers.

The New School is committed to maintaining a diverse educational and creative community, a policy of equal opportunity in all its activities and programs, including employment. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are welcome. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, veteran or marital status.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates should demonstrate a significant record of publication, including one or more books of fiction. Some teaching experience necessary - particularly in workshop and/or seminar setting. Terminal degree is desired but not necessary.

Online App. Form: https://careers.newschool.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52605

Deadline: Open Until Filled (posted 1/5/11)

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

New School (NY)-Visiting Associate Professor of Writing/Fiction AY 2011-2012 (2 courses)
HigherEdJobs (1/11/11)

Eugene Lang College the New School for Liberal Arts seeks an accomplished fiction writer to serve as a one-year visiting associate professor in Fiction Writing for the academic year 2011-2012 to contribute to the rich undergraduate program in Literary Studies, writing concentration. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching two fiction workshops, academic advising of students in the program, and participation in departmental service and events.

Eugene Lang College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies/Writing Concentration, which provides students with intensive study of craft and technique in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and journalism, taught by active practitioners of national repute in their genre. The writing concentration is committed to the notion of writing as a liberal art, requiring a broad exposure of the student writer to the full array of liberal arts and sciences, and that writers are, above all, readers.

The New School is committed to maintaining a diverse educational and creative community, a policy of equal opportunity in all its activities and programs, including employment. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are welcome. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, veteran or marital status.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates should demonstrate a significant record of publication, including one or more books of fiction. Some teaching experience necessary - particularly in workshop and/or seminar setting. terminal degree is desired but not necessary.

Online App. Form: https://careers.newschool.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52604

Deadline: Open Until Filled (posted 1/5/11)

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

New School (NY) - Tenure Track Assistant Professor (Fiction)
The New School Creative Writing Program invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Writing, with a concentration in fiction. Applicants will be expected to teach writing workshops and literature seminars in the graduate MFA program as well as teaching our undergraduate Riggio Honors students; will advise students, supervise thesis projects, organize readings and forums, perform administrative service.

The New School is committed to maintaining a diverse educational and creative community, a policy of equal opportunity in all its activities and programs, including employment and promotion. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or marital status. Individuals from groups historically under-represented in higher education are encouraged to apply, as are international candidates. The decision to hire is subject to budget approval.

Requirements: Candidate should already be in early to mid-career (one to three books). We especially seek candidates who will advance the diversity of perspectives and approaches in a lively, thriving New York City literary community.

All applications must be completed online at The New School's Human Resource's website (http://careers.newschool.edu). Please attach a cover letter, C.V., and the names of three referees who will be submitting recommendation letters. (Note: only three attachments are accepted on the online site). In addition, applicants must submit by mail a letter of interest describing research interests, writing sample, and evidence of teaching excellence to:

Professor Helen Schulman, Chair Fiction Search, The New School Writing Program, 66 West 12th Street (Fifth Floor) New York, NY 10011.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin Dec. 1, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date for the position is July 1, 2011. We expect to conduct initial interviews at AWP in Washington, DC in February 2011.

LINK (Higher Ed Jobs)

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 2 (1/3, email) (1/3 e-mail for awp OR on-campus, if in NYC)

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Do we think the "cover letter," and the "letter of interest describing research interests" are the same document?

A: If it were, they wouldn't ask for both. Research interests is something more invovled and discusses many aspects of your reseach in a bit more depth.

Northern Michigan University (Fiction)
The Department of English at Northern Michigan University invites applications for a tenure track position in creative writing: Fiction. MFA or PhD required. Expectations include publications, successful teaching experience at the college level, the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate workshops, and undergraduate composition and/or literature courses. In addition to fiction, a secondary area of emphasis is desirable. Other responsibilities include the direction of MA and MFA theses. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, congenial department.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, transcripts, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to https://employme.nmu.edu. Applicant review will begin immediately.

Link

Deadline: The position will be posted until February 15, 2011.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Pomona College
From AWP job list

Moseley Fellow in Creative Writing

2010–11 Moseley Fellow in Creative Writing, Advanced Fiction Workshop. The English Department of Pomona College in Claremont, CA, seeks a novelist who enjoys a national reputation & has teaching experience to present an advanced fiction workshop in spring 2010; the fellowship award is $20,000. Previous Moseley Fellows include Janet Fitch, Salvador Carrasco, B.H. Fairchild, Patricia Powell, & Verlyn Klinkenborg. The English Department has a vibrant creative writing community that includes Jonathan Lethem (author of Chronic City, The Fortress of Solitude, Motherless Brooklyn), the Roy E. Disney Professor in Creative Writing, tenured faculty who teach screenwriting & poetry, & students who produce yearly readings & a literary magazine. Our annual Literary Series has featured acclaimed writers including Jonathan Franzen, Nalo Hopkinson, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Blake, Cole Swenson, Nathaniel Mackey, & Rae Armantrout. Please send a letter of interest & a resume with references by November 15, 2010 to: Claudia Rankine, Department of English, Pomona College, 140 W. 6th St., Claremont, CA 91711. Fax: (909) 621-8296. [mailto:crankine@pomona.edu crankine@pomona.edu ]. (AWP)

Deadline: Nov. 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 11/19 (email)

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Portland State University (Assistant or Associate Professor, Fiction Writing)
From MLA joblist

Assistant/Associate Professor of English Assistant or Associate Professor, Fiction Writing, tenure-track, to begin Fall 2011. The successful candidate will be a core contributor to the MFA Creative Writing Program, teaching graduate workshops and seminars, as well as undergraduate fiction writing, directing MFA theses, and contributing to MFA administrative responsibilities. Minimum of one book and demonstrated ability to teach fiction writing required. Preference for experience teaching graduate craft and related seminars. MFA or Ph.D. in creative writing required. 2/2/2 course-load. (6 per year). Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits.

Please send CV, cover letter, writing samples, and three letters of recommendation to: Chair, Fiction Search Committee, Department of English, Portland State University, Box 751, Portland, OR 97207. Postmark deadline: December 10, 2010. Reviewing will begin immediately and continue until finalists have been identified. Interviews at the AWP conference in February 2011. See complete position description and application instructions at www.pdx.edu/hr. Portland State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deadline: Dec. 10, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 4 (email, 12/23)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 1 (??, 1/7); 1 (phone, 1/10)

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: PSU hired Charles D'Ambrosio and Tom Bissell two years ago. Are they further expanding or is someone leaving?

Rhode Island College
From MLA JIL 10/29:

Assistant professor, Creative Writing/Fiction. Anticipated vacancy at Rhode Island College beginning fall 2011, pending funding approval, full-time, tenure track position. Requirements include Ph.D. in English with specialization in creative writing/fiction. Preferred: college teaching experience; subfield in literary nonfiction and/or young adult creative writing; experience supervising the production of an undergraduate literary journal; and/or willingness eventually to play a significant role in program promotion and administration. The successful candidate will teach the department’s offerings in creative writing/fiction, our 200-level introduction to creative writing course, and general education courses. An ongoing commitment to publishing fiction, to student advising, and to departmental and college service is expected. Application deadline: January 7, 2011. IMPORTANT: for full job description, including additional responsibilities and requirements for the position and application procedures, see our web site at https://employment.ric.edu.

Deadline: Jan. 7

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Q: Ruh-roh. I've never seen a PhD requirement for a fiction job. Doesn't sound like you can slip an MFA past them does it? What do you think this signifies, folks?

A: This is just an uninformed guess, but I'd wager it signifies a deeply insecure department that has an uneasy relationship with creative writing.

A: A friend of mine teaches there, it's a state school and apparently it's a college requirement that all full time faculty have PhDs.

A: You absolutely can't slip by with an MFA--they could be sued if they asked for one thing and hired something else. My take is that they need more of a generalist than a writer.

Q: Just the type of department you'd want to join. Sometimes I wonder if English and Creative Writing departments ought to associate with one another at all. Am I alone?

AA: It's the way it's going. I think to say that a department is insecure is a bit short sighted. Sometimes it has to do with accredidation. Other times is has to do with administrative requirements for teaching graduate level classes. Things seem to be going in the direction of the MFA not being a terminal degree. Why complain about it. Just don't apply and spend your time applying for the job that is looking for your particular skill set.

AA: Saying that the MFA is going in the direction of not being a terminal degree is the most ridiculous thing I've heard in awhile. You can't just suddenly make a degree not be terminal. Once it is accredited as terminal, it is terminal end of story. There is not a legitimate accreditation agency in America that does not recognize a 60 credit hour MFA as a terminal degree. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you have a PhD, let me remind you that those letters stand for doctor of philosophy; in layman's terms you think about stuff. Someone with an MFA creates stuff, they are artists, poets, writers, filmmakers, etc. For an artist to get a PhD they would have to put their paintbrush down, therefore, it is not an appropriate degree for them. Likewise, it is not appropriate for a PhD to teach a painting class, even if they paint, because they did not take the appropriate classes to understand how painting should be taught in academia. And if they did take the classes and have an MFA and a PhD, well then they are force to be reckoned with. It is ludicrous for a department to want a PhD to teach creative classes solely, sometimes a PhD has to teach a creative class due to budget restrains, understandable. It does imply to me this department either does not understand the various degrees available in their field, or as a previous poster stated they are insecure about their own jobs, their degree, etc.

AA: I see this frequently on this wiki, people who seem to have trouble grasping the reality of the way many schools operate. Admittedly the MFA is a terminal degree; however, as more and more people receive PhDs in Creative Writing, Universities are starting to recognize that as the highest possible degree achievable in that discipline. The more PhDs a school has on their full time staff, the better it looks during reaccredidation. The idea that MFA is a creative degree and a PhD is a thinking degree, is a very reductive perspective. Moreover, people with PhDs in Creative Writing have their MFAs in Creative Writing or a similar field generally. It sees to me that the previous poster does not know what goes into a Creative Writing PhD or s/he would not suggest that one must put down the "paintbrush" when working on a PhD. In fact, much, much more writing and discussion of craft is required of the writer when s/he works on a PhD.

Look, people post on here to help young writers who are looking for jobs. The point was, if a post asks for a PhD, don't waste your time with it. They are giving a requirement that their department needs. This means that they genuinely need a PhD on their staff or that they have someone in mind already. There is an unbelievable amount of red tape involved in acadamia. Requirements of departments, arts and sciences or whatever the larger school is, the administration, state, etc. I don't care who has a PhD as long as they're a good author and more importantly a good teacher of the craft. I can tell you this much. I am at a state university; when we worked on creating a major for Creative Writing, we were told by the administration that the head of the Creative Writing department had to have a PhD.

"Likewise, it is not appropriate for a PhD to teach a painting class, even if they paint, because they did not take the appropriate classes to understand how painting should be taught in academia." This quote implies to me that you don't understand the various degrees in the field. Creative Ph.D. programs essentially combine an MFA and something between an MA and a Ph.D. in Lit. Or do you mean to suggest that you can only understand painting if you take painting classes and only painting classes? An MFA will always be enough for someone who makes a big splash with a NYC book. But during The Great Recession, when departments have multiple needs and no way to finance them all, it's naive to think you shouldn't be ready to offer something more -- journalism, screenwriting, literary studies, something -- than your paint-stained fingers.

AAAA: Whether the MFA is or should be a terminal degree (yes and yes) is a totally different matter than what a given school is looking for. With so many over-qualified candidates, the hiring standard for poets for a t-t Assistant gig is becoming a CW Ph.D and/or two or more books (see lasts year's hiring creds). There's also the fact that most chairs and deans are themselves PhDs, and still find the MFA a lightweight degree. That all of this is frustrating doesn't change the reality of the market.
 * Paintbrush down? As a PhD candidate, I taught classes, researched my field (and other contextually realted fields) wrote my book as my dissertation and got it published.


 * Are they interviewing at AWP? Anyone know?

Rollins College
Chronicle

The Department of English at Rollins College invites applications for a one-year visiting assistant professor position, beginning August 2011, to replace faculty on sabbatical leave. The teaching load is three (3) courses per semester for two semesters, including Introduction to Creative Writing (covering fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry) and Advanced Fiction Workshop; one or two courses in composition or literature possible. Active participation in departmental activities and engagement with Rollins student writers also encouraged. The successful candidate will be a published writer with a record of teaching excellence in creative writing (including conducting workshops) whose publications include work in fiction. An MA or MFA in creative writing is required; ABD or PhD considered. Candidates who are members of Phi Beta Kappa are encouraged to apply.

To apply, applicants must use the on-line system at https://www.rollinsjobs.com. Candidates will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and upload their application documents. Applicant materials must include cover letter, CV with names of three (3) references, and statement of teaching philosophy. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Philip Deaver, Chair, English Search, at pdeaver@rollins.edu. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2011, and continue until the position is filled.

Deadline: January 15, 2011

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL)
Inside Higher Ed

Roosevelt Job Site

Job Summary Roosevelt University, an institution with a strong commitment to social justice, is currently transforming from a primarily commuter university with part-time adult students to a more traditional-age university where the majority of students are studying full-time. The Department of Literature and Languages at Roosevelt University welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing. The successful candidate will be a creative writer with primary specialization in Fiction and secondary specialization in either Creative Nonfiction or Poetry.

Minimum Qualifications MFA or Ph.D. required by August 2011. Candidates should have at least one published book of fiction from a nationally recognized press; a published book or significant magazine/journal publications in poetry or creative nonfiction, and evidence of ongoing scholarly and/or creative interests. Evidence of strong university teaching required; experience working in an MFA program (e.g., advising, thesis supervision, working with a reading series, working with literary publications) preferred. Ability and interest in teaching one or several of the following courses is desirable: literary production and editing, literary journalism, writing about place, form and theory, scriptwriting. Interest in and experience with developing community-based outreach programs is also desirable. The standard teaching load at Roosevelt is six courses per year on the semester system, with an average literature class size of 20 and graduate workshop size of 10.

Deadline: Application materials must be received by November 29, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA interview scheduled: 1 (12/16, email)

Rejection (after MLA interview): 1 (1/15, email)

Campus interview scheduled: 1 (1/17 phone)

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * "We will interview at the MLA convention in Los Angeles."

QUESTION: Anybody know about inside candidates for this position? The program's website lists two visiting professors currently teaching fiction at Roosevelt.

A: As far as I know, this job is open--i.e. it is not earmarked for anyone.

Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia, PA)
HigherEdJobs

Pending approval by the Board of Trustees, the Department of English at Saint Joseph's University is currently recruiting a tenure-track position in Fiction Writing to begin in the Fall of 2011. Secondary expertise in screen writing or communications is desirable. The departmental load is 3/3. Teaching responsibilities will include the core courses in the graduate Writing Studies Program, courses in fiction writing at both undergraduate and graduate levels, introductory writing workshops, and introductory composition and literature courses. English programs are offered on both day and evening schedules. All English faculty members advise majors. For further information about the department, please visit our website at www.sju.edu/cas/english. Applicants should have dedication to teaching and demonstrated potential for scholarly activity. Ph.D. in English or Creative Writing or M.F.A. in English with a published or forthcoming book required. Ph.D. or M.F.A. in hand by August 2011.

In order to be considered for the position, all candidates must apply online. Please log on to the Saint Joseph's University Human Resource website using the following link http://www.sju.edu/hr; click on Employment and follow the instructions. Applications are to include (1) a curriculum vitae, including the names of 3 references with complete contact information (e.g., address, phone, and email) and (2) a letter outlining academic achievements (including dissertation or M.F.A.), research plans, and teaching philosophy. Please do not send hard copies of documents. Dossiers and writing samples will be requested after initial screening.

Deadline: All materials must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2010. We will be interviewing at the AWP Conference, held February 2-5 in Washington, D.C.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 3 (12/09, email)

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 1 (1/10, phone)

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Saint Lawrence University (NY)
From MLA JIL:

"Fiction or creative non-fiction writers with significant publications and teaching experience are invited to apply for the position of Viebranz Visiting Professor of Creative Writing for the academic year 2011-2012. Publications and teaching experience in a second genre would be preferable. The individual hired will teach two genre-specific courses each semester, at the beginning and advanced level, and be an active participant in the English Department. Departmental activities will include giving a reading as part of the St. Lawrence University Writers Series; serving as a reader on a senior honors thesis, and possibly directing a senior independent project; and leading occasional workshops for senior writing majors, or giving a craft talk on writing. Evidence will be sought of a proven record of innovative pedagogy in creative writing and an enthusiasm for teaching."

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on October 18th, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

South Dakota State University
Ad at HigherEdJobs.com

Creative Writing Asst. Prof.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Tenure-track assistant professor of English to teach courses in Creative Writing, with an emphasis in Fiction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in English with Creative Dissertation in Fiction or MFA in English with Creative Thesis in Fiction, in hand by August 15th, 2011, along with an established and successful record of publication. Effective written communication skills and effective oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to teach introductory courses in Creative Writing and upper-level and graduate courses in Creative Writing (Fiction); experience coordinating writing conferences and assisting with student publications and contests; willingness to develop and teach distance education courses; interest in developing community outreach or Service Learning programs. Tenure-track assignment includes a 3-3 teaching load with expectations in scholarship, advising, and both departmental and university service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience or training in one or more of the following areas desired: Contemporary Literature; Screen- and/or Play-Writing; Ethnic Studies; or Juvenile Literature.

Please visit the department's web-site at: http://www.sdstate.edu/engl/index.cfm.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 30, 2010.

APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, visit https://YourFuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position, and follow the electronic employment process. Paper and e-mail applications will not be accepted. For questions on the electronic employment process, contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128. SDSU is an AA/EEO employer. We encourage women and members of minority groups to apply.

For questions on the position, contact Dr. Christine Stewart-Nuñez at 605-688-4065 or C.Stewart-Nunez@sdstate.edu.

Deadline: December 30, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Texas State University-San Marcos
(LINK to txstate website).

"Assistant professor of English, specialty in fiction writing, with secondary specialization in non-fiction writing. The successful applicant is expected to maintain an active record of publication in fiction and/or creative non-fiction and to teach primarily in the graduate fiction program and to direct MFA theses, with some teaching of undergraduate creative writing. "

Deadline: Reviews begins October 25, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 1 (11/12, email)

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 2 (12/09, email to schedule x2)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

This position officially opened when Dagoberto Gilb left TxState to teach at the University of Victoria, yet there has been an on again/ off again search for a candidate since 2007. ZZ Packer was brought in to replace Gilb in spring 2010, but she left for the Hodder fellowship at Princeton this year.

A Few Past finalists:

Brett Anthony Johnston

John McManus

Holly Goddard Jones

Alex Ohlin

Trinity College (CT)
FROM MLA JIL

"The English Department at Trinity College seeks to hire an actively publishing fiction writer to fill a tenure-track assistant professorship in fiction writing and literary studies, field open. Applicants for this position should have demonstrated ability to teach introductory multiple-genre creative writing courses, advanced workshops in fiction writing, and courses in the candidate’s area of literary expertise. Applicants should anticipate playing a significant role in program leadership. Ph.D. or M.F.A., publications, and teaching experience required. We particularly welcome applications from affirmative action and minority candidates. Please send a letter of application, c.v., three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample by November 1 to David Rosen, Chair, Department of English, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106. Interviews at MLA."

Deadline: Nov. 1

Acknowledgment received: 2 (10/15, email), 10/22 (email), 11/05 (e-mail)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Anyone know what type and length of writing sample Trinity is looking for? I've emailed the Department assistant, but she's not answered.

A: Good question. I was wondering the same. My guess is book, if you've got one. I don't. So I was planning on sending a longer story that was published in a nat'l magazine. Any thoughts, suggestions on this are much appreciated.

C: Don't know if it's worth reporting, but I've heard of the (vague) possibility of an inside candidate here.

A: If you have to ask...

Q: Are they still interviewing at the MLA? Job ad says they will but the acknowledgment email reads, "The search committee will deliberate in preparation for interviews beginning in January, 2011." Any info on this?

Tulane University
"The Department of English at Tulane University seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor in creative writing, fiction, beginning in fall 2011. Teaching load for this position is 2/2. Ability to teach an introductory course including the genres of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction creative writing is desirable. A terminal degree in creative writing, demonstrated teaching experience in creative writing, and a novel (or book of short stories) in publication are required. Applications will only be accepted and acknowledged electronically and should be sent as either Word or PDF files. Please put your last name and the letters CW in the subject line. Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a writing sample, postmarked by November 1, 2010 to Professor Peter Cooley, Chair, Search Committee, Department of English at [mailto:engpos2@tulane.edu engpos2@tulane.edu]."

Deadline: Nov. 1

Acknowledgment received: 4


 * Can people add dates of their acknowledgements? Thanks!
 * Mine was 10-29-10.

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 3 (email, 11/20) (phone 11/20)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview): 1(??) 1 (phone, 1/12)

Campus interview scheduled: 1/10

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of British Columbia
TT (LINK to UBC website)

The Creative Writing Program at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Instructor (I) in Fiction in the Creative Writing Program, to begin in January 2011. Requirements include: graduate degree (Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing preferred); demonstrated excellence and at least five years experience in the teaching of university-level creative writing courses at both the undergraduate (including introductory lecture courses) and graduate level (including the supervision of graduate theses); publication of at least three novels; and full participation in Creative Writing teaching team work and program affairs. The ideal candidate will have an international profile. Support letters from established novelists would be recommended.

Deadline: July 30, 2010.


 * Deadline passed some time ago. Anyone hear anything yet?

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Central Florida (Assistant Professor, Fiction)
(AWP job list)

The Department of English invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English in Creative Writing, fiction. The position requires the MFA or PhD by August 8, 2011. We prefer candidates with significant publications, a commitment to teaching graduate & undergraduate courses in creative writing, the skills & interest to contribute to our MFA program, & online teaching experience. Our department publishes two literary journals, the Florida Review & the Cypress Dome. As an agency of the state of Florida, UCF (http://www.english.ucf.edu) makes all selection procedures & application materials available for public review upon request. Please apply online at https://jobswithucf.com, & send letter of application, curriculum vitae, non-returnable writing sample (thirty pages maximum) & three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Patrick Murphy, Chair, Department of English, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 161346, Orlando, FL 32816-1346. Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2010 & will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted at AWP.

Deadline: October 30, 2010. 10/26: MLA JIL gives updated deadline: "Review of applications will begin on November 26, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted at AWP." According to poster below, AWP gives new deadline as Nov. 25.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 2 (12/16, email) 1 (January, email)

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

The ad asks you to apply online, but not only does the link not work, the job isn't listed on the university's human resources page when you do find it. Review begins in nine days.

I emailed the chair of the search to make sure he knew about this problem and to ask if there was something else applicants could do in the interim (10/22). The chair responded that applicants should send the portion of the application indicated in the ad by regular mail and added that the jobswithucf.com posting will appear on Friday (presumably Friday the 29th). He did not indicate that there would be an extension of the deadline because of the delay (10/24).
 * The link on the AWP website also doesn't work.
 * Try this one: https://www.jobswithucf.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=128775666263. . .although you will find the job still isn't posted there, as poster above notes. Same situation for a Renaissance job advertised in MLA JIL (10/22).
 * Thank you for this information. (10/24)
 * The AWP ad has been updated to indicate a 11/25 deadline.

University of Cincinnati (Open Rank, Fiction)
HR

(Position Number 210UC1269)

"The Department of English and Comparative Literature invites applications from distinguished fiction writers for an open rank position."

Deadline: Nov. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 2 (Nov.5, email)

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 2 (12/6, phone interview x3)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: Four campus interviews scheduled. (posted 1/16)

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Candidate will replace Brock Clarke, who left for Bowdoin College.

University of Dallas
"One tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in English at the University of Dallas, a Catholic liberal arts institution featuring an extensive core curriculum for undergraduates, an M.A. program in English, and Ph.D. in Literature within an interdisciplinary program, the Institute of Philosophic Studies.The successful candidate will combine demonstrated expertise in the writing and teaching of prose fiction with demonstrable interest in teaching canonical literary texts from Homer to Dante to the present. Candidates in any field of English or American Literature are encouraged to apply. The usual load is 3/3."

(From MLA JIL under "American Lit")

Deadline: November 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/11

Request for additional materials: 12/3 x4

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: Anybody have a sense of what "statement of deepest scholarly and artistic interests" would/should look like? (It's one of the materials they're requesting.)

Q: Have any interviews been scheduled?

A: Not that I know of--I'm guessing you're the other person with an additional materials request. I haven't heard anything yet, for what that's worth.

Q: So, are people noting that they received material requests back on 12/3, and are just wondering if anything's going on with interviews, or have people been getting material requests in the past couple of days?

A. Got the request 12/3 and am wondering what's up with the interviews.

University of Maine
MLA JIL

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing--Fiction

The University of Maine Department of English invites applications from fiction writers for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English position, beginning September 1, 2011. The 3/2 teaching load includes creative writing courses from introductory to graduate levels and literature courses as needed. Responsibilities also include academic advising, thesis and capstone oversight, and participation in faculty self-governance. It is expected that the successful candidate will continue to publish as well as participate in our creative writing culture, which includes two magazines, several literary prizes, and a very active national reading series (http://nwsnews.wordpress.com), as well as a Maine reading series. Salary is competitive. Required qualifications: Earned MFA or PhD by date of appointment; evidence of effective teaching and significant publications. We welcome secondary strengths in one or more of these fields: new narrative forms, genre and cross-genre fiction, narrative theory, playwriting or screenwriting. Please email to [mailto:mainefictionsearch@umit.maine.edu mainefictionsearch@umit.maine.edu] a cover letter addressed to search committee chair Associate Professor Jennifer Moxley, your CV, and unofficial transcripts in Word, PDF and/or RTF format. Submissions will be acknowledged by auto-reply. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2010 and continue until a viable pool is identified. Writing samples, letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be requested from a shortlist of candidates. Interviews will be held in February 2011 at AWP.

Deadline: November 1st

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 4 (11/02 and 11/9 e-mail X 3) Q: What were the materials requested? Writing sample & 3 recs.

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: 3 (12/9)

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Last year, and correct me if I'm wrong, it seemed that the colleges interviewing at AWP were those that posted their job ads late in the year -- in December or later. But here we have this one, posted far in advance of the MLA convention in January, and it says interviews will be held at AWP. I assume it's because it's less expensive for UM to send someone to DC than LA. As a prospective applicant who has already made reservations for MLA, it's disappointing to think that interviews might be split between the two conferences this year. Or is this a wild card?

A: I think/hope this is an aberration. But with AWP coming in early February (last year it was in April), I wouldn't be surprised if some east coast places interviewed there instead. Looks like U. Memphis is interviewing there as well.

A: My guess is that it could have to do with budget, or it could have to do with combined intrest of the interviewing faculty, or it could have to do with timing and avialability. If it were up to me, my department would interview at the AWP because the MLA is expensive and a snoozefest. The AWP is the conference that writers typically attend. If you haven't gone to an AWP, you should go. It's a great place to meet presses, writers, and those other people that work behind the scenes like The National Endowment for the Arts, SPD, Bookmobile, and the like. Also, it's fun to watch writers and publishers talk about the state of the "industry."

University of Mississippi
Link to University HR Job Site

The University of Mississippi wishes to announce a search for a Distinguished Senior Fiction Writer. The University of Mississippi MFA program, currently celebrating its tenth year and ranked one of The Atlantic Monthly's "Top Five Up and Coming Programs," invites applications from nationally recognized fiction writers. Rank: Associate or Full. For more information on this position, please view our webpage: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/english/mfa or contact Beth Ann Fennelly at [mailto:bafennel@olemiss.edu bafennel@olemiss.edu].

Qualifications/Skills

Applicants should have an extraordinary record of publication in the field of fiction, and have a record of excellence in teaching. To apply, please visit the UM Human Resources website (jobs.olemiss.edu) and complete an online application, attaching letter of application and CV. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Finalists will be contacted for copies of books and letters of recommendation. 2/2 load.

Deadline: Resumes received by November 12th will receive priority.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted: Richard Ford

NOTES:

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
LINK

"Assistant Professor, Fiction Writer"

Deadline: The review of materials will begin November 15, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received: 1- 10/27

Request for additional materials: 4 (11/24, email x4)

Rejection (no interview):

AWP interview scheduled: AWP interview scheduled, 12/21

Rejection (after AWP interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

“It’s déjà vu all over again!” ©Yogi Berra. Did this job go unfilled last year? Or is this a different position?

The position went unfilled last year.

A: Yes it did. I believe that Salvador Plascencia interviewed for the position last year. They must be holding out for someone with alot of publications.

A: Last year's search was open rank.

Q. Has anyone else heard anything from them? Surprised to see only one interview noted.

University of Oregon
"The Creative Writing Program at the University of Oregon welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Fiction. M.F.A., Ph.D., or M.A. in Creative Writing with a specialization in Fiction required. The successful candidate will have at least one published book from a nationally recognized press and another in progress (if not in press and under contract); numerous magazine publications; prizes and/or fellowships; evidence of strong graduate and undergraduate university teaching; evidence of ongoing scholarly and creative interests; and experience in an M.F.A. environment (teaching, advising, service, running a reading series, etc.)."

Link to Posting at Academic Jobs Online

Deadline: Nov. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: November 5 (email)

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: December 2 (contacted by email to set up phone interview)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: December 16

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Tampa
From the Chronicle

Assistant Professor of English

The Department of English and Writing in the College of Arts & Letters at The University of Tampa seeks a candidate for a one-year, renewable term Assistant Professor of English in first-year writing and creative writing (fiction) to begin August 2011. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to excellence in learning, engaging students in experience beyond the classroom, outstanding scholarly or creative activity, and service to the university and community. A typical teaching load is 12 contact hours in a 14-week semester, 8 of which will be in First Year Writing. A terminal degree in an appropriate field is required. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate excellence in and a commitment to the teaching of university first-year writing, as well as artistic excellence through strong publication of fiction. For details and to apply on line go to: https://jobs.ut.eduApplicants should be prepared to attach a cover letter detailing teaching experience, a current curriculum vitae, one-page teaching philosophy for first-year writing, a creative writing sample and a sample of written work (which can also be another creative writing sample).In addition, applicants will be requested to enter name and email address for three (3) reference providers. For best consideration, submit application and materials by December 1, 2010.Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Tampa is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.

Deadline: Dec. 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: (01/14, 15 minute phone interview- Yikes!)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: So, this ad seems to indicate that actual letters of reference are not yet needed, only names and contact info. Yet in the online app, the system asks first for contact info and then later asks for email addresses and numbers, presumably to request letters via the online system. Think I should ask my letter writers to upload anyway? I get the impression from the system that the application won't be complete until the letters are uploaded. The lack of uniformity in these application is really annoying. Also, this one wanted the last ten years of employment, with addresses and contact info. It took forever. Waste of time, it feels like. EDIT: no letters needed. Really confusing application, though.

University of Toledo
Chronicle

"Pending budgetary approval, The University of Toledo Department of English Language and Literature seeks a fiction writer and scholar of contemporary American fiction for a tenure-track assistant professor position to begin August 2011. The candidate should demonstrate commitment to excellence in research and teaching and have earned the Ph.D. with a specialty in contemporary fiction by the time of the appointment. Also required is an MFA or a record of publication in fiction. Duties will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in literature and creative writing."

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/13

Request for additional materials: 12/13

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/21

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

According to ad, they're interviewing at MLA. Has anybody heard from them? A: Ad also says writing samples will be requested later. Can't imagine there's still time for that and MLA. Haven't heard anything either.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Assistant Professor, full-time tenure track appointment to begin 2011, responsible for teaching fiction writing, creative writing, and composition. The position is for a 12-hour teaching load, a large portion being Freshman English 101 and 102, courses that include composition and literature.

Qualifications: The candidate for this position should have a terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA) in Fiction with experience teaching fiction writing and introductory creative writing, as well as substantial experience teaching first-year English. In addition, the candidate should have a record of significant works of fiction in national publications.

Link to HR post

Deadline: For full consideration, a complete application credential packet should be received by 31 December 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Washington University in St. Louis
From MLA JIL:

Assistant Professor in Creative Writing: Fiction

"The Writing Program seeks an emerging writer of fiction for a full-time, tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in fall semester, 2011. The teaching will include fiction workshops and craft courses in both our MFA and our undergraduate creative writing programs. The teaching expectation is two courses per semester. Our new faculty member will be expected to produce significant publication in fiction while teaching and advising students, serving on graduate thesis committees, and participating in screening applications for the MFA program. Applicants must have an MFA or PhD in creative writing, a proven record of excellence in teaching, and one book of fiction already published or under contract. Interviews will be conducted at the MLA conference in January. Please send a cover letter, c.v., statement of approach to teaching undergraduate and graduate creative writing, and three letters of recommendation, along with a fiction sample of 30-50 pages, to: *Professor Miriam Bailin, Fiction Search Committee Chair, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1122, One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130.* Priority will be given to applications received by *November 1*, 2010, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Washington University in St. Louis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applications from women and underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged."

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): rec'd letter 12/20, saying would keep app on file just in case.

MLA or phone interview scheduled: (MLA, 12/9 email x2)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q. The person who left this position went to U of Alabama. Does anyone have the inside scoop on why she made this move? Are there problems afoot at Wash U?

A: The person who moved to Alabama left Wash U because she did not get tenure there.

A. Original poster here. This news is deeply alarming...perhaps this question and reply should be removed. If this Q & A disappers, that's fine with me.

A. Why is news of someone not getting tenure "deeply alarming?"

R. It smells bad when someone with two well-reviewed books plus awards gets denied tenure. Sure, she could have done something wrong. A factionalized and dysfunctional department seems more likely to me. I hope I'm wrong.


 * That the poster above is the one who did not get tenure seems not impossible to me. I hope I'm wrong.
 * I seriously doubt it. Truth is that if anyone is dissuaded by this, then a top MFA program will merely get 199 apps instead of 200.
 * There are currently no tenured fiction writers at Wash U. The last two on the tenure track were removed/denied, and are both superlative writers.

Weber State (Utah)
LINK

Assistant Professor. Weber State University invites applications for one tenure-track position in fiction writing, to begin August of 2011, depending on funding. Full teaching load consists of 12 hours per semester (4 and 4). In addition to fiction writing courses, teaching load includes lower-division composition and introductory literature courses. MFA or Ph.D. in creative writing with a fiction emphasis required. View details and apply online at http://jobs.weber.edu

Deadline:

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

West Virginia University
Link (Chronicle)

"The Department of English at West Virginia University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing with a specialization in Fiction Writing..."

Deadline: November 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 10/29, 11/3. 10/27 x 1

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 2 (12/1 email x3)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1/10

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

For what it's worth, this is a really good place to be. A fine, small faculty, with quite a committed bunch of M.F.A. students. They seem to have unfairly lost a very recent hire to "greener" pastures, but the pastures in this program are actually quite wonderful.

Western Kentucky University
From AWP joblist

Summer Visiting Position

Western Kentucky University. The English Department at Western Kentucky University seeks applicants for the following position: Distinguished Visiting Professor in Creative Writing—Fiction, Summer 2011. Past Visiting Professors: Lee Martin (2008—fiction), Denise Duhamel (2009—poetry), Debra Marquart (2010—creative nonfiction). Duties: Teach a four-week intensive three-credit advanced undergraduate/graduate fiction workshop sometime during the summer of 2011. Give a public reading. Salary: $10,000 + housing. Requirements: Significant teaching experience & at least one published book of fiction. Review of applications begins immediately & will continue until December 1, 2010. Each applicant must submit a letter of interest, a vita, a copy of one of his/her books, & two letters of reference addressing his/her teaching expertise. Submit to: Dr. David J. Bell, Department of English, Chair, Visiting Creative Writing Search Committee, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11086, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1086. (270) 745-4406, [mailto:david.j.bell@wku.edu david.j.bell@wku.edu ].

Deadline: Review begins immediately

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Youngstown State University
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track), Creative Writing: Fiction

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or M.F.A. in Creative Writing; significant publication record; significant record of teaching fiction.

OTHER INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THIS POSITION: Candidate should have experience teaching fiction writing at both the undergraduate and graduate level and some experience in teaching literature courses. Candidate can expect to teach courses as a faculty member for the Northeast Ohio MFA (NEOMFA), and consortial program. Candidate should also demonstrate an ability to teach a diverse student publication with diverse writing interests.

HigherEdJobs (posted 1/3/10)

University HR posting:Assistant Professor, Tenure Track - English (Creative Writing: Fiction)

Deadline: Feb. 1

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

=Non-Fiction=

Allegheny College
From MLA JIL (10/22):

The English Department at Allegheny College invites applicants for a tenure track position in creative nonfiction and literature beginning August 2011. We seek candidates with an expertise in creative nonfiction; secondary interests and publication in environmental writing, fiction or poetry highly desirable. Ph.D. or MFA in hand by August 2011. The successful candidate will have significant publications in nonfiction, preferably one book in print, and can provide evidence of excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level, ongoing publication, and professional development. Teaching load is between 5.5 and 6 courses per year, divided between creative writing and literature courses and depending on senior project advising. All faculty are expected to participate in teaching college-wide first-year/sophomore seminars that emphasize writing and speaking. Allegheny College is a highly selective private liberal arts college with a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars. Please send letter of application and CV before November 30 to Professor Jennifer Hellwarth, Chair, English Department, Allegheny College, 520 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335; requests for supporting materials such as references, dossier, and writing sample may follow.

Deadline: Nov. 30

Acknowledgment received: 11/27

Request for Additional Materials: 1 (12/7 email) x 4

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled: 1 (12/20 phone)

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Antioch University, Los Angeles
Job Announcement

"Antioch University, Los Angeles, is accepting applications for a full-time, renewable Core Faculty position in the MFA in Creative Writing Program. Primarily creative nonfiction, additional genre(s) welcome. MFA in Creative Writing and substantial publications (including at least one book) required."

Deadline: Start reviewing resumes: November 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Q: Is this a TT job? Doesn't "Full-time, renewable" sound like yearly contracts?

A: Perhaps because it's a low-res program, though I don't see that noted.

A. This is a low-res program where you actually have to live in Los Angeles and conduct work on campus regularly.

A. The Core Faculty member should be living in southern california. Other faculty only need to be in LA during residency periods, and conduct the remainder of their work online. There is no tenure at Antioch LA.

Chapman University (CA)
From MLA JIL: Tenure-Track, Assistant or Associate Professor Creative Nonfiction/Journalism Position

"The English Department seeks a Creative Nonfiction Writer/Journalist at the Assistant or Associate Professor to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The English Department is home to MFA, MA, and MFA/MA programs and to a BFA in creative writing and a BA in journalism and in literature. Candidates should have MFA or PhD in creative writing or MA or MS in journalism, teaching experience, and publication in nonfiction. Significant publication in national venues or a book is desired, but emerging writers/journalists with demonstrated potential will be considered. We’re especially interested in candidates with potential in creative writing, journalism, long-form narrative, digital media, editing/publishing (print, online, or both), or interdisciplinary work. Ability to support student literary journal, student newspaper, student magazine, or other existing and future projects is desired. Competitive salary, and expectation of and support for continued publication."

Applicants should send a letter, CV, and writing sample of 10-25 pages by November 20 to: Dr. Patrick Fuery, Chair, Department of English, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled: 1 (12/17 email)

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Columbus State University (GA)
The Department of English invites MFAs and PhDs to apply for a tenure-track position in creative nonfiction at the assistant professor rank. We seek someone who can teach Creative Writing with creative nonfiction focus and secondary emphasis in journalism. Proven track record of publication in creative nonfiction and ability to teach creative writing workshops in new undergraduate creative writing track necessary. Journalism experience assumed. Teaching load is 4/4.

Higher Ed Jobs

Deadline: Applications are due by December 31, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 2 (Received on the 29th along with a reminder to send official transcripts.) Any opinions on the official (i.e., costly) transcripts demand before weeding out candidates? A: Thumbs down. I don't understand why this is necessary.

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Fairfield University (CT)
LINK

"tenure-track Assistant Professor in non-fiction creative writing in the English Department, beginning August 2011. The successful candidate will teach courses in creative writing (focusing on memoir and personal essay), first-year writing, editing and publishing, and other areas within the hire's specialization."

Deadline: Application review begins October 1, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 11/19 (letter)

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled: Phone interview in late October.

Campus interview scheduled: Campus visits for this position have already taken place (12/15) As of 10-1-10 on the MLA JIL, this Fairfield ad states that campus interviews have been scheduled. The 10/8 MLA JIL has a new update: "Status: Applications being reviewed; no campus interviews scheduled yet"

Offer made:

Offer accepted: Offer has been made and accepted.

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Anyone have any news on this position? Have to say, was very impressed by all that I've heard so far.

Francis Marion University (SC)
'''Assistant Professor of English. Tenure Track Position. Francis Marion University seeks a writing specialist with interest in writing for teachers, creative non-fiction''', and business writing. Ph.D. and experience teaching first-year writing required.

Link (position number 11-05)

Deadline: Position begins in August 2011. Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:
 * Also posted at Rhetoric/Composition 2011

Guilford College, NC (VAP)
Guilford College seeks a writing generalist to teach four first-year writing courses per year plus a creative nonfiction workshop and a contemporary fiction literature course in a full-time, one-year temporary position as Visiting Assistant Professor of English, starting August 2011. Ph.D. is preferred; MFA will be considered. Guilford is a selective coeducational liberal arts college founded in 1837 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

LINK

Deadline: November 15

Acknowledgment received: 11/29 email

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/20

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 1/11

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * Cross-posted at Generalist 2011
 * Q: Does "four first-year writing courses" mean four sections of composition? Or are these fiction writing courses, do you think?
 * A: I would assume "first year writing" = comp
 * There is great potential for this position to become a full-time TT gig for the right person. Though this looks like a non-fiction position, the best candidate would also be a publishing fiction (prose) writer.

Northern Michigan University (Nonfiction)
The Department of English at Northern Michigan University invites applications for a tenure track position in creative writing: Nonfiction. MFA or PhD required. Expectations include publications, successful teaching experience at the college level, the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate workshops, and undergraduate composition and/or literature courses. In addition to nonfiction, a secondary area of emphasis is desirable. Other responsibilities include the direction of MA and MFA theses. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, congenial department.

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, transcripts, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to https://employme.nmu.edu. Applicant review will begin immediately.

Link

Deadline: The position will be posted until February 15, 2011.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Old Dominion University
Higher Ed Jobs link

The Department of English is accepting applications from accomplished Nonfiction writers for the Mina Hohenberg Darden Professorship in Creative Writing. The position is a continuing appointment to teach two classes or workshops at the graduate or undergraduate level; position is for one academic year with a possibility of renewal. Teaching experience at the college-level is required, along with a distinguished publishing record and a national reputation. Additional expertise in poetry a plus. The salary will be in the $45,000 - $50,000 range, no benefits. Please submit a cover letter, c.v., & three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Dana Heller, Chair of English, Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA 23529. Review of applicants will begin Nov. 22 and continue until the position is filled. Old Dominion University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and requires compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Application Information

Postal Address: Dr. Dana Heller, English Dept. Old Dominion University, 5000 Batten Arts & Letters Building, Norfolk, VA 23529

Deadline: 11/22/10

Acknowledgment received: 1 - arrived 12/4 by postal mail.

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Oklahoma State University
HigherEdJobs

Tenure-track position in Creative Writing with a specialization in Creative Non-fiction. MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing with significant publications and demonstrated teaching excellence required. 3-2 teaching load beginning August 2011.

Deadline: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 3, 2010.

Acknowledgment received: 11/22

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Trinity University (TX)
From MLA JIL:

"Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of English, Creative Writing for Fall, 2011. Recent Ph.D. (or near Ph.D.) or M.F.A. in English, specialization in creative non-fiction and related interest in composition."

Deadline: November 19, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled: 12/10 X 2

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of Arizona
From MLA JIL (12/17):

The Creative Writing Program of the Department of English at the University of Arizona invites applications and nominations for a tenure-eligible advanced assistant professor or tenured associate professor in creative nonfiction/environmental writing, to start August 2011.

We seek an outstanding writer with significant publications and demonstrated excellence as a teacher to work with students at the graduate and undergraduate level in the creative writing program and in other English programs such as Literature or Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English, if appropriate. Publications must include at least one book from a reputable press. A secondary expertise in poetry or fiction is also welcome, but not required.

For full details and online application, see posting at www.uacareertrack.com (cite job #46641). Review of complete applications will begin on January 3, 2011 and continue until the position is filled.

Deadline: Jan. 3

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

AWP interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Cross-posted at Environmental 2011

University of Central Florida (Instructor of Creative Writing)
From AWP job list

Instructor of Creative Writing

University of Central Florida. The Department of English invites applications for a non-tenure-track, 9-month renewable, Instructor of Creative Writing, experienced in teaching creative nonfiction with the qualifications also to teach fiction. The position requires the MFA or PhD by August 8, 2011 & at least one year experience teaching creative writing at the college level. We prefer candidates with two years experience teaching creative writing, publications, & online teaching experience. Our department publishes two literary journals, the Florida Review & the Cypress Dome. As an agency of the state of Florida, UCF (http://www.english.ucf.edu) makes all selection procedures & application materials available for public review upon request. Please apply online at https://jobswithucf.com, & send letter of application, curriculum vitae, non-returnable creative nonfiction writing sample (thirty pages maximum) & three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Patrick Murphy, Chair, Department of English, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 161346, Orlando, FL 32816-1346. Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2010 & will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted at AWP.

Deadline: October 30, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

AWP interview scheduled: 12/28

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of Louisville
From MLA JIL (10/22):

Creative Nonfiction writers who have received their terminal degree within the last five years in Creative Writing are invited to apply for the Visiting Scholar in Creative Nonfiction position. The position aims to provide a recent graduate with time to further his or her work, to associate with a distinguished faculty, and to allow him or her to contribute to an active creative writing program. One Visiting Scholar will be appointed for the academic year 2011-2012. The visiting scholar will give one reading in the Axton reading series and will teach one course each semester. Of the two courses, one will be of the scholar’s design; the other will be an undergraduate creative nonfiction workshop. The visiting scholar will be expected to be in residence in Louisville during the year. The position will provide a stipend of $25,000 a year, housing support, and benefits. Candidates for the position should submit a letter of application; a current CV; a one-page proposal for an undergraduate course; a writing sample of no more than 25 pages; and at least three letters of recommendation. Applications must be postmarked by December 6, 2010. Mail applications to: Visiting Scholar in Creative Nonfiction, Paul Griner, Director of Creative Writing, Department of English, Bingham Humanities 315, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292. Candidates who have already published a book of creative nonfiction are not eligible. All applicants must also apply online at http://www.louisville.edu/jobs by Dec 6, 2010. The online application will be available beginning Oct 24, 2010. If you have trouble with the online application, please e-mail Steve Gonzales, [mailto:sbgonz01@louisville.edu sbgonz01@louisville.edu] or phone 502 852-6801. The University of Louisville is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, Americans with Disabilities Employer, committed to diversity and, in that spirit, seeks applicants from a broad variety of candidates.

Deadline: postmarked by December 6, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of Memphis
Link

Job Summary: The University of Memphis seeks applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Creative Nonfiction. Secondary genre in poetry or fiction desired. Duties include an active publication agenda, teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level, service on selection and thesis committees, and the usual range of academic duties including advising and committee service. Minimum Qualifications: Required: MFA or Ph.D.; demonstrated teaching excellence; and at least one book in print or in press by a nationally recognized press. Special Conditions: Preliminary interviews will be conducted at the AWP convention or by other arrangement.

Deadline: Open Until Filled (screening begins 11-15-2010)

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:early Dec.

Rejection Letter:

AWP or phone interview scheduled: AWP 2-4-2011

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of Montana
Link

"The Assistant Professor in Nonfiction/Fiction is a full-time, tenure-track position in an established M.F.A. program for a writer of both nonfiction and fiction . . . Significant publications (prefer at least one book in each genre from a national press)"

Deadline: Selection process will begin on November 1st and will continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received: 1 (email 11/13)

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

University of New Haven
The University of New Haven has an opening for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English beginning fall semester 2011. Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate would teach three to four courses a semester: composition, composition and literature, creative or applied writing, specialized literature. Other responsibilities include a program of scholarly activity, student advising, committee service, and participation in departmental activities. Qualifications: A PhD in creative writing or an MFA in creative writing and a PHD in literature are required; publications of creative prose writing are also required. Preferred candidates would have a background in one or more of the other current needs of the department: critical theory; applied writing, e.g. business writing; literature.

LINK

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2010, and continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone/MLA interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Cross-posted at Generalist 2011

U of Pittsburgh
From MLA JIL (ad expired 10/29)

English, 526 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 http://www.english.pitt.edu

Assistant and Associate/Assistant: Nonfiction Writing Pending Budgetary Approval, we anticipate two positions in Nonfiction Writing, tenure track, to teach undergraduate and MFA students: one Assistant Professor, and one Associate or Assistant. Required: MFA or other advanced degree; teaching experience; and extensive experience and publication in nonfiction. For a position as an Assistant Professor, we expect at least one book and/or significant publication in magazines and literary journals; for a position as Associate, we expect appropriately advanced levels of experience and publication. Experience in digital media, and editing/publishing long-form narrative journalism would be desirable. Applicants should be interested in helping to support a large, extremely active undergraduate major as well as a nationally recognized Master of Fine Arts. Course load: normally 4/year; competitive salary. Tenure is awarded for excellence in teaching, research, publication and service. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and member of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send a letter and curriculum vita by November 1 to John Twyning, Chair, Department of English, University of Pittsburgh, 526 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. We will ask for a writing sample at a later stage of the review. We plan to interview candidates in early January (at the MLA convention in Los Angeles January 6-9) or on campus in early January. E-mail is available for additional information only: [mailto:twyning@pitt.edu twyning@pitt.edu].

Deadline: Nov. 1

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials: request, by email, on Nov. 4

Rejection Letter: 4

MLA interview scheduled: 1 (12/7 email)

Campus interview scheduled: 3 candidates invited (date?)

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Wasn't there a University of Pittsburgh job posted above here earlier?

A: I'm not sure it was posted here earlier (maybe. . .?), but here it is now (11/5).

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
LINK

From MLA JIL: "One tenure-track position in creative writing, with specialization in creative non-fiction; appointment begins August 22, 2011. Required qualifications: MFA, Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in creative writing, an established record of publication in creative non-fiction, and evidence of successful teaching in creative writing. Assets include: publications in a second creative genre, experience teaching college composition courses, and a commitment to undergraduate liberal education and to the values of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and anti-racism."

Deadline: To ensure consideration, completed applications must be postmarked by October 29, 2010. However, screening may continue until position is filled. Preliminary interviews will be held by video or phone conference.

Acknowledgment received: 10/30

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled: 11/24

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: scheduled <--date?

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Utica College
Two-year visiting assistant professor starting August 2011 with the possibility of renewal. Applicants should have expertise in creative nonfiction. The 4/4 course load will consist of two sections of freshman composition, one section of introduction to literature every semester, and a multi-genre beginning creative writing course and a course in creative nonfiction in alternating semesters. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic teacher, who can contribute to the College-wide emphasis on writing across the curriculum, and who can reach out to students and faculty in professional programs. Candidates must include a short writing sample. MFA or MA required; Ph.D. preferred. Interviews to be conducted at the AWP Conference on February 2-5, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

HigherEdJobs.com

College HR

Deadline: (from HR page): "To ensure full consideration, please send information by January 15, 2011 to the appropriate contact person for each school listed below to Utica College, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502-4892. However, we may continue to accept and review applications until the positions are filled."

Acknowledgement:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP or phone interview scheduled: AWP interview scheduled 1.19

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

"The 4/4 course load will consist of two sections of freshman composition, one section of introduction to literature every semester, and a multi-genre beginning creative writing course and a course in creative nonfiction in alternating semesters." And yet they call this a "creative nonfiction" position?

= Playwriting / Screenwriting =

Augsburg College (MN)
The Department of English seeks candidates for a tenure-track faculty position in film and creative writing, with experience teaching expository writing, to start September 1, 2011. Candidates must be able to teach cinema arts, screenwriting and creative writing (fiction preferred, poetry and creative nonfiction possible), as well as expository writing. The successful candidate will also contribute to the growth of Augsburg's film and creative writing programs. A Ph.D. or M.F.A. in either film or creative writing, with experience teaching expository writing at the undergraduate level, is required.

LINK

Deadline: 11/20/10

Acknowledgment received: 1 (12/03/10 -- by phone)

Request for additional materials: 1 (12/03/10 -- by phone)

Rejection (no interview): 2 (12/22 --by email)

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 MLA interview (12/03/10 -- by phone)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Otterbein College (OH)
MLA JIL:

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing, Department of English

Position is tenure-track, starting September 2011. MFA or terminal degree required. Area of specialty: Playwriting. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to teach multi-genre courses, topical creative writing courses, and to direct senior projects in different genres. Areas of additional knowledge preferred: Screenwriting; Theatre and/or Performance Studies; Expository and Professional Writing. The position requires regular teaching of thematic literature and composition courses in an Integrative Studies core curriculum. Teaching load is six courses (3-3) in a semester system. Candidates should show evidence of effective teaching, scholarly productivity, and engagement with departmental, university or community service. Interviews at the January 2011 MLA Convention in Los Angeles. Otterbein is a private, liberal arts university with 3100 students in the Columbus metropolitan area. Letters of application, curriculum vitae, and three current letters of recommendation should be sent to: Paul Eisenstein, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Otterbein University, School of Arts & Sciences, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081.

Deadline: November 12

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

I had a campus visit for their poetry job 4 years ago. The students seem pretty smart. The interview was actually fun; these are good people to work with. The Dean was a faculty member in the English department. Though I didn't get the job (there was an inside candidate who deserved it), the process was handled quite professionally. I had a great time on the interview -- something I can say is rare.

SUNY Oswego
The Department of English and Creative Writing at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Screenwriting.

Description of Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for teaching introductory, intermediate, and advanced screenwriting courses in a robust Creative Writing program with 130 majors. Additional responsibilities include teaching film courses for the Cinema and Screen Studies program of the Department of English and Creative Writing; providing departmental and University service; advising majors; and continuing to produce a nationally competitive portfolio of sustained and distinctive creative activity.

Required Qualifications: M.F.A. degree. Candidates must have a record of outstanding narrative storytelling in feature and short film screenwriting; evidence of teaching effectiveness; and experience as a mentor on individual student screenwriting projects. Candidates must be dedicated to helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed in a multicultural and global community.

Preferred Qualifications: We are seeking a proactive colleague who has excellent communication skills and a rich understanding of idea development and creative writing concepts. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to mentoring students and an entrepreneurial attitude to helping grow the program.

To Apply: Submit letter of application, full curriculum vitae listing qualifications and experience, a sample screenplay, three current (dated within one year) letters of reference, and a transcript of highest degree earned electronically to: http://oswego.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=22787

LINK

Deadline: Review of applications will begin January 15, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * Cross-posted at Film Studies 2010-2011

University of Maine at Farmington
Link

"Assistant Professor position. Minimum Qualifications: We seek candidates with significant credits in writing for film or television. Additional qualifications and publications in journalism and/or fiction would be welcome. Teaching load 3/3, with courses in beginning and advanced creative writing in the candidate's fields, one section of Senior Seminar (the creative writing capstone) every other year, regular First-Year Writing or First-Year Seminar courses, and occasional literature courses . . . For full consideration, all materials should be postmarked by November 12, 2010. We will be interviewing at MLA. Joint applications for a shared position are welcomed."

Deadline: Nov. 12

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: (12/4; Skype interview)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: How married do you suppose these folks are to the film/tv credits? Would they accept an ap from a journalist?

University of Mississippi
The Department of English at the University of Mississippi invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in screenwriting and film studies at the rank of Assistant Professor, effective August 2011. To qualify for the position, which carries a 2-2 annual teaching load, candidates must have extensive experience in the creation of original and/or adapted screenplays and/or teleplays, and demonstrated success in the field such as options and productions. A terminal degree and/or a distinguished record of professional achievement are required

LINK

Deadline: Review of application materials will begin November 1, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

=Open=

California Lutheran University
From MLA JIL (10/1):

Assistant Professor of English: Creative Writing and Professional Writing

Full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position starting Fall 2011. The English Department at California Lutheran University is seeking a writing expert committed to teaching in a small university environment. Preference is for an MFA with a Ph.D. in a writing-related field. Evidence of teaching excellence in creative writing, college composition, professional/marketplace writing, and/or literary genre courses a must, with history of publication preferred. Candidate must initiate extracurricular events and activities as well as oversee a newly developed writing option in the major. Normal teaching load is three courses (12 hrs.) per semester, including freshman composition. Other departmental responsibilities include overseeing selected Capstone projects, curriculum development and assessment. Send letter of application, vita, statement of teaching philosophy, research agenda, and three letters of recommendation to Joan Wines, Chair, English Department, Station 3900, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

Deadline: Postmark deadline is November 12, 2011. Initial interviews will take place at MLA in Los Angeles.

Acknowledgment received: 11/11 email

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter: 2 x 12/22 email

MLA interview scheduled: 12/10 x1 (Rhet/Comp board)

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES: This was just reposted on the Chronicle job list (Nov.20) but retains the Nov. 12 deadline. I've emailed for clarification. Has anyone else heard anything?


 * Just received email confirmation that the job was not supposed to be reposted.
 * Cross-posted at Rhetoric/Composition 2011

Christopher Newport University (VA)
HigherEdJobs

Assistant Professor of English (Creative Writing): "Successful candidates should possess a broad knowledge of creative writing (fiction, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting), solid teaching skills, the ability to teach effectively in the University's Liberal Learning Core, an active publishing record as a creative writer (publications preferred), and a commitment to taking a lively part in the life and work of the University, which includes student advising and service to the Department, the University and the profession." Teaching load 3-4.

Deadline: Review of applications begins on December 1, 2010. Applications received after December 1, 2010, will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Acknowledgment received: 3, mail 12/10

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: email 12/15

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

This really makes me laugh. This school has a 3/4 teaching load and they think they're going to be able to hire someone with all the qualifications mentioned in the article below. 3/4! They'll be lucky to get someone who graduated from Oklahoma State.

C: I assume you find the whole job market riotous—or is it that you are naïve? I meet two of the qualifications, have an MFA, a Ph.D., a book of poetry in print, another accepted, a novel with an agent…and I can’t wait for CNU to call.

C: Yes, especially in this market, I'm willing to bet big bucks that CNU will land a first-rate writer/teacher.


 * If you are interested in applying for this position, you should check out this article: Christopher Newport University using U.S. News & World Report rankings in hiring (10/12/10)
 * Why shouldn't someone who has all of those qualifications apply? It seems like a good idea treat all job openings seriously, and not just because it's a difficult hiring climate. Just sayin'.
 * I wonder what the reasoning was of not only using a ranking, but of using this specific one. Seems, if names are what they want, then they'd like to have folks from Cambridge and Oxford (not to mention other great schools throughout the world), and so should have used a world ranking like the Times World Rankings.

Deakin University (Australia)
https://www.deakin.edu.au/jobs (Also see Chronicle of Higher Education)

Lecturer in Text-Literary Studies and Professional and Creative Writing

The appointee will be required to teach in the Text cluster comprising the disciplines of Literary Studies and Professional and Creative Writing, conduct research and publish in the area of Literary Studies and Professional and Creative Writing for the School of Communication and Creative Arts. The appointee will promote the School and maintain links and partnerships with relevant academic, industry and professional communities. The appointee will make an independent contribution through professional practice and expertise and contribute to the School's teaching, research, and program development.

For a full copy of the position description, and to apply online, please visit https://www.deakin.edu.au/jobs All applicants are encouraged to provide a separate statement addressing each key selection criteria in addition to providing a resume. Contact for further information: Professor David Marshall on +61 3 9244 6559.

Deadline: November 14, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

This job might be better categorized under rhetoric/comp/business-writing & creative non-fiction, judging by the full description on Deakin's jobs page.

Q: Check out the salary posted on Deakin's website. It seems fairly high, though I don't know anything about the cost of living in Australia. If anyone out there has a sense of Melbourne's cost of living, please share what you know.

Is it listed in Australian dollars? Or does that even matter these days with the USD on the decline?

A: I looked into this: first, it's listed in Aussie dollars, but they are on par with USD. The cost of living in Melbourne is not particularly high. It seems to me an outstanding salary. Of course, it's more for professional writing, than for creative writing, sigh.

Dickinson State University (ND)
Full-time, tenure-track position in English teaching Creative Writing and other courses depending on departmental and institutional needs. A terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution and prior teaching experience at a U.S. university is required, Ph.D. preferred. Load is 4/4, including courses in composition and literature. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can teach one or more of the following: World Literature, World Religions, Philosophy, and Mythology. Candidates must also participate in Heart River Writers' Project and other department and university sponsored programs as part of on-campus contributions to the department and university. Applicants must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, proficiency in oral and written English, commitment to institutional and program outcomes, and a willingness to deliver some instruction in a student-centered, distance-learning environment. A teaching demonstration is required.

LINK

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2011, and continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received: 12/6 (via post)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Florida State University
Assistant Professor, Fiction and/or Nonfiction Writer

Department of English Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306-1580

The FSU English Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Fiction and/or Nonfiction Writing to begin in fall 2011. MFA or PhD required in English or Creative Writing. Record of publication crucial, with at least one book of fiction or narrative nonfiction published or under contract. 2/2 teaching assignment, normally with one graduate course per year. Competitive salary. Letter and CV may be submitted electronically to  (replace (at) with @) or by post to Diane Roberts & Mark Winegardner, Search Committee Co-Chairs, Department of English, P.O. Box 3061580, FSU, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1580 by December 13, 2010. AA/EOE employer. Minorities, persons with disabilities, and women encouraged to apply.

Deadline: December 13, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 12/23

Request for additional materials: 12/20

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 (12/30, email) Q: Are they interviewing at AWP?

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Framingham State University (MA)
LINK

The English Department invites gifted writers and teachers to apply for a tenure-track position to teach creative writing, literature, and first-year writing. We seek a colleague with demonstrated excellence as a teacher of the writing of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction; first-year composition courses; and literature, preferably modern and contemporary British, European, or American literature.

Requirements: A terminal degree is required, with preference given to applicants with a Ph.D. in literature; highly qualified applicants with an M.F.A. will be given serious consideration. Candidates should demonstrate their writing accomplishments in at least two genres by submitting ten pages of poetry and twenty pages of prose fiction or non-fiction, either published or unpublished.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on Friday, November 5, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: Teaching video requested (email, Dec 02) x 6

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * If they end up hiring Witt, I'm going to regret the time, money, and effort it took to make this video. And the whole notion of this hurdle just makes me angry. What resources are we expected to have to apply for a position teaching English at Framingham? A class that is still in full swing in the first week of December (mine's not). A video camera (okay). Someone to run the camera. (Sure, students shouldn't have to listen to me.) Video software. DVD burner. And the time to do a step that no other advertised position is requiring this year. Are you kidding me?
 * Here's what I'm sending them.
 * Q: Seriously, is anyone doing this? How are you doing it? How are you getting good sound in a classroom? Where are you putting the camera? Static or moving? Hiring someone? Do you have video software? How much time are you spending on this?

They had previously advertised and filled a one-year visiting position for 10-11, so this is a full-time version of that position. All the application materials are exactly the same.

30-minute teaching video required from second-tier applicants (!) (True...but at least it eliminates the need for an awkward sample class during a campus visit)

>>>When I applied for a position there 2 years ago, they required the 30-minute video and, when I interviewed on campus, a separte teaching demonstration.

A: Just what someone trying to survive on adjunct pay needs, expensive videography. I pray that this does not become the standard.

Q: Any idea who the VAP is and whether he or she is staying? The faculty list doesn't include rank, and several profs teach creative writing and literature.

A: Poet Sam Witt; don't know.

Q. Is this university under the impression that creative non-fiction and fiction are not different genres? The request for a poetry and a cnf or fiction sample suggests as much.

A. The request does not, actually, suggest this at all. It says precisely that they want a poet who is capable of working in a second genre, either fiction or creative non-fiction.

Q: Because I don't have a video of myself teaching on hand, and because the semester ends soon after the deadline for these materials....should I videotape a class NOW in the hopes that this school will want to see it? That seems....odd.

Q: Anyone know the teaching load here?

Q: I'm wondering if academic prose counts as non-fiction? I'm a poet-PhD, so I have plenty of poetry and plenty of scholarly work, but no creative fiction or non-fiction that I'd be willing to submit.

A. Academic prose doesn't count as nonfiction in this situation.

Franklin College Switzerland
Assistant Professor of Literature [13405] "Franklin College Switzerland seeks applications for an Assistant Professor in Literature beginning fall 2011, pending funding.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D., with expertise in 19th and 20th-century North American literary studies and a secondary focus in creative writing or a non-western literature. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in both teaching and scholarship and a strong interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in literary studies, lead academic travel, and maintain an active research agenda.

Deadline: November 10, 2010, by email

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/18 x2 (via Early-American wiki)

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled: Franklin College, Switzerland (phone 12/6-7; campus interviews requested) - per 20-21 c. American page.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: yes, see above

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * Cross-posted at 20-21 c. American 2011 & Early American 2011

Q: Anybody know anything about this place?


 * My email bounced. Am I the only one? Did someone manage to get their email through?


 * The search chair is aware of the email issue and working with IT to correct the problem.

Franklin & Marshall College (VAP)
The Department of English at Franklin & Marshall College invites applications for a one-year position at the Assistant Professor level, beginning Fall 2011. We are looking for a Creative Writer who can teach a multi-genre introduction to creative writing as well as upper-level workshops in a single genre - poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. A commitment to undergraduate teaching, significant publications, and a terminal degree in creative writing required. Publications in a secondary genre are desirable. The 3/2 teaching load will include creative writing and literature offerings but no composition. Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and, if possible, teaching evaluations to: Patrick S. Bernard, Chair, English Department, Franklin & Marshall College, P.O. Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17604-3003. Application deadline: March 4, 2011. We will not accept materials submitted electronically.

link (higheredjobs.com)

Deadline: March 4, 2011.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for Additional Materials:

Rejection Letter:

Phone interview scheduled:

Campus interview scheduled:

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES AND QUERIES:

Gettysburg College
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH - EMERGING WRITER LECTURER

One-year appointment, beginning August 2011, for a creative writer who plans a career that involves college-level teaching, to teach three courses per semester, including Introduction to Creative Writing and an advanced course in the writer's genre, as well as to assist with departmental writing activities. Mentorship for teaching and assistance in professional development provided. M.F.A. or Ph.D. with creative dissertation required. Teaching experience and literary magazine publications are essential. Competitive salary.

To apply, send letter of application, curriculum vitae, names of three references, and 10-page writing sample to: Emerging Writer Lectureship, Department of English, Campus Box 397, Gettysburg College, 300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA 17325, postmarked by January 28, 2011. Electronic applications will not be accepted. Do not send entire monographs, books, etc.

LINK (HigherEdJobs)

Deadline: postmarked by January 28, 2011

Acknowledgment received: 1 - arrived 12/4 by postal mail.

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Gilman School
From AWP job list

Tickner Writing Fellowship

Gilman School, an independent boys’ school in Baltimore, announces its search to award the Tickner Writing Fellowship to a writer in fiction, poetry, playwriting, or creative nonfiction. Responsibilities include teaching one senior elective in creative writing each semester, organizing a series of readings, advising the literary magazine, & working one-to-one with students in the Tickner Writing Center. Salary: $30,000, plus full benefits package. To apply: Send c.v., cover letter, three confidential letters of recommendation, & a writing sample consisting of either ten published poems or up to thirty pages of published prose to: Mr. Patrick Hastings, Director of the Tickner Writing Center, Gilman School, 5407 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210. Firm deadline for receipt of all materials in hard copy is January 7, 2011. (AWP)

Deadline: January 7, 2011

Acknowledgment received: 1/13 email (form acknowledgment--on campus interviews scheduled end of feb)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Grand Valley State University
Link to University Jobs Site

"M.F.A or Ph.D. or terminal degree is required by time of employment. ABD with a completion date of December 31, 2011 may be considered for hire at the Instructor level. Candidates are required to have the preparation and experience to teach our multi-genre introductory creative writing class, specialty open. We are especially interested in those with demonstrated preparation in commercial nonfiction."

Deadline: Review of applications will begin November 2, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials: 11/17

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: MLA interview scheduled on December 3.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled: 3 candidates - date?

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Loyola Maryland
LINK

Assistant Professor of Writing (Environmental Writing)

The Department of Writing at Loyola University Maryland seeks a tenure-track assistant professor with a terminal degree in Rhetoric & Composition, Creative Writing, or Writing Studies to teach three sections per year of our core composition course (WR100) as well as advanced environmentally focused prose courses such as Nature Writing and Translating the Secrets of Science. The typical teaching load is six courses per academic year. Terminal degree must be in hand by August 15, 2011. Record of effective college-level teaching, including introductory composition; demonstrated commitment to teaching the first-year writing course; ability to teach upper-level environmentally focused prose courses; record of presentations and/or publications that demonstrates scholarly promise in hiring area; demonstrated ability to use technology to enhance writing instruction; commitment to Loyola's Jesuit educational mission. For more information about the Department of Writing, visit 'www.loyola.edu/writing. Loyola University is a dynamic, highly selective Jesuit Catholic institution in the liberal arts tradition and is recognized as a leading independent, comprehensive university in the northeastern United States. The University welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute to its unique educational mission. Loyola is an equal opportunity employer, seeking applicants from underrepresented groups. Additional information is available at www.loyola.edu Apply at http://careers.loyola.edu. A letter of intent outlining potential fit with the program, C.V., writing samples, list of references may be attached at the appropriate prompt on the application. Three letters of recommendation should be sent to: Chair, Environmental Writing Search, Writing, Loyola University Maryland, 4501 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210-2699. We prefer to request mission essay; teaching materials (e.g., sample syllabi and assignments); and transcripts after we have made a preliminary review of the candidates' qualifications.

Deadline: Priority will be given to applicants that apply by November 1, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): Letter (11/18)

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * Cross-posted at Rhetoric/Composition 2011 & Environmental 2011

Manhattanville College (NY)
Chronicle

The English Department at Manhattanville College, in Purchase, NY, seeks a Creative Writer (poetry or prose) at the rank of advanced Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure-track) to serve as Director of its nationally recognized MA Program in Creative Writing. The successful candidate will provide curricular leadership in the MA program, teach courses in creative writing at the BA and MA level, and will work with the Associate Director in furthering well-established enterprises such as Summer Writers' Week and the literary magazine, Inkwell Journal. Ability to teach literature survey courses desirable. Appropriate terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA), an emerging record of significant publications in the field of Creative Writing, and administrative experience required. Letter of application, CV and statement of teaching philosophy should be addressed to Dr. Nada Halloway, Chair of the Department of English.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin January 15 and will continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

AWP or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after AWP or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

"Members of the Search Committee will be available to discuss the position and interview potential candidates at the Associated Writing Programs (AWP) conference February 4 and 5, 2011 in Washington, DC"

Mercy College (NY)
Candidates must possess a background in Creative Writing to teach in our new undergraduate writing option. Applicants should also have experience in teaching at all levels of the composition sequence and a successful record of publication. Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. in English Literature. Electronic applications are required and must include a cover letter responsive to the specific faculty position announcement, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three references. Please submit the above documentation online at https://jobs.mercy.edu/ (Posting Number: 0800263)

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on December 10, 2010 and continue until the positions are filled.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Otis College of Art and Design (CA)
From AWP's Joblist

Assistant Chair

Otis College of Art & Design. Otis College of Art & Design is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Chair of its Graduate Writing program, who will also direct the college’s undergraduate creative writing minor. Both poets & fiction writers are encouraged to apply. Otis’ ten-year-old MFA in Writing is a full-residence program with emphases on international literature & independent publishing, situated within a dynamic art school environment. For more information about the program, visit our website at gw.otis.edu. Applicants must have published at least two books (or one book & a significant amount of periodical publication), & have established a record of teaching excellence. Please submit a letter of interest, c.v., & a list of references by December 31, 2010, to: Paul Vangelisti, Chair, Graduate Writing, Otis College of Art & Design, 9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Anticipated starting date is July 1, 2011. (AWP)

Deadline: December 31, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Q: So is this outside tenure track? Seems like perhaps an administrative position?

Paine College (GA)
From Higher Ed Jobs

Paine College invites applications for an Assistant Professor of English (Creative Writing). The successful candidate will have an earned MFA in Creating Writing. Those candidates with a PhD in Creative Writing, English or Rhetoric & Composition will be preferred. Eighteen hours of discipline specific course work will be required for serious consideration. Successful candidates will possess a broad knowledge of creative writing (fiction, poetry, playwriting, screeenwriting), exemplary teachng skills, and the ability to teach effectively in the Paine College Core Currriculum. This position hire will be expected to teach upper division courses in creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry as well as first and second year composition and other lower division courses in support of Paine College's Core Curriculum. There will also be an opportunity to develop new courses in creative writing. For all candidates, at least three years of teaching experience in creative writing and composition is required. The teaching load is 3-3. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the position requires attendance and scholarly involvement at faculty/department/division meetings, advisement of students in the major, grant writing, and community service. Interested individuals should submit a detailed letter of interest addressing all requirement points in the job announcement. Include an updated CV, unofficial transcripts, and three professional reference letters. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. For full consideration, complete applications should be submitted by November 10, 2010. Dr. Emily Williams, Chair, Division of Humanities, Paine College.706-821-8224 Online App. Form: http://www.paine.edu/jobs.aspx Email Address: rtucker@paine.edu

Deadline: November 10, 2010.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 11/3/2010

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

The salary on Higher Ed Jobs is listed at $30,000 to $34,000.

Q: Can you live on that in Augusta?

A: No. You can't. It's insulting and outrageous to say in an ad that you prefer a PhD, and yet you are only willing to pay McDonald's wages. The average assistant professor salary in creative writing is roughly $50,000.

[New Poster]: Last year I interviewed for and was offered one of three positions in Literature that Paine advertised. I turned down the offer for multiple reasons. Money was one of them. The salary I was offered was 43,500. I have no idea why the Creative Writing ad has such low a salary. Though the salary wasn't terrible for a small, private college in the South, the health benefits were mediocre and it would have been very expensive to insure my entire family--the per month cost to insure a family would have been $530. Paine would not pay for relocation costs and had little-to-no money for professional development (They were very vague about what they could offer, which I took as a bad sign. I'm fine with $500 a year; just be up front about it). I ultimately turned down the contract and stuck with adjuncting in a part of the country with a higher (though not obscene) cost of living. While I'd rather not detail all the bad things I experienced at Paine, I will say that throughout the search process I was repeatedly shocked with the lack of professionalism displayed by the faculty and administration. I am not a stickler for ritual who gets snippy about faux pas or informal behavior; rather, the lack of professionalism was so bad it left me with little-to-no confidence that the school would be able to stay afloat economically or that I would be able to have a successful career with a stint at Paine on my resume. I will say, however, that I was impressed with many of the students I met; they were engaged, sharp, and very motivated.

In response to the previous poster, I wish the academic salary wikipedia included information about benefits, because salary is only one part of pay. Last year, I turned down a tt position that paid $50,000. Twenty percent of this gross pay would've gone toward insurance for a family of three. Cost-of-living in this part of the country, a suburb of Chicago, wasn't so low that such a cost could be easily absorbed. My grad student health insurance actually would've provided health care for me and my two dependents at a cost only slighter higher than the one offered me through the College. So much about this offer was otherwise appealing. But that was a deal-breaker.

Let's see...20% of your gross income would be $10,000 per year. Therefore the insurance was $833 a month for three people? Seriously?! That is a deal breaker. I've seen $500/mo (family) at some schools. I've also seen $250 for a family. I've also seen a sliding scale for insurance based on salary. If you want a sense of the cost of insurance, the Human Resources page for each university will have a Benefits page that sometimes (about 50/50) spells out the monthly insurance premium. Paine College, by the way, doesn't divulge this info. Often the Benefits page will be a PDF file you have to download. Because this info is public, we could all begin posting what we find on the wiki in the Notes section. Just a thought...

Thanks for the information. I've begun to hunt it down this year; last year I was caught unaware about the highs and lows of health care contributions until interview season. Sliding scale would've been nice, because the insurance -- if premiums didn't continue to accelerate at triple or quadruple the rate of inflation -- would have been tolerable after five or ten years, when pay increases had gone into effect. It's problematic, though, when no one at the College elects to opt-in to their system's health care plan, elevating rates even more. When I spoke to the search chair about my concerns, he admitted he had insurance through his wife, who works in the public sector. The dean blithely said, "Just fill in the paperwork and forget about it. That's what I do." Of course, I'm sure he's paid 2.5 times the salary they were offering me.

The dean said, "Just fill in the paperwork and forget about it"? Why does that make me think of "Just lie back and think of England"? Oh...because you're getting screwed. Instead of opting into the university health insurance, an HSA for the whole family or a combo of university insurance for you and HSA's for your spouse and child might be a cost effective option. HSA's are ideal for people who really don't use their insurance, except for emergencies.

The application page on the HR website at Paine says:

Expected Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Does that mean spring 2011?

Note: a general ad for "several positions for Assistant Professor of English," including Creative Writing, was posted on the MLA JIL on 12/30 (see full posting on Generalist 2011 page) -- not clear if this newer ad represents a readvertisement of this earlier position (in part). The deadline in the MLA ad is Jan. 30.

Rowan University
From HERC

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing: One full-time tenure-track faculty member with expertise and 3 years college-level teaching experience in one or more of the following areas: '''fiction, creative nonfiction, children's stories, or introductory creative writing. '''Starting Date September 2011. Salary Competitive.

General Information: The department's atmosphere reflects the invigorating environment at Rowan University which is a vibrant, comprehensive state institution with a present enrollment of over 11,000 students. The university is located in a suburban, residential setting in southern New Jersey and is less than 20 miles from Philadelphia. All positions are contingent upon budget appropriations. M.A./M.F.A. required. '''Preference will be given to candidates with a strong record of prose publication, preferably at least one book, and preferably in more than one genre. Special consideration will be given to candidates with teaching experience on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, or in courses such as writing the novel, memoir or children's stories, or editing the literary journal.''' Procedure: Candidates must submit a letter of application describing their qualifications and a current vita and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the address below by December 15, 2010.

Chair, Creative Writing Search Committee Rowan University Hawthorn Hall 201 Mullica Hill Rd. Glassboro, NJ 08028

Deadline: Dec. 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received: 3 (email, 12/23)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:


 * Preference is for a novelist and/or children's lit specialist (via email)

Rutgers-Newark University
From AWP joblist

Rutgers-Newark University. The Department of English & the Rutgers Newark MFA Program at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in Newark, invite applications from distinguished Poets & from distinguished Fiction writers for an (MFA) assistant, associate, or professor position (dependent upon qualifications) to begin July 1, 2011. MFA or PhD required. Candidates should have a strong national reputation as a novelist and/or short story writer, at least two well–received books & substantial publication record, & extensive teaching experience. Additional expertise in areas such as nonfiction or memoir preferred. We seek an excellent, committed teacher who has made & will continue to make important contributions to contemporary literature, & who shows interest in our diverse, uniquely structured program & extensive community outreach (see www.mfa.newark.rutgers.edu.) Duties include teaching fiction or poetry workshops & graduate or undergraduate lit courses, directing graduate theses, & advising graduate students in fiction, poetry, & related topics. Candidates should send letter of application, writing sample (published books with SASE acceptable), c.v., & three letters of recommendation to: Jayne Anne Phillips, Co-Chair, Search Committee, Rutgers Newark MFA Program, c/o English Dept. 501 Hill Hall, Rutgers Newark University, 360 Dr. MLK. Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ, 07102. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2010. Women & minorities are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: Nov. 15, 2010

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview): 12/12

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Stephen F. Austin State University
The Department of English and the BFA program at Stephen F. Austin State University seek applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of creative writing, with genre concentrations in literary non-fiction and poetry; secondary preparations or interests may be cross-discipline: creative writing and technology, environmental literature and writing about the environment, multicultural literature, film topics or travel writing. The successful candidate must have an MFA or Ph.D. in creative writing by time of appointment, a record of substantial publication (top-tier journals and/or book publications) and demonstrated teaching excellence.

We are looking for candidates who possess the ability to teach a variety of courses, from freshman composition to advanced or graduate courses in creative writing. The successful candidate will teach beginning, intermediate and advanced courses in creative writing and supervise creative theses on the BFA and MA levels. The ability to teach introductory literature surveys and other upper-division literature topics (as suggested above) is preferred. Experience in teaching freshman composition is essential. The standard load is 4-4 with opportunities for research- and service-related reductions.

Candidates must apply via the SFASU online application system. Please submit letter of application and CV at: https://careers.sfasu.edu.

Applicants should send transcripts, 25-page writing sample in nonfiction and poetry, and three current letters of recommendation directly to:

Dr. Mark Sanders, Chair, Department of English, Stephen F. Austin State University, PO Box 13007, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3007

Deadline: Review of applications begins immediately. Position remains open until filled. (posted at Higheredjobs.com on 11/17/2010)

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Delaware
From MLA JIL (10/22):

Assistant Professor of English, Creative Writing, Half-Time, Continuing Non-Tenure Track [13847]

English Department, University of Delaware Qualifications: MFA, or appropriate terminal degree, record of publication, and experience teaching creative writing. We are seeking a person to join our undergraduate English concentration in Creative Writing to teach creative writing courses and workshops at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. The new faculty member will be part of a dynamic department, with opportunities to contribute to a successful program that is ready to expand and innovate. The successful candidate will teach 2 courses per semester in multi-genre and single-genre Creative Writing courses. The position starts September, 2011, and offers a competitive salary and partial benefits. For consideration, submit an application letter that provides evidence of high-quality teaching, c.v., and contact information for three references to Prof. Bernard Kaplan, Search Committee Chair, Department of English, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-2537 by November 15, 2010. All materials submitted will be shared with departmental faculty.

Deadline: November 15

Acknowledgment received: 1 (email, 11/17)

Request for additional materials: 2 (email, 11/19)


 * Q: I received a request from the HR dept for an "Applicant Information Form" on the 15th. For the person who posted the "1" above, was this the additional material or did they request a writing sample etc?
 * A: They requested a writing sample, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a teaching portfolio, whose components were then listed.

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 1 (notification of finalist status, email, 12/22)

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

Is there a trend here where universities seem to be looking for teachers with higher qualifications (2, 3 books) to serve a greater and larger variety of functions (you'll teach creative writing/lit/first-year) while receiving less committment from the university (non-tenure track/visiting/partial benefits/fellowjob*)? At what point do we draw the line? That's not a rhetorical question, I really do want to know.

I would agree: even beyond what it's been, I cannot believe the credentials that are being asked for, the fields of expertise, and the amount of work they expect us to do. Not to get everyone down, but it is dishearteningly exploitative. I don't know how I would sleep doing these jobs, much less have any life outside of work. I wonder if it's time to petition the MLA, AWP, etc. for guidelines for quality of life / teaching responsibilities. It also seems detrimental to the profession in terms of the teaching itself--how can anyone do a good job under these conditions? Especially in an impermanent position when you never get to stop being on the market?

Q: What are your dealbreakers?

A: I don't THINK I'd kill a drifter for a tenure track job. But check with me after the AWP.

A: LOL. I think I saw that listed as a requirement somewhere, but you also had to have three books with disreputable publishers and 5 years experience in zoo animal training. But since I'm the question-asker, I should maybe start by answering my own dealbreaker question. 1. I can't bring myself to apply for jobs in tiny and/or faraway towns because it's becoming very difficult to uproot. 2. I have taught comp and I would rather not do it again. It's also difficult to see the improvement in a freshman's writing over one semester and harder to quantify. There's a trend toward quantifying (tests, etc.) that does not bode well for anyone teaching comp. It's bound to get harder. No one teaching comp has any power, so they will be blamed for how ineffective the class is, despite the fact that it won't be their fault. 3. A 3/3 teaching load or more sounds like death, especially to one's own "scholarly interests," because after teaching there will be meetings and committees, etc. etc., but if there are other benefits I might still consider.

A. To the above, may I make a gentle recommendation? Ease up on the deal breakers. I've known several English professors at R1 schools who said they still taught composition after 30 years of teaching. Also, a 3/3 load is about 30 hours of work a week. Not that bad, really. The people who get 2/2 jobs are usually people with prize-winning books or multiple books, and often they're leaving 3/3 jobs. I understand not wanting to teach in far flung locations, but the teaching experience at a far flung location (plus subsequent book pubs) can get you a better 2/2 job down the road. As for me, there are some low-paying jobs that I won't be applying to. And there are jobs I don't want that I'll apply to anyway, just to see if I can make lemonade out of lemons.

A. I agree with a lot of what's being said--especially the notion that if you creative writing, you have to do all kinds of creative writing--like, be a fiction writer, but also teach poetry and play-writing and screenwriting and...oh, and comp and lit. I'd be excited to teach a variety of classes, but some of this seems a bit much. As for teacing loads--I dream of the 2/2, but right now I'm a 4/4 adjunct, so even 3/3 seems like heaven to me. I also don't think it's as killer as some might fear. When I was in grad school I got to meet Steven Millhauser. I was schocked to learn that, until a couple years before that (and long after he'd won the Pulitzer), he'd been teaching a 3/3. So, clearly, you can do good work with that load. But I assume it depends heavily on the institution as well.

A. I do want to point out that a 3-3 load can regularly require significantly more than 30 hours a week. Especially if one factors in departmental service. It seems like what is required under the blanket of "service" is getting to be heavier and heavier at my school. I'm exhausted, and the teaching isn't what's exhausting me.

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
From MLA JIL, 11/12:

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH, Poet and/or Novelist [14014] Full-time, tenure-track position in Creative Writing starting August 1, 2011 (position number 83595); pending position clearance and availability of funding. Teaching Duties: teach introductory composition and literature courses as well as upper-division and graduate-level courses in Creative Writing, as well as courses in literature; 2-2 teaching load first year and at least one other year during probationary period; 3-2 load in other years. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. or M.F.A. in English; with strong publishing record. Desirable Qualifications: creative and teaching interest in any of the following areas: Hawaiian and/or Pacific literary traditions, international literature, non-realist writing, gender and sexuality, mixed genres, translation. Salary: commensurate with experience and background. Send letter of application and CV to Professor Jeffrey Carroll, Chair, English Department, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 1733 Donaghho Road, Honolulu, HI 96822. The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action. Closing Date: December 1, 2010. Initial interviews will be conducted at MLA in Los Angeles in January 2011.

Deadline: Dec. 1

Acknowledgment received: 11/30 (email) x2

Request for additional materials: 12/1

Rejection (no interview): 12/17 (by mail) x 4 (12/20 email)

MLA or phone interview scheduled: 12/16 MLA interview

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of Illinois, Springfield
The English Department at the University of Illinois Springfield invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor specializing in creative writing to begin August 2011. Preferred secondary qualifications include expertise in or experience teaching composition and/or digital rhetoric. The successful candidate will teach three courses each term. Responsibilities include teaching lower-division, upper-division, and graduate seminars in area of specialty, core courses for the department, and composition and general education courses as needed. Candidates should expect to teach 1-2 online courses each year. A Ph.D. in English with a focus on creative writing is required at the time of appointment, as well as evidence of scholarly potential.

LINK

Deadline: Deadline of application is November 26, 2010.

Acknowledgment received: 11/26 via postal mail

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA interview scheduled: 1 (12/7); 1 (12/8) Q:by post or e-mail? A: phone call.

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Interesting that they began reviewing files Nov. 22, but deadline for receipt of those files was Nov. 26, per acknowledgment letter.

C. I'm confused. Did the acknowledgment letter say they began reviewing on the 22nd? Or did something get deleted from the wiki?

-- letter said they were reviewing applications already when acknowledgement came in mail on 26th. Said they'd contact first week or so of December. Very confused timeline, yes.

C. Okay. Gotcha. Just got my letter today. Perhaps they realized there were going to receive 150 apps instead of 50 and started reviewing early.

University of Saint Francis (IN)
The University of Saint Francis invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of English, beginning August 16, 2011. The candidate must be able to teach undergraduate Creative Writing and serve as advisor for our annual creative writing publication. Additionally, we seek applicants with a secondary concentration in at least one of the following areas: composition and rhetoric, British literature, or English education. Course assignments will include creative writing, composition, and general education literature courses. The course load for this position is 4/4.

Requirements: MFA or Ph.D. preferred (ABD will be considered); evidence of successful teaching; a commitment to the university's Catholic and Franciscan Mission and Values; and a demonstrated enthusiasm for undergraduate teaching, research, and service in a university that offers degree programs in the liberal arts, professional, and pre-professional programs.

Interested applicants should submit letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference by email to[mailto:searchcommittee@sf.edu searchcommittee@sf.edu ]or by mail. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

LINK (HigherEdJobs)

Deadline: Review of applications will begin March 14.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

University of South Alabama
From MLA JIL:

"The English Department at the University of South Alabama seeks applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure track position as Assistant Professor. The position is in Creative Writing, with a specialization in Screen Writing, Playwriting, and/or Creative Non-Fiction. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in creative writing at the B.A. and M.A. levels, as well as freshman writing and literature survey courses. He or she will also perform such duties as student advising, service on student thesis committees, and service on departmental committees. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to teaching creative writing and other English courses, and must have relevant experience in publishing and/or production (e.g., in theatre, motion pictures, television, Internet media). Professional experience in electronic media, editing/publishing, and/or entertainment marketing is also desired."

Deadline: Review of applications will begin October 15, 2010, and will continue until the position is filled.

Acknowledgment received: 1 (date?)

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

MLA or phone interview scheduled: (12/11) x3

Rejection (after MLA or phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES: Learned today (1/20/2011) through email to the department chair that preliminary interviews are complete, and no more applications are being accepted at this time.

University of South Dakota (Visiting Creative Writer)
From MLA JIL (12/23):

The University of South Dakota invites applications for a Visiting Creative Writer for the 2011-12 academic year. Anticipated contributions are teaching classes focused on creative writing and literature, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in creative writing, participation in the life of the creative writing program and the Department of English, and continued activity as a publishing writer. Excellence in teaching is expected, both in the classroom and in mentoring students outside the classroom. USD is the state’s flagship liberal arts university. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, USD’s English Department offers BA/BS, MA, and PhD degrees, with creative writing specializations at all levels; it hosts South Dakota Review and the biennial John R. Milton Writers’ Conference (October 2011).

Teaching experience and book publication are required, as is an MFA in Creative Writing or a PhD in English (or equivalent). Additional publications, readings, and presentations are desirable. Appointment runs August 22, 2011 to May 21, 2012. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. To apply, send CV, application letter, graduate transcript, at least three letters of reference, and a representative sample of published creative writing to John Dudley, Chair, English Department, The University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069-2390. Materials may also be submitted via https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu.

Deadline: Screening begins January 31, 2011 and continues until a suitable candidate is hired.

Acknowledgment received:

Request for additional materials:

Rejection (no interview):

Phone interview scheduled:

Rejection (after phone interview):

Campus interview scheduled:

Rejection (after campus interview):

Offer made:

Offer accepted:

NOTES:

=Interviews=

Campus Visits / Poetry
[Please alphabetize all entries]

Bowling Green State U: scheduled 12/19 (4 candidates)

California State University, San Bernardino, scheduled 1/15

Georgia Southern: scheduled 12/23 (4 candidates)

Rhodes College: scheduled 1/14

University of Idaho: scheduled 12/18 (3 candidates)

University of Illinois, Chicago: scheduled 1/12 (3 candidates)

Campus Visits - Fiction
[Please alphabetize all entries]

Bridgewater State, scheduled 11/29 (for visit week of Dec. 6)

Bucknell, scheduled 1/12

Fordham University

Indiana University

Roosevelt University, scheduled 1/17

Tulane University, scheduled for late January

University of Cincinnati, four campus interviews scheduled as of 1/16.

University of Oregon, scheduled 12/16

West Virginia University, weeks surrounding AWP

Campus Visits - Non-Fiction
Fairfield University, campus visits occured prior to 12/15

Guilford College, campus visits scheduled mid-January

University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

University of Pittsburgh, 3 candidates invited to campus.

Campus Visits - Open
[Please alphabetize all entries]

Grand Valley State, 3 candidates

AWP Interviews/Poetry
[Please alphabetize all entries]

Portland State: scheduled 1/11

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: scheduled 12/23

University of Arkansas scheduled 1/13

University of Virginia: scheduled 1/6

AWP Interviews - Fiction
[Please alphabetize all entries]

Grinnell College, 1/18

Portland State, 1/7

New School, 1/3

Saint Joseph's University, 1/10

University of Central Florida, 12/16

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 12/21

University of Maine, 12/9

AWP Interviews - Non-Fiction
University of Central Florida (Instructor), scheduled 12/28

University of Memphis, scheduled for 2/4

Utica College, scheduled 1/19

AWP Interviews - Open
[Please alphabetize all entries]

SCHOOLS THAT HAVE SCHEDULED INTERVIEWS (MLA / Phone)
Please add to this list as interviews are scheduled, in alphabetical order (and don't forget to update the relevant sections above as well!)
 * Allegheny College, Non-Fiction (interview scheduled 12/20)
 * Augsburg College, Screenwriting (MLA scheduled 12/3)
 * Baldwin-Wallace College, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled, 12/15)
 * Bowling Green State, Poetry (phone interview scheduled, 12/2; campus interview scheduled, 12/29)
 * Bridgewater State College, MA, Fiction (phone interviews Nov. 16 & 22; campus interview scheduled 11/29 for 12/6)
 * Bucknell, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled, 11/15)
 * California Lutheran University, Open (MLA interview scheduled, 12/10 - per Rhetoric/Composition 2011)
 * California State University, San Bernardino, Poetry (MLA scheduled 12/7)
 * Chapman University, Non-Fiction (interview scheduled 12/17)
 * Christopher Newport University, Open (MLA interview scheduled 12/15)
 * Clarke University, Fiction/Prose (Phone interview scheduled, 1/15)
 * Colgate University, Fiction (MLA interviews scheduled 12/6 & 12/7)
 * College of Wooster, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled 12/16)
 * Drake, Fiction (phone [?] interview scheduled, early Dec [?])
 * Eastern Kentucky University, Visiting Fiction Writer (phone interviews, late Nov.; offer made & accepted 12/1-2)
 * East Carolina University, Poetry (email to schedule phone/skype interview 12/20, for interview mid-Jan.) Search for ECU cancelled-budget cut.
 * Fairfield University, Non-Fiction (phone interview, late October; campus interviews completed 12/15)
 * Florida State University, Fiction and/or Non-Fiction (interview scheduled 12/30)
 * Fordham University (email to schedule interview, 12/6; campus interview scheduled)
 * Franklin College, Switzerland (phone 12/6-7; campus interviews requested) - per 20-21 c. American 2011
 * Framingham State, MA, Open (teaching video 12/02)
 * Georgetown College, KY, Poetry (phone interview, scheduled 11/30)
 * Georgia Southern University, GA, Open (phone interview, scheduled 11/30; in person 12/13)
 * Grand Valley State, Open (MLA interview scheduled on December 3).
 * Guilford College, VAP (interview scheduled 12/20)
 * Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Poetry (MLA, 12/17)
 * John Carroll University, Fiction (MLA, scheduled 12/20)
 * Marymount Manhattan College, Fiction (email to schedule phone interview 12/9)
 * New School (NY), Fiction (AWP interview scheduled, 1/3)
 * Oklahoma State University, Non-Fiction (Skype interview scheduled, 11/30); Poetry (Skype interview scheduled, 11/29)
 * Paine College, GA, Open (phone [?] interview scheduled, 11/3)
 * Portland State, Poetry (phone interview scheduled, 12/23); Fiction (AWP interview scheduled, 1/7)
 * Rhodes College, Poetry (MLA scheduled 12/9)
 * Roosevelt University, Fiction (MLA scheduled, 12/16)
 * Saint Joseph's University, Fiction (AWP scheduled 1/10)
 * Shippensburg University, Poetry (AWP scheduled, 12/23)
 * Temple University, Poetry (MLA scheduled 12/13)
 * Texas State University - San Marcos (interview requested, 12/9)
 * Trinity University, Texas, Non-Fiction (interview scheduled 12/10)
 * Tufts, Poetry (Skype, 1/11)
 * Tulane University, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled 11/20)
 * University of California, San Diego, Poetry (MLA interview scheduled 12/13)
 * University of Central Florida, Fiction (AWP interview scheduled 12/16); Instructor of Creative Writing (AWP, 12/28)
 * University of Cincinnati, Fiction (12/7 phone interview; four campus interviews scheduled as of 1/16)
 * University of Delaware, Open (notification of finalist status, email, 12/22)
 * University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Open (MLA interview scheduled, 12/16)
 * University of Idaho, Poetry (phone interview, scheduled 11/30; campus interview scheduled 12/18)
 * University of Illinois at Chicago, Poetry (MLA interview scheduled 12/3)
 * University of Illinois, Springfield, Open (MLA interview scheduled 12/7)
 * University of Maine, Fiction (AWP interview scheduled, 12/9)
 * University of Maine at Farmington, Screenwriting (Skype interview scheduled, 12/4)
 * University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Poetry (MLA interview, scheduled 11/30)
 * University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Poetry (phone interview, 12/2)
 * University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Fiction (AWP interview scheduled, 12/21)
 * University of Oregon, Fiction (phone interview requested, 12/2; campus interview scheduled, 12/16)
 * University of Pittsburgh, Non-Fiction (MLA, 12/7)
 * University of Tampa, Fiction (Phon interview, 01/14)
 * University of Toledo, Fiction (MLA, 12/21)
 * University of South Alabama, Open (12/11)
 * University of Virginia, Poetry (AWP interview scheduled, 1/6)
 * University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Non-Fiction (phone interview scheduled, 11/24; campus interview scheduled)
 * Washington University in St. Louis, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled 12/9)
 * West Virginia University, Fiction (MLA interview scheduled 12/1)

=Q and A=

QUESTION ABOUT MLA INTERVIEWS
This is a newbie question. I have an interview at MLA which is geographically convenient, but I'm not actually attending the conference. The interview is in a suite in the Marriott, I assume there's no problem with that, am I wrong?
 * I think that should be okay. Just make sure you have the right suite number and contact information in advance, because I don't think you can use the MLA Job Information Center to get that information at the conference unless you are registered.
 * Different question/poster--so how do you get this info, then, if you are registered? One of my interviewers hasn't yet sent any specific information on where to meet--do I get this from the Job Information Center?
 * Yes, you should consult the Job Info Center if you need to get details on a scheduled interview. From MLA's convention guidelines (http://www.mla.org/convention_services/): "Consult the interviewer’s sign-in file in the J. W. Marriott (Gold Salon 4, 1st floor) if you do not know whether your interview is scheduled for a hotel room or the interview area or if you need to find out the hotel room number for your interview. Allow yourself ample time to obtain this information. If your interview is scheduled for the interview area, proceed directly to the J. W. Marriott (Gold Salons 1 through 3, 1st floor) and ask a staff member for the table number." See more details at the link above (scroll down to "Job Information Center")
 * OP here, thanks! I've got a contact number and the name the suite is reserved under, so I thought I'd be ok, but reassurance is always nice!

Nationally Recognized Press?
I wonder if we could begin naming names here. Of course the big NY houses are nationally known. What about presses like Blazevox, Salt, Action, Black Ocean? Do you think there could be a consensus? Who is nationally known and who is not?

A: I bet we can give you an educated guess if you are willing to come out with the name of the press causing concern....

OP: This question has as much to do with publishing future as publishing past. I guess, in this climate, if one wants to teach, it is not only about a personal respect for a press. I like what each of the above does, and consider each a recognized press, but am curious about their standing. Of course I could list more, but figure this is a good place to start.

B: I have the same question...I'm guessing it varies by committee, depending on how engaged with the contemporary moment the members happent to be.

A: The answer is relative. If I have two poetry books on my desk--one published by Copper Canyon and the other by Black Ocean then I'm going to automatically weight CC higher because it has such a long list of authors who've won NBAs and Pulitzers, etc. and it has "name recognition" that BO does not yet have. Even so--I am still going to open both books, read some poems, and decide for myself which poet is a match for our university. I think if you are on the fence about applying for a job because you are worried your press does not fit the job description--go ahead and apply. It can't hurt. If your book is self-published--that's another story.

A: It can depend so, so much on the aesthetics of those reading the apps. There are those who'll want to hire those with big presses or prizes--Graywolf and Copper Canyon, Yale or Whitman etc--but then there are many poets who might think those places aesthetically conservative and be way more excited about Ahsahta or Salt. And I think sometimes poets are at a disadvantage because the presses we might consider prestigious, Chairs and even Lit professors may never have heard of, whereas Yale or Graywolf will be on their radar. But hopefully--hopefully--the majority of committees are just looking for strong writing and teaching. Don't drive yourself crazy second-guessing; submit to the presses you respect, and apply to jobs you want.

C: I agree about the answer being relative. "Nationally Recognized" would seem to rule out, for example, many fiction and poetry series from university presses that specifically specialize in regional authors (as several Southern and Midwestern university presses tend to do). In most other fields in the Humanities publishing with a university press would "count," no question, but creative writing is a totally different animal. Think about the fact that almost every other field in the humanities values double-blind peer review above all, and in creative writing that process is unheard of.

D: The OP raises a good question. I would consider each othe presses the OP named as nationally recognized. How do others feel? What about Hawthorne Books? Wigger House?

OP.A: Since I suggested the game, I will go ahead and play it. For what it is worth, I have not heard of either of these presses (Hawthorne or Wigger). That said, I am primarily a poet so maybe my ignorance should be taken with a grain of salt.

A. For what it's worth, Hawthorne is a great press, though I suspect few people know about it. I know two fantastic writers (fiction and nonfiction) with Hawthorne Press.

A. Yes, after I posted I looked up Hawthorne. Very nice press. Felt bad posting that I had not heard of it, but wanted to be honest about it. I guess, for me, the test would be that if you hear the name of a press, it is immediately recognized and recognized in a positive way. Of course, very very subjective. Ignorance seems to rule this game.

C. Just a thought...would it be helpful to start a Small Press and Literary Journal Wiki? I realize that Duotrope, NewPages, and Poets and Writers all publish information on journals and presses. The problem with Duotrope (A great site! Don't get me wrong. Couldn't live without it.) is that you can only report your statistics; you can't write a comment about a good journal or bad journal. You can't post general publishing questions. And you can't find out if the journal that accepted your story or poem a year ago is now dead or just hibernating for a while. Any thoughts? Would people use such a Wiki?

Getting Around In L.A.
I'm a little worried about finding transportation in L.A. Here's the facts: 1) I'm terrified of driving in large cities (rental) 2) Yet I do not have hundreds of dollars for cab fare. What's the least horrific scenario for a person in my situation?

R: Stay at the conference hotel, or the hotel next to it. Take a hotel shuttle airport to hotel and back. Walk to restaurants. I relate to the cab $ woes.

A: From a former public transportation-using LA resident: Don't believe the old story-line, still very popular on the east coast (and San Francisco), that LA is a car-only town. The Red and Purple Line (subway) make it comfortable to get between the Valley(North Hollwyood and Universal City), Hollywood, Koreatown, and (most important for MLAers) downtown. Light rail connects you to Long Beach, Little Tokyo, Pasadena, and East LA and elsewhere. Where else do you need to go? If you must go to the Westside, you can catch a Metro Rapid (bus). If you need to get from the airport to downtown, take the $6 Airport Flyaway to Union Station, then the Metro Red Line ($6 day pass, $1.50 per trip) to the stop near your hotel (probably 7th & Metro). From there, you can walk anywhere you need to go, or take the F Dash -- only 35 cents, up from a quarter -- up and down Figueroa; other lines serve other areas downtown (Disney Hall, etc.) and on into Chinatown. Visit Grand Central Market for good cheap eats and fresh produce -- it's within walking distance of the Pershing Square Red Line stop. A Ralph's Fresh Fare market is also downtown. Some links: Dash Map; info on FlyAway Shuttle; and LA Metro Red Line Map (subway).

Thanks, good info. Different questioner: If I'm staying in Santa Monica with friends, I suppose renting a car is the most reliable option to and from. Figure about an hour from the coast to downtown?

That trip by car can take as few as 20 minutes or more than an hour. I wouldn't want to do it in the morning or the afternoon, especially by bus. Crawling through traffic is no way to prepare for an interview. The 10 bus is an option, but Santa Monica/the Westside is the one place I wouldn't have put myself if I wanted to use public transport. That'll change in a couple years when the Expo line opens.

Wow. That is incredibly helpful.

Thanks, LA savant! Santa Monica is, unfortunately, unavoidable. When would the worst times to travel be?

My cousin Martin will drive you around in his El Camino. $45 flat.

MFA vs NYC
[http://www.slate.com/id/2275733/pagenum/all/#p2 MFA vs. NYC: America now has two distinct literary cultures. Which one will last?]

Thoughts?

I hope both of them burn.

This question sounds like malarky.

You're referring to the article in Slate? I liked it. Both cultures will last until publishing is less fucked up. Which might not happen until the apocalypse so just be glad you have a choice.

Salary Expected
Q: When an online application asks for "Salary Expected," what do you put down? It's ironic, the application I'm looking at comes from a university that, on its own career services page, advises its undergraduates: "Do not be the first one to mention an exact amount of money, no matter how many ways the interviewer tries to get you to inform him or her of what you earned or what you wish to earn in the future."

Phone Interview Tips
Q: I've only had two previous phone interviews and both were disasters. Would anyone care to share some tips? I'd especially welcome advice from former interviewers regarding "don't do this/horror stories" or from successful interviewees who could tell me what, for example, I should have in front of me while on the phone.

A/Q. Excellent question. I might add to this question the following: What do you do when you need to pause and think about a complex response? Silence is deadly during a phone interview, and I've had at least one interview where I really needed time to contemplate the question.

Some advice: Make sure the time of the interview isn't at the end of the day. I once sat around waiting for a five pm interview and was worked up and crazed by the time they called.

Some advice (i have been on the other end of a phone interview a few times): don't talk too much (or too little), have a list of questions prepared about their program, and about the interviewers' work/vision. Make sure that your portion gets to the point quickly and that you finish with a question often enough. (haven't you ever noticed that we always love the people who are good listeners?) do research on the people interviewing you if you can. find connections with their work, etc.

Q to the above: by "finish with a question"--do you mean end by asking a question, or just to make sure you fully answer enough of their questions (as sometimes a question can be one you're underprepared for, and you end up carefully or not so carefully dodging it).

a: do ask a question to clarify if that's why you are having a hard time answering it. sometimes rephrasing the question to one that you do have an answer for is a good strategy (as long as you tell them why it's a good idea to approach the concept that way). just rephrasing without explaining it makes it seem like you weren't listening.

Some more advice: Dress professionally for the phone interview, as if you were doing an in-person conference interview (i.e. suit, etc.), since evidently casual clothing can come through in your voice somehow. . . Sit at a desk with some basic reference materials (like, perhaps that list of questions suggested above) ready at hand (although, that said, I think it would be an error to shuffle through papers overmuch while you're talking. . .).

A: These are truly wonderful suggestions--thank you so much for your input (the question list, the dress code advice, and the funny comment about the "crazed waiting period" all relevant--and I'd welcome more...

A: PP mentioned having reference materials handy. I'd suggest have copies of your syllabi for whatever variety of courses you've taught, a copy of your cover letter, a copy of your cv, a copy of your writing sample (or abstract), maybe even a teaching statement. Even if you know these things backwards and forwards, you might be anxious enough that the info is not at the ready during a phone interview.

A: Had a phone interview last year. Had a list of points to make right in front of me about graduate workshops and undergrad workshops, and proceeded to completely ignore it. Then managed to block out the conversation afterwards, so couldn't think what to follow up on in an email. Self-sabotage, much?
 * You also might find this blog post on Skype interviews useful or at least entertaining . ..

AGE
under 30: 9

30-35: 13

36-40: 16

41-45: 13

46-50:

over 50: 3

TOTAL: 53

Field
Poet: 18

Fiction Writer: 13

Creative Non-Fiction Writer: 2

Multi-Genre:1

Creative Nonfiction/Fiction: 5

Fiction/Poetry: 3

Creative Nonfiction/Poetry: 2

Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry:

Fiction/Creative Nonfiction/Playwriting:

Fiction/Creative Nonfiction/Screenwriting/Journalism: 2

STATUS
Unemployed and looking for job: 1

Employed in other field, wanting to re-enter academia: 3

Employed in other field, just trying to break into academia: 1

Finishing MFA or Ph. D & going on the market: 5

Tired of adjunct serfdom, dreaming of health insurance: 5

Have visiting gig, looking for TT: 18

Have t-t job and looking for new one: 7

Gluttons For Punishment: 2

Window shopping: 2

Degrees
PhD only: 1

Phd and Terminal MA: 4

MFA and ABD: 5

MFA only: 15

PhD and MFA: 14 Fic: 3 Poe: 2 Non-fic:

PhD and MFA (two genres): 1

PhD, MFA, and MA: 1 Poe

Two MFAs (in different genres or same):

Terminal MA: 1

MFA and MA: 3

Other:

Publications
No book yet: 7

First book under contract: 3

First book published: 4

First book + edited anthology published: 4

First book published, second book under contract: 5

Multiple books published: 11

Q: I know this was discussed a bit last year, but how do chapbooks fit in here?

A: If they say they want a book, chapbook won't cut it. If needing a book isn't specified, though, having a chapbook can be a plus and show promise. Keep in mind that requirements are minimums, and that places requiring one book will get applications from those with 2 and 3 and more. (This seems more the case for poets).

R: Yes, I understand that. Was just curious if we should include chapbooks in the above tally or only perfect bound books.

Q. I also wonder how a long essay in a book of photographs counts.

Q: Would folks mind putting how many jobs they applied for? Curious. Me: 6. #2: 14. #3: 23. #4: 17. #5: 10. #6: 23. #7:12. #8: 39. #9: 4. #10: 17. #11: 5. #12: 6. #13: 40. #14: 22. #15: 11. #16: 4 #17 5

FYI: Compiled Who-Was-Hired Stats from Last Year's Wiki, Poetry:

(20 positions total): (# of bks includes bks "forthcoming" @ time of hire):

Creds of hires:

MFA + 1 bk: 5

MFA + 2 or more bks: 6

PhD + 1 bk: 3

PhD + 2 or more bks: 3

Dunno (b/c wiki doesn't say): 3 (--Mesa State, Saginaw, Penn State York)

Interview Questions
Someone asked (final section) about interview questions. Two thoughts come to mind: 1) A good many are posted already on last year's page (Creative Writing Jobs 2009-10). 2) Here are some I have had for phone interviews this year:

1. Tell us how you see your writing changing and growing in the next 5 years?

2. How do your undergraduate and graduate workshops differ?

3. What literature classes would you like to teach here?

4. Why did you apply for our position?

5) What do undergraduates need to know about poetry?

6) What do you think an MFA should do for its students? a Ph.D?

7) What is your relationship to critical theory?

8) Can you describe any innovations in the way that creative writing workshops are taught that you'd like to pursue?

Hope that helps--and that other folks will add more.


 * Also: you will always be asked: "Do you have any questions for us?" at the end. Make sure you have some, the more specific to the program, the better, I think. The list of questions on last year's page that the poster refers to above is found in the section: Helpful Interviewing Wiki-ggestions!

Q: MLA vs. AWP
So it seems like 85% interviewing at MLA. Does that mean the AWP interviewers will lose out on the "hottest" hires?

A: AWP's in early Feb. All the flybacks will likely be during the same timeframe (late Feb/March).

A: I wonder how many colleges/universities that interview at MLA will try to schedule a fly-back for the dates of AWP. "Oh, you can't make it then? Why is that?"

A: The above answer assumes that writers would only attend AWP for interviews; most people go to AWP for other reasons: panels, readings, bookfair, schmoozing at the bar, etc. No way would they, or should they, expect to schedule on-campus interviews for AWP week, for that's when most competitive candidates will most likely be presenting new work at the conference. Respondent #1 had it right: most universities can't get admininstrative approval for visits until late Feb./early March, which means AWP interviewers, if they work quickly, will have similar if not the same draft picks as MLA interviewers.

A: Writers on the hiring committees at MLA will also, many of them, be going to AWP (not to interview, but to read, panel, and schmooze).

A: "Respondent #1 had it right: most universities can't get admininstrative approval for visits until late Feb./early March, which means AWP interviewers, if they work quickly, will have similar if not the same draft picks as MLA interviewers." That's not so, at least in my experience. You could expect a campus visit by early February and job offers by early March. And yes, I would only attend AWP for interviews, at least this year, as I'd have to pay out of my own pocket to go there (not so for MLA). I can't imagine I'm alone in that regard.

Rant: So I have two MLA interviews, for which I have to schlep across the country, two phone interviews (which I suspect have to do with the same schlep, the state of the economy, and the fact that MLA and AWP are so close together) and potentially some AWP interviews (if I'm lucky). Why oh why can these not be consolidated, dear writing hiring committees? Figure $400 plane ticket, $300 hotel bill, car rental, meals, incidentals... this ain't cheap. And repeat again for AWP in February. Can we organize something to remedy this?

A: Hey, at least you're looking at multiples. Some of us have been in the unenviable position of splashing out all the cash for a single interview -- because you can't say "no." (And you can't say, "you're the only school that wants to interview me!")

Rant 2: I second the rant and move that the interviews be moved to AWP because that's "our" conference--especially irksome when we're (many of us) already going to it and don't typically have much, if anything, to do with MLA. To above responant--you may still get lucky. Hang in there--look at all of the schools that have not called anyone yet--decisions running late this year.

Q. Wiki Usage
Last year around this time, there seemed to be dozens of people using the wiki. This year it's quiet. Was there some kind of backlash against people who used the wiki? Are people lurking instead of posting? Just curious...

A. Maybe it's that the schools are more slow/quiet thus far. It seems like things are much slower this year than last.

A. I've been lurking, but I just updated the only two things I've heard back about other than basic acknowledgements -- a writing sample request from UALR and that I made first cut at Georgia Southern.

A: maybe it's slower because MLA is later this year and all the committees are procrastinating more as a result

A: I was just about to post the same question. How many of us are on here? A: I agree with respondent #1, and I also I think it's a matter of timing... Right now (Thanksgiving) people are still waiting for dossier and interview requests. This wiki usually gets most of its traffic starting in early- to mid- December, when people move from curiousity to freak-out mode of "Are they going to call me? Did they call someone else already?
 * Count: 28 [Add the 100+ people who are lurking, including myself]

A: There has been next to no activity on this wiki for fiction this week. Who went silent, the fiction-wiki users or the search committees? I expected this week to be busy.

A: Oy... for those of us who need to cancel/change MLA hotel reservations without penalty, December 17 is the deadline.

Q. Time Frame
So is that it for the this season? No more new openings? Are there folks here who can give and approximate range for when the calls for interviews start coming in and when the calls end?
 * New openings are still trickling in even as of this week and should continue to do so through the winter. However, the most desirable positions (i.e. 2/2 teaching, research universities, etc.) for the season likely have already been posted. For MLA interviews can be scheduled anywhere from the middle of Nov. up until Dec. 23 (I've heard of this happening); can't say, though, how having the MLA in January this year will affect scheduling, guess we'll find out. Can't speak to AWP.
 * There seems to be quite a few more positions this year compared to last, judging from last year's wiki and this year's version.
 * More fict postings, but about the same # of poetry.

Q. Incomplete Applications
Q: I wasn't quite sure where to post this question. If a school gets in touch with you to say your application is incomplete for whatever reason, does that mean there's interest? If there was no interest and your app was incomplete, wouldn't they just toss it?

A: I was contacted by my present employer last year, letting me know that my CV had not been included with my application letter. That was well before any materials were reviewed, though, so I can't say there was any interest at that time.

A: No, this usually is not an indication of interest. In most cases, the notice comes from a department coordinator/admin assistant checking off a list of whose apps are complete for review and whose aren't before the committee meets.

A: Nice to know, indirectly, that it probably means the committee isn't judging you for the incomplete application.

Q. about cover letters.
Where can one find one or two cover letters people have used to successfully get interviews for creative writing jobs... Is there a basic form for these? A hoop or two that must be jumped through? Are there any sites online that have samples? How long do they need to be? Mine is cool in tone, just gives the salient information (book, mags, MFA, adjuncting, etc) in about a page, but I just saw a friend's and his is three pages long, friendly, talky, and goes into great depth about his personality and teaching style and history. Which is right if either?
 * I'm sure others can speak to some of your other questions, but I will say, just on the length question, 1 page is too short, and 3 full pages is much too long. Shoot for 2 full pages that give an overview of your writing, publication history, teaching experience and philosophy. I'm serious about the 3 pages = too long thing . . . just today, heard a colleague complaining about 3 page app letters submitted for a search (not a CW search, but I think the rule still applies).
 * There used to be examples on the AWP site--not sure if there still are. As for length: agree with the above poster. One page=way too short; 3 pages=way too long. 2 pages is standard (including whatever space the letterhead & addresses take up, so it actually comes to much less text). I once heard that Vitas should never go over 5 or 6 pages; don't know if this is true.

A: I agree that two pages is the right length for cover letters. However, a research statement and philosophy can be entirely seperate elements, not covered in the cover letter....depends on the job or what they want, I guess. To me, if they ask for "teaching docs or dossier" that means a research statement/philosophy in addition to everything else.

I don't agree about the 5-6 page limit on CVs....if your experience merits more space, than put it in...this isn't time to self-edit!

An example from the Chronicle (although not a CW job). . . gives you the general idea: http://chronicle.com/article/Sample-Cover-Letter-For-an/46286/

A: Disagree: that Chronicle sample cover letter is 10 years old, and incredibly vague (obviously, since it's a sample, but its vagueness seems a function of its brevity). "Friendly" and "talky" are not helpful ways to approach an academic job letter, but neither are absolutes about length (or anything else). If "one page=way too short" and "three pages=way too long," what does two pages equal? Two-and-a-quarter pages? Two-and-two-thirds? If you're folding your teaching philosophy into a letter (as many position ads specify), and also describing your teaching background, your writing, and your service, three pages may be fine.

As for your c.v., it should be as long as it needs to be to include what it needs to include. There's a reason it's called a curriculum vitae.

A: Good to remind people that your best source of accurate info is those writers you know well who've landed teaching gigs, or who've sat on committees. Since a third of a page will be taken up by addresses, date, & salutation, 2/3 of a page isn't much to introduce yourself & your background, address your pedagogy and poetics, and conclude. Also, if you're on a committee reading 200 apps and 90% of them fall on two pages, the occasional 3-page letter needs to have a really good reason for being so.

A: I imagine that the length of the letter will have less to do with the success of the candidate than the content of the letter. But if you can only squeeze out 1 page or less of introductory information, that might not impress the committee (depends on their needs, of course—they may be looking for someone without tons of experience). If you go on for 5 pages, however, you might give the impression of being immodest and/or long-winded. Generally, you probably shouldn't under- or oversell your accomplishments, and you should think about how much you would want to read if you were on the committee yourself.

Q2 -- Any suggestions welcome on this: I earned tenure two years ago, and and am considering applying for a tenure-track position this year. I want to move for the usual reasons: opportunity to teach more courses in my field, teach graduate students, move to a "better" institution, and the lure of an advertised "congenial department" which mine decidedly is not. What might I say to the search committee to convince them I am sincere, a potentially great colleague, that theirs is the only place I'm applying (really, honest, it is), and I am not nuts. You know. Thanks...

A. Your letters of recommendation will/should attest to your great personality and congenial conduct. For your cover letter, it wouldn't hurt to say some of what you've said to us in your final paragraph: You're enthusiastic about this job because you'd like the opportunity to teach more courses in your field and the opportunity to teach graduate students. Can't hurt to say that it's the only job you are applying to. Salary and tenure, however, are big considerations. Will you be willing to take a lower salary? Will you be willing to take a job at the assistant level? If the job is at the associate level, you're probably okay. If it isn't at the associate level, the hiring committee will ask, "Is this person just looking for a raise from their institution?" If I were you, I'd find some way to convey my "sincere" interest in that final paragraph without getting sappy or personal. Perhaps the Chronicle forum might be a better place to ask this question. Try them as well.

A: By all means, express your interest in the specific virtues of their deptartment or program. And you might even express, briefly, your longstanding hopes to live in their area. But do not, do not, tell them that their place is the only one to which you are applying, even if that is the truth. That makes you look uncompetitive, which hiring committees tend not to like. In the event that you make it to the finalist stage, and then in the event that they're excited about your candidacy, you want them to want to snatch you up quick. I don't think you have to worry too much about their assuming that you're simply looking for bargaining power at home, unless their school is seemingly on a lower level than where you work, or on the exact same level, which sounds as if it's not the case. They will get it that their program is more desirable. Best of luck.

Just a random story to raise the paranoia level: I was out with my department the other night, fantasizing that I was full-time faculty, when the head of the department (they're doing a search this year for which I am not qualified) said that he took note when people who submitted online documents named them with the name of the school rather than their own last name, i.e., "Harvard Letter" rather than "Johnson Letter." He believed that this indicated that their focus was somehow incorrect, that they were not thinking about the search committee but about the search. He admitted that this was not the way he finally judged applicants, but he also seemed very confident about this judgement. Of course, panicked, trying to remember every last time I'd applied to anything online, petrified that I'd ruined my chances with the very name of my document. Does something that seemingly small really send a message? What do you think?

A: I think I'm glad your dept head doesn't actually judge candidates based on that, because that would be kind of jerky. But I will admit that every e-letter I send I make sure says my last name, not the name of the school, and I always have. When I ask my students to email me an assignment, I ask them to put their name, not "poetry assignment 1," because I'd get 50 all with the same title, and I wouldn't be able to tell them apart, and I'd have to actually open each one to discover its author and rename it myself. So, yeah, if you send an e-letter and you make the file name YOUR name instead of THEIR name it shows that you at the very least can think of situations from multiple points of view.

A. It makes perfect sense to name any electronic submissions by your last name. Otherwise there is more of a chance of your materials getting lost/misfiled. I do both-- LastnameSchool.type. Depending on the size of the school, the chair may not be downloading and printing the materials, so the committee may never notice the document names, but I am happy to make things a tiny bit easier for the human resources people too.

A: That sounds a little paranoid, but not too. Want to hear a really paranoia-inducing search chair story? I hope this doesn't have a chilling effect on this discussion board. The chair of a search committee in another department (different discipline, department, etc.) told me that he put different language relating to key info in each email sent to conference interviewees. Then he checked the wiki to see which of these different phrases was appearing. And then he eliminated (at least in his own rankings) all those whom he had determined used the wiki to distribute info about his belovedly confidential search. Something tells me that creative writing seach chairs are not going to be as dedicated to academic pettiness. But hey, you never know.

C: I am willing to believe there is a search chair out there like that (I can believe a lot of things, as our profession never ceases to amaze me), but wow, what a creepy way to operate. As someone who has been involved in or close to searches at several institutions in recent years, I can say that behaviour does not sound normal to me and I don't think people should get too paranoid about stuff like this (although I also think it's wise not to give too much away about yourself on the wiki). That said, would you really want to be the colleague of someone who thinks/operates that way? It might actually be a blessing in disguise to be cut from the search just for a "wikileak" (so to speak).

C: I hear that. But who really sees us as little Julian Assanges? The information we share on this particular wiki is not that specific, mostly just the fact that we've been contacted or not. Is all that supposed to be classified? Who aren't we supposed to tell?

D: Please advise: should I mention in my job letter the number of hits my blog received over the past year, and from how many different states in the nation? If a nationally-recognized writer or critic retweets one of my tweets, is that something I should include?

A. The answer depends on the job description and the content of the blog. Can you provide more info?

Q. about Teaching Loads
Q: How can one find out about a teaching load if it's not posted in the ad? I assume it's gauche to inquire?

A. My method is to find an online schedule (not a course list, but an official schedule) for fall or spring. Then I find the names of tt profs on that schedule and count how many classes each prof is teaching. I'm all ears if someone has a better method. If you get an MLA interview, they'll tell you what the load is.

Q: Zoinks. Why is it that you can't inquire directly what the job will entail? Sometimes I find academia frustrating.

A. I just write the chair of the search committee and ask. That is a reasonable question, and it is a determining one for most folks, I think.

A. All of the above. Asking the chair what sort of teaching load to expect is fair and reasonable, certainly not gauche. On the other hand, the first responder's method is likely the more reliable one. Enrollment levels are on the rise at most programs and sometimes you run out of adjunct cannon fodder. Why not dump that extra section of whatever 101 on the new guy? He or she isn't tenured yet, right... If there's no mention of the load anywhere in the official posting and the SC chair promises a cushy 3/2, you might want to get that in writing. And yes, academia is deeply frustrating.

Plan B
Q. Last year I was one of those MFA/PhD/book people who didn't get a job. I really hurt myself by not having a Plan B. Now my Plan B is locked in. I'd love to hear other Plan Bs so that we can all see alternatives to tenure-track creative writing jobs? I'll start...

A. My plan B is to work for my husband, write full time, and teach online or pick up a light adjunct gig. Not very inspiring, but it works for me.

B. My dissertation advisor told me to take a break from the academic world, get a job at a fast-food restaurant, and put it on my CV under "Research"...

To the Quesionter: What are you doing differently this year? Applying for more jobs? Curious what stopped you last year.

A. In response to the above questions, not much can change. There weren't many jobs to apply to last year in parts of the country where (a) my family could have a decent quality of life and (b) my husband could get a job. This year, things look equally grim. If I had applied to all of the jobs last year, yes, I'd be working now. However, would I really want to raise my child in Flint, Michigan, or Shippensburg, PA??? Quality of life becomes a huge issue when you have kids and a spouse.

Response: I love the confidence. I hold an MFA and am ABD w/ one book out and another under contract (One press is in the UK and the other is in the USA, and both have international reputations.). I did apply for those jobs last year (unlike the above, I have no problem going to Shippensburg, PA). I did not get them. I did not get an interview. Maybe I write the wrong type of poetry. Will see how the job situation plays out this year. As far as plan B, I'll keep the day job.

Response: Single people or childless couples really could care less about quality of life. We just don't understand what it's like to be a parent.

Yet another Responder: It's also easier to imagine taking a job in a location you dislike for a few years when you're young and relatively unattached than once you've become anchored in a particular place and older, imagining that it won't be forever.

Different responder: Why get snarky? It's hardly revolutionary to suggest that having children is going to affect your decisions on where or if to move. If I were single, I would be a lot more inclined to take jobs in "questionable" areas. I will be more selective and critical of where I'm going to live because I have children.

R: Exactly, "it's hardly revolutionary." In fact, it is a stereotype and privileges reproduction and normative heterosexuality.

B: Relocating is always more complicated when there's more than one person involved, whether the accompanying people are spouses or partners, men or women, gay or not -- and whether the kids have been produced in normative or innovative ways. The idea doesn't give priority to heterosexuality. It simply gives priority -- or at least shows consideration for -- the needs of other people: the important people in your life.

DR: Wow. Nailed it. Children may only be produced through normative heterosexuality.

Uh ... All right. This now brings to mind a Monty Python skit, minus the self-awareness. When you say children "may" only be produced through normative heterosexuality, are you saying this person failed to recognize that certain test-tube or lab-based procedures may "produce" children? Or are you referencing adoption? Because even if so, at the most fundamental level, these are only more examples of "normative heterosexuality" at work. They all begin with a sperm penetrating an egg, no doubt in violation of the Antioch Ruling.

Actually, kids are produced in many, many different ways that are not through normative heterosexuality or through the use of a "spouse." Quality of life, job satisfaction, and consideration of others are not something that can or should be judged by some sort of received standard of the social norm.

Another response: Without undercutting any of the struggle married people with children on the market have, I'll add that as a single person of color you have the added issues of safety, loneliness/isolation, and "will I ever get married or have the opportunity to meet someone" when you move to these obscure places.

HEAR, HEAR, above two responses. Similarly complicated as a queer person. Like you said, for a lot of solo people it's not just the loneliness (and much slimmer chances of meeting fellow others) but a sense of physical and emotional safety that these more isolated jobs bring into question.

Exhibit A above: This is why you people don't have jobs.

Really? I'd think that a little bit of quasi-academic identity politics hairsplitting would be perfectly at home in academia.

Q: What are the odds, really? If 300 ppl are applying for these jobs, how many of those applicants are PhDs with a book? What are our odds, really?

A: Very poor, I would guess. That's why my plan B is simple: suicide.

Contact: http://suicidehotlines.com/ No job is worth killing yourself over, even if you are a sensitive/crazy poet, or whatever.

Adjunct Work?
Q: For those of us who are not getting the interview requests (there is still time), I wonder if someone might post some information about landing adjunct jobs. Are there job boards? Should schools be queried? How did you land your adjunct job? Do schools only consider adjunct professors living in the city of the school? I have all the qualifications (multiple books, MFA, university teaching experience), and thought this would be the year, but as I’ve only taught a few courses of Creative Writing, would like to spend this year teaching Creative Writing (not comp / Lit) so that if this year is not the year, next year WILL be the year.

A: I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but... adjunct jobs at this point are just as competitive as tenure-track. I used to live in California, but all of my adjuncting jobs (including at the UC and private college level) dried up due to budget cuts, followed by friends of mine who were full time but not tenured being laid off. I moved to another state, and am finding that they can't hire anyone and that even the jobs that used to have high adjunct turnaround (composition) no longer do because the adjuncts and grad instructors who used to leave because they got full-time gigs are no longer getting full time gigs. All of my adjunct positions in the past (I've taught for 7 or 8 universities) involved me either knowing someone at the school or just showing up and introducing myself. Cold-calling a place by sending your C.V. sometimes used to work before; but in this market, I doubt it would work now.

I hate to be so glum, but I think its better to have realistic expectations so that you don't get crushed if you can't get adjuncting. By all means, go for it. But you need a Plan C as well.

Plan C: Friends of mine who have entirely given up on academia have: joined the Peace Corps and had amazing adventures (*many* have done this, none has regretted it); (2) gone overseas through the Fulbright program for nearly-as-primitive adventures; (3) gone into writing advertising/ad copy; (4) if they've published books, started their own at-home kitchen table community writing workshops, getting people from the local community to pay $50 a pop to work with them; (5) gotten jobs at factories and warehouses where they claim that (because of the low stress job that doesn't tax the brain matter) they get more writing done than ever before; (6) high school teaching (warning: no one I know is happy with this choice); (7) working in university administration, which keeps you in contact with writers and readings and whatnot, but you're doing a 9-5, better pay than teaching, no grading, your own office, etc. (8) I also know people who went into journalism, but that's even more of a dead-end than academia, as the newspapers "fold." C: (9) Arts administration (PSA, Academy, Poetry Foundation, state or independent agencies, etc.) (10) Editing. --& for what it's worth, every writer I know who teaches high school is exhausted but deeply fullfilled, and also really happy with their retirement & health benefits. Whereas the perils of adjuncting--struggling on a 3/3 or 4/4 load for $2,000-$5,000 per class--no benefits, no security semester to semester, often no sense of community--are legion.

Question About Having Two MFAs:
I got an MFA from Iowa and then I went and got another MFA from a less wellknown program (and I got poor grades at the latter); do I have to put both on my CV while applying for jobs? Is there any way for the committee to do some kind of search and find out that I attended both and demand two transcripts? Or is it fully up to me what I disclose? If I DO have to show both transcripts, does anyone think getting C/C+ grades in the second program might at all mar my unblemished transcript from Iowa? A: Yes.

A: Absolutely. It would surely make me wonder (1) why you decided to follow your Iowa degree with one from a lesser known school and (2) why you decided to do this and not care at all about your work (which is the implication when a grad student gets "C/C+"). It looks very unprofessional. I might also wonder (3) how you graduated with those grades, as most schools don't allow a "C" for a grad student (akin to an "F" for an undergrad). If you don't disclose the latter MFA, however, be prepared to field questions about what you were doing for those three or so years.

Follow-up: Fair enough. I thought so. So the second degree is best left unmentioned. But the real question is, is there any way job search committees could find out about the second MFA even if I didn't tell them? I ask not because I want to mislead people or cheat, but because my grades at the second MFA are sincerely misleading (it was not that I didn't care about my work, but that I cared too much; I was busy finishing a book and didn't do a lot of the busywork assigned by the second MFA.).

A. Another new responder here. I agree with responder #2. Honesty is always the best policy. I know of a TT Prof. who omitted a past gig (a low res thing) on his resume because he'd been asked to leave. Needless to say, once the institution where he was found out (and he was outted by others) he was not granted tenure. They considered the omission dishonest. Also, many places will not ask for your transcripts. So having two MFAs may be more the issue than the grades.

A. New responder here. No...I don't think they could find out about the second MFA unless you raise a red flag on your CV by mentioning a fellowship or teaching experience as a graduate instructor at the other school. It should be noted that if you don't have a book published plus teaching experience, you don't have much of a shot in this market. Only three or four people got jobs without books last year, and they all had PhDs. Highlight your publications and teaching experience on your cover letter and CV, and hide the other MFA. Also, get some really good recommendation letters from your Iowa professors or colleagues who can vouch for you as a strong writer, capable teacher, and all around good guy or gal.

A. New responder #2 -- a different approach: the worst thing you could do is lie about your academic past. Your signature is going to be on a document that says "I hereby confirm that all the above information is true and COMPLETE." 20 years from now, when you're poet laureate, someone will dig up your hidden transcript -- your presence at the second MFA is well documented, all the files exist somewhere -- and you will be disgraced and defrocked. See the case of Quincy Troupe, for example. Why don't you tell them the truth? Be honest -- tell them exactly what you told us. Chances are they'll appreciate your sincerity. It's better to admit to mistakes than to try and conceal them -- or pretend they never happened.

A: Responder #3--Ditto what #2 said. The CW world is very small, and I'd bet anything it wouldn't take them 20 years to find out.

You'll have to explain those 2 years on your Vita, for one thing.

A: Agree with #2 and #3. You can always remember the truth, but you'll inevitably stumble on the lie. Plus, why not confront the life experience of it instead of shamefully pretending two years of your life didn't happen? Just tell them, "it was a disappointing academic experience and I hope to use that to help inform my future teaching." I think an interviewing committee would be interested to hear someone confront a 'failure.' I mean, yeah, it's not going to make you a favorite for a position, but if you're first act as a new employee is a cover-up and lies, well...good luck with that!

Seriously, though, the elements that made this a negative experieice would be valuable to remember in an academic setting. Your own students will no doubt behave the exact same way that you did.

A. I'm all for truth and honesty, but this isn't a job market where a person can have a mere MFA and no book and get a TT job. And an MFA, plus a book, plus a negative MFA experience will raise so many red flags that most search committees will pass on such a candidate in favor of the twenty or thirty MFAs and PhDs who have books, teaching experience, and no red flags. My advice: Don't waste your money or time on the pie in the sky jobs. If you don't have a book and want to be honest on your applications, then apply to adjunt jobs, instructorships, or one-year visiting positions that will help you build a good reputation. In the mean time, write and publish a damn good book.

A: in response to comment above: sort of. Several people who were pre-book did get jobs last year, and have jobs elsewhere (though many of these--and all of the ones last year--were PhDs). I only add this because I think pre-book people should still appy to places where they think they might be a good fit. No use applying Oregon or Virginia, of course, but some of these places have very specific needs.

A: A different viewpoint: Most search committees do not ask for transcripts up front, only letters of recommendation. So, putting both MFAs on your vita does not immediately conjur the lugubrious C+ (though committees will wonder why you attended another MFA program after earning one from the reputed #1 Iowa; if anything, that is something you will have to explain up front). If you advance though the stages of candidacy to an offer, the Dean's office will ask for originals of all your materials, including transcripts. Only at that point will they see your grades, and it may just be the Dean, not the search committee, and the Dean may or may not really care what grades you made considering her university has spent so much money to decide to offer you a job. In any event, the grades seem less of an issue than the fact that you have two MFA degrees, both of which should be acknowledged in your vita. If you address that seeming redundancy in your job letter, you will be answering a committee's burning question, though you are not obligated to.

Who Would Win????
Hands Across the Water I: MFAs / MAs / PhDs in the USA and the UK

There has been discussion about creative programs in the USA and how they all stack up. How are programs in the UK viewed in the USA?

Who would win:

Creative PhD Utah vs Creative PhD UEA

A: Has anybody with a creative PhD from England gotten a job in the States?

A: Helon Habila is completing/completed(?) link a PhD from UEA and is teaching at George Mason University.

C: Just as in the States, there are only a few Creative PhD programs in the UK. As such, there are only a handful of UK Creative PhDs out there. And, of those few who hold a Creative PhD, those who do get jobs most often stay in the UK (just as is the case with Creative PhDs in the States staying in the States). That said, it is a good question: does anyone on this list have a Creative PhD from the UK? How is/was the job hunt? And, for people who have been on the administration side of the table, how does a Creative PhD from the UK factor in?

C: The only thing I'd add to the above is that there are actually about a few dozen creative PhDs in the States, which is more than "only a few" so that throws things out of whack a bit. They range from California, Utah, Louisiana, Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver, South Dakota, Mississippi, Georgia, NY, Kentucky, Missouri, Houston, Nebraska, Florida, Ohio, and still others, I'm sure. I lost track years ago.

C: Fair enough. Few is vague. Abramson's blog lists 35 in the USA, 36 in England, 5 in Wales, 3 in Scotland, and 2 in Ireland.

Hands Across the Water II: Publishing in the UK and the USA

Book from Shearsman < / > /= Book from Coffee House

First book from Salt / Shearsman / Seren / Reality Street / Salmon / etc < / > / = Second tier first book prize

SUGGESTIONS
Can the listings be formatted like many of the other English pages? See American or Rhet/Comp.

A: Good suggestion. Done!

C: Awesome! Thanks!!

Q: I like the "Recent Wiki Activity" block on the right side of the page. Is it possible to see a "Recent Activity" block that is specific to the page (i.e., recent activity just in Creative Writing)?

A: Not sure about specifying "Recent Activity" in that way, but if you create an ID/log-in for the site, you can choose (under 'Preferences") to be notified by email whenever a specific page is edited. Una74 19:23, October 31, 2010 (UTC)

Q: Last year's wiki had a very helpful section where users self-identified:

http://academicjobs.wikia.com/wiki/Creative_Writing_Jobs_2009-10#Who_is_using_this_Wiki:

Any chance we could have something similar here?

A. Just added it. See below. (11/28--moved to top of Q&A, per request).

Q: Would it be possible to put the "interview" list in its own section so it's easy to check at a glance without rifling through the Q & A?

Thanks for moving the interviews to the top--and btw--I've been on the market many years and this wiki board is the most well organized I've seen--thanks putting so much work into it--a real community service.

Q: What happened to the recent activity tab at the top of the page? I loved the recent activity tab...

A: Seems to be dependent on the browser. I can see still see "recent activity" with Safari browser, but not with Firefox. Wikia is still adjusting this newer interface, and sometimes things come and go somewhat mysteriously. "Recent activity" may yet reappear, I would be a bit patient (you can always find the full history of the page by going to "see all activity" in the activity feed).

Q: Is it time to post an "interview questions" segment on this page yet?

Q: Shouldn;t the new "interviews" section that popped up 1/11 be "campus visits" instead? We can get the AWp and MLA interview info from the lesting s themselves and the list of people scheduling first interviews already.