Question about Hiring Process

Discussion in 'Online & DL Teaching' started by Library Mouse, Jan 30, 2022.

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  1. Library Mouse

    Library Mouse New Member

    Hi all. I haven't been around in quite a while, but I have a question, and it occurs to me that some of you might be able to give me advice/wisdom.

    I recently applied for an online adjunct position. I went through round one of interviews, and was invited for a phone interview. They also requested my references and my official transcripts.

    I have to pay a fee in order to have my transcripts sent (two fees, technically, as I have two graduate degrees and both charge a fee). It isn't a huge fee, but I'm curious if this is typical of the hiring process? Is it usual for employers to ask for official transcripts before making an offer of employment?
     
    SteveFoerster likes this.
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    That doesn't seem off base to me. I'll bet a lot of applicants say a lot of things. Besides, it's just a hint of how little most schools care about the time and even money that adjunct put into their positions.
     
    Library Mouse likes this.
  3. Library Mouse

    Library Mouse New Member

    Thanks for the reply! Could you elaborate on the above a little? Sorry if I seem naive; I'm still new to teaching/adjuncting/the hiring process.
     
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Sad to say, a lot of institutions treat adjunct instructors as eminently disposable. Common complaints include that adjuncts are required to respond to student inquiries 24/7 on a tight schedule, that the pay doesn't include the time that adjuncts have to spend to set up a course before it starts or to grade afterwards, that adjuncts may be told that they'll be teaching courses only to have that offer rescinded if enrollment isn't high enough, or that courses that have been promised were yanked away at the last second and handed off to full time faculty members.
     
    Maniac Craniac likes this.
  5. Library Mouse

    Library Mouse New Member

    Thanks for the info! I started adjuncting at a local community college in the fall term of 2021, so I'm very early in. I agree the pay leaves something to be desired; luckily I haven't run into the other issues (losing classes, not being renewed) yet.

    The community college that I adjunct at hired me on the spot with only my unofficial transcripts, then requested the official ones after they hired me. The job I'm currently applying/interviewing for is for an MFA program, so maybe that's why they want to see the transcripts before the employment offer. I sent them in, I guess I'm just nervous about the interview process.
     
    SteveFoerster and Maniac Craniac like this.
  6. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I agree with Steve. For non-academic positions, I've seen everything from no documentation ask for, to copies of diplomas (Yeesh!), to unofficial transcripts, to unofficial transcripts first and official ones later. But I don't recall ever having to submit official transcripts during the application process. (I'm not saying it isn't done, though.)

    And I agree with Steve that the root of it is the attitude of colleges and universities treating their adjuncts like serfs. I wonder if the Great Resignation is going to be felt by these schools, too? I know I have zero interest in being an adjunct, and wouldn't consider it unless it was (a) part of something bigger or (b) would lead to something bigger. For what they pay compared to the level of effort, it works out to about 1/10 of my normal hourly rate. It BETTER be about something else!

    As for the interview, just be yourself, but don't be about yourself. Stay focused on what they need and how you can deliver it, and stay away from what you want or need. And I say, "be yourself" because you want them to hire the real you, not some persona you created (and now must live within). Good luck!
     
    Maniac Craniac and SteveFoerster like this.
  7. Library Mouse

    Library Mouse New Member

    Thanks Steve and Rich! I just signed an offer letter today. I'll start teaching in SNHU's online MFA program in March.

    I appreciate you guys chiming in, and the community as a whole. It's nice to have a place to turn to when you're nervous/anxious.
     
    JoshD and Dustin like this.
  8. jonlevy

    jonlevy Active Member

    SNHU! Hope you like rubrics and micromanagement.
     

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