0 Ph.D Academic Career Paths: Research, Teaching, Administration

Sheila Casteaneda, Clarke College
Mary Lou Soffa, University of Virginia

Sheila Casteaneda has a MS degree and teaches at a liberal arts college.
Mary Lou Soffa is the Department Chair at UVA

I found it interesting when Dr. Soffa discussed the functions of a professor that she mentioned (in order) research, teaching (then) service. I thought it was teaching (first), research (second) and service (last)??


Expectations of Research Universities
- 60 - 80% Research
- 10 - 35% Teaching
- 5 - 10% Service

Expectations of Teaching -oriented college
- 50-80 % teaching
- 10 - 30% professional development
- 10 - 20% service

• "Time is the biggest problem - you are teaching full time!"
• "Finding time to do research is difficult."
• Research at a primarily undergraduate institution: fewere institutional resources; no graduate RAs but it is possible to get undergraduates involved.

Research Expectations: Research University

• (quality) publications and participation in academic workshops
• funding
• graduate student training
• reputation

Teaching @ a Research University

1. teaching load is usually 1:1 to 1:2
2. may teach undergraduate and graduate courses
3. teaching assistants for grading, office hours, and overall course management

Teaching @ a Primarily Undergraduate Institution

1. Teaching is your primary responsibility
2. Audience is all undergrads
3. Your research may not 'need' to be taught
4. Teach wider variety of courses; need more breadth
5. Teach the same course less often
6. Smaller class size
7. Teaching assistants, if available, are senior undergrads

Service Expectations @ a Research University

1. Department committees
2. University committees
3. External Professional Service (eg. program committees, journal editorship, professional society, etc.)
   
4. Higher in rank, more external service
5. Good to favor research-oriented service

Service Expectations @ a Primarily Undergraduate Institution

1. College: Committee work ("learn to say no!", "Pick the passionate areas.")
2. Department: Advising, Recruiting, Labs, work study, clubs, etc.
   
3. Community: Consulting, Speaking

Challenges

1. Balancing the three roles (same as in graduate school)
2. Networking (force yourself to talk to strangers)
3. Pressure of tenure and promotions (have a plan!)
   

Rewards: Research University

• Love of research and freedom to do research that you want
• Working on research with graduate students
• Involving undergraduates in research
• Making friends across the world
• Variety of work
• Creating the kind of career that you want - independently (as long as you meet
  

Rewards: Primarily Undergraduate Institution

• Opportunity to teach as a passion
• Close relationship with undergrads
• Colleagues in various departments
• Chance for leadership and influence
• Flexible schedule (especially nice for families)
  

How do you find a teaching position at a primarily teaching institution?
- Chronicle of Higher Education, ACM postings; find a geographical area you are interested in and search the local colleges; CCSC regional conferences; CRA has a website of job openings

My Question: Each of the speakers discussed their 'love & joy' of an academic career path, what are the drawbacks?
Answer: The first response was "NONE, I love my job, nothing compares to it." Then they discussed the pressure of getting tenure and said that you can do it and if you are prepared it is not 'as difficult'