So, as was noted in a thread a few weeks ago I got offered and accepted a 1-year position at the U of South Carolina, starting in the fall. Got a phone call just a few min ago from the search committee chair, frantically apologizing to the point that i thought they were gonna withdraw the offer. Turns out there was miscommunication between the department and the dean over rate of pay.

Because they needed someone so bad (and settled on my sorry ass) they offered me the rate for those who completed their Ph.D. Well, I am ABD, and about a year from finishing. So the call today is to tell me the Dean says that ABD candidates get 8k less in pay, and they can't do anything about it, but are willing to try to fight.

I asked them to give me travel money and to assure me teaching for summer session, which would enhance my salary. Not sure what else I can do though. I haven't signed anything yet, but had an oral offer.

At this point they might have a problem finding someone else for the fall, and I would have just as big of a problem finding an academic job as well. Staying here at State is no longer an option, though I do have a PT job here in town, but I'll lose my benefits, and won't make nearly as much if I did it full time as compared to being a prof.

So what would you all do? Fight for the $? Try to split the difference?

[Edited on April 25, 2006 at 12:06 PM. Reason : t]

4/25/2006 12:05:15 PM

that one year at 8k less at USC is going to look better than a year at ECU or whatever other school you were looking at teaching

i mean
don't take the shit laying down

but don't fuck it over

(unless you have something better for your career)

think with your future not your bank account

4/25/2006 12:10:23 PM

Negotiate with caution. Don't say that you demand the money or anything, but explain your situation and ask them how much ground they are willing to make up in the difference. Here are some good negotiation tips similar to what we've learned in the MBA program: http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/21-9.shtml

Hope that helps.

4/25/2006 12:11:18 PM

sounds like have an established policy with regard to ABDs

not much use in fighting over something that has already been hashed out, but since you were misled you do have some bargaining power

I would suggest simply stealing a lot of office supplies and computer equipment when you arrive

4/25/2006 12:14:30 PM

Honestly, after taxes, you would probably only be out $6k instead of $8k, and its probably better for your long term career to get started at a decent school like USC, then to not find a job or have to accept one at a lower Tier school.

[Edited on April 25, 2006 at 12:27 PM. Reason : .]

4/25/2006 12:26:42 PM

Whatever happens, get it in writing and make sure appropriate references at made to support documents, policies, etc. I'd personally try to have it so if the ABD (All-But-Dissertation) status disappears, they can authorize an automatic pay increase.

Regardless, benefits are benefits ... see how long you are covered under COBRA and balance whether you'll get a better offer.

4/25/2006 12:27:16 PM

Ironically, the pay rate would be the same now at USC as what I was offered and of course declined at Pembroke. So its not like I'll be living like I am now on the grad stipend.

I figured asking them to split the difference wouldn't be asking too much, so I'd lose 4k. Plus I could ask for things that the department can pay for out of their budget, like travel and maybe moving expenses, plus scheduling for summer session.

Problem with the ABD status disappearing leading to more $ is that it'll be like this time next year until I defend. So there is nothing to gain by that.

However, having this position does give me the inside track for next year when they do a tenure track search. And the going rate in PS/PA for junior faculty would mean a raise of about 10k over their inital offer, or nearly 20 from the new amount

[Edited on April 25, 2006 at 12:34 PM. Reason : stuff]

4/25/2006 12:30:03 PM

Hey man, I would do it. I'm gonna be in the same position as you in a few years anyway.

4/25/2006 12:34:05 PM

Like I said too, as much as I like living in Raleigh, I have no job here after finals end (except for the white horse gig), and even if I did, I friggin hate like 90% of my department colleagues. So leaving has its perks. Even the lower rate is about 3* what I make now.

4/25/2006 12:37:00 PM

hmmmmmm

start my teaching career at USC or fucking Pembroke


I CAN ONLY WONDER WHAT TO DO

seriously

don't get fucked in the ass
but don't fuck this over

4/25/2006 12:38:43 PM

OK, update...

I'm stuck at the lower rate of pay. BUT, they are assuring me 1 summer session course, with the possibility of a second. If I get the second, then it washes out (summer class pay there is ironically 4k/class for adjunct) except that I'd be making the amount originally offered for 11 months work instead of 9.

No on travel and moving expenses though

[Edited on April 25, 2006 at 12:49 PM. Reason : 1]

4/25/2006 12:45:37 PM