Famae Volent

The Fifth Business

2011-08-01T12:59:00.015-04:00

The 2011-2012 Job Market is upon us! A hearty welcome back to some, warm greetings to others, and condolences to all. Let us hope that this year's version is better than the last.

This site, now in its fifth year, was originally modeled after the successful sociology job search "blog" (the 2008-2009 iteration of which can be found here). Other disciplines have started following suit, and can themselves serve as both positive and negative exempla for us in Classics, Archaeology, and Ancient History. Links on the side of this page point to various articles and sites relevant to the academic job-hunting process and experience. If you run across others, please suggest them in the comments and we will add them. Threads below will provide a full season's worth of comments around various themes. Previous years' comments are all archived. And of course there is the ever-present and all-knowing Classics Wiki

In order to access the wiki you must be a member, so an account has been established which everybody can use, anonymously. The log-in email is:

classicswiki@gmail.com

The password is the first phrase commented upon by Austin in his Little Red Oxford commentary on the sixth book. Enter this two word phrase as oneword. If you would prefer to open a WikiDot account of your own, and would like access to the Classics Wiki hosted there, the password to gain access is the same.

We experienced a very frustrating rash of wiki vandalism two years ago, which is why we have had to resort to a less-than-open site for our wiki. Apologies for making you go through this step, but it has proven to be worth the hassle.

Etiquette

In order to encourage as many voices as possible this site will be completely driven by the comments sections. It will only be as useful (and civilized) as you all make it. We would suggest that you sign up for a Blogger ID so that you can edit your comments (and later delete them if need arises) and so that people will be able to respond to your anonymous online persona rather than a series of "anonymous" posts. Just a thought.

Do not list names on this site. As hires are announced in the spring and summer the wiki will be filled in by those made offers, and who are willing to post such information on the wiki. Any comments which reveal names, directly or indirectly by posting TMI will be deleted post-haste.

Most importantly, please, please, please maintain a supportive and helpful environment! Applicants and Search Committees are all in this together, even though it often does not feel that way. This process is brutal enough without exacerbating it by impugning the methods and motives of others. Remember, we are all present and future colleagues. Let's live up to our recent reputation (scroll down about a third of the way) as model academic citizens!

This space was created as a way for information sharing, not as a platform for launching unsubstantiated and slanderous rumors. Humor is good. Good-natured kvetching is good. Helping each other out with tips is great, and getting well-informed and well-intentioned advice from those who have gone through this wringer is truly awesome. We can all learn a great deal from each other, applicants and non-applicants alike, but only if we strive to maintain a thoughtful and graceful conversation. We should continue to discuss difficult and challenging topics, but let us try to do so in a way that shows respect for our audience and a humble regard for our own place within it!

In bocca al lupo, Quirites!

World of Wonders

2011-08-01T12:58:00.006-04:00

Please use this thread to announce new positions, whether they are in advance of the normal APA deadlines, seen on non-APA sites, or even if it is your own department that is advertising. Please do not use this space for discussion, comments, etc. unrelated to this narrow topic matter. All such comments will be moved to a more appropriate thread in order to keep this thread clean and useful.

Please follow the pattern established below, with the institution advertising as the commenter's identity, followed by a full description in the body of the text.

A Mixture of Frailties

2011-08-01T12:57:00.002-04:00

Because one can never be too careful

Please use this thread for straight-up questions and answers regarding the assembly of dossiers, mailing practices, letters of application, interviews, job-talks, etc. Basically anything involving the process, from A to Z.

A sometimes useful, and oftentimes entertaining, site to check out is the Chronicle of Higher Education's Discussion Forum. Two particularly relevant examples are here:

The Job Seeking Experience

The Interview Process

The threads are often not apposite, but they can be a treasure-trove of laughs and morale boosts. And don't forget to check the archives on this site for the past few years.

Rebel Angels

2011-08-01T12:56:00.011-04:00

Yes, this is the thread where everyone comes to bitch, moan, and let off some steam.

The Fourth Time is The Charm

2010-08-01T12:59:00.004-04:00

The 2010-2011 Job Market is upon us! A hearty welcome back to some, warm greetings to others, and condolences to all. Let us hope that this year's version is better than the last.

We are continuing to experiment with a new option in addition to the wiki, so please check it out here.

This site, now in its fourth year, was originally modeled after the successful sociology job search "blog" (the 2008-2009 iteration of which can be found here). Other disciplines have started following suit, and can themselves serve as both positive and negative exempla for us in Classics, Archaeology, and Ancient History. Links on the side of this page point to various articles and sites relevant to the academic job-hunting process and experience. If you run across others, please suggest them in the comments and we will add them. Threads below will provide a full season's worth of comments around various themes. Previous years' comments are all archived. And of course there is the ever-present and all-knowing Classics Wiki

In order to access the wiki you must be a member, so an account has been established which everybody can use, anonymously. The log-in email is:

classicswiki@gmail.com

The password is the first phrase commented upon by Austin in his Little Red Oxford commentary on the sixth book. Enter this two word phrase as oneword. If you would prefer to open a WikiDot account of your own, and would like access to the Classics Wiki hosted there, the password to gain access is the same.

We experienced a very frustrating rash of wiki vandalism two years ago, which is why we have had to resort to a less-than-open site for our wiki. Apologies for making you go through this step, but it has proven to be worth the hassle.

Etiquette

In order to encourage as many voices as possible this site will be completely driven by the comments sections. It will only be as useful (and civilized) as you all make it. We would suggest that you sign up for a Blogger ID so that you can edit your comments (and later delete them if need arises) and so that people will be able to respond to your anonymous online persona rather than a series of "anonymous" posts. Just a thought.

Do not list names on this site. As hires are announced in the spring and summer the wiki will be filled in by those made offers, and who are willing to post such information on the wiki. Any comments which reveal names, directly or indirectly by posting TMI will be deleted post-haste.

Most importantly, please, please, please maintain a supportive and helpful environment! Applicants and Search Committees are all in this together, even though it often does not feel that way. This process is brutal enough without exacerbating it by impugning the methods and motives of others. Remember, we are all present and future colleagues. Let's live up to our recent reputation (scroll down about a third of the way) as model academic citizens!

This space was created as a way for information sharing, not as a platform for launching unsubstantiated and slanderous rumors. Humor is good. Good-natured kvetching is good. Helping each other out with tips is great, and getting well-informed and well-intentioned advice from those who have gone through this wringer is truly awesome. We can all learn a great deal from each other, applicants and non-applicants alike, but only if we strive to maintain a thoughtful and graceful conversation. We should continue to discuss difficult and challenging topics, but let us try to do so in a way that shows respect for our audience and a humble regard for our own place within it!

In bocca al lupo, Quirites!

Job Announcements for 2010-2011

2010-08-01T12:58:00.002-04:00

Please use this thread to announce new positions, whether they are in advance of the normal APA deadlines, seen on non-APA sites, or even if it is your own department that is advertising. Please do not use this space for discussion, comments, etc. unrelated to this narrow topic matter. All such comments will be moved to a more appropriate thread in order to keep this thread clean and useful.

Please follow the pattern established below, with the institution advertising as the commenter's identity, followed by a full description in the body of the text.

Dear Search Committee, Are you there? It's me, Margaret.

2010-08-01T12:57:00.002-04:00

Klassik Kvetch Klatsch

2010-08-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

Yes, this is the thread where everyone comes to bitch, moan, and let off some steam.

Happy, Happy, Happy. Joy, Joy, Joy!

2009-08-01T12:59:00.009-04:00

Here we are, yet again. The 2009-2010 Job Market is upon us. Welcome Back to some, Greetings to others, Condolences to All!

We are experimenting with a new format, so please check it out here and let us know what you all prefer. The "blog" format is less than ideal, and the "message board" format might be easier for everybody.

This site, now in its third year, was originally modeled after the successful sociology job search "blog" (the 2008-2009 iteration of which can be found here). Other disciplines have started following suit, and can themselves serve as both positive and negative exempla for us in Classics, Archaeology, and Ancient History. Links on the side of this page point to various articles and sites relevant to the academic job-hunting process and experience. If you run across others, please suggest them in the comments and we will add them. Threads below will provide a full season's worth of comments around various themes. Previous years' comments are all archived. And of course there is the ever-present and all-knowing Classics Wiki

In order to access the wiki you must be a member, so an account has been established which everybody can use, anonymously. The log-in email is:

classicswiki@gmail.com

The password is the first phrase commented upon by Austin in his Little Red Oxford commentary on the sixth book. Enter this two word phrase as oneword. If you would prefer to open a WikiDot account of your own, and would like access to the Classics Wiki hosted there, the password to gain access is the same.

We experienced a very frustrating rash of wiki vandalism two years ago, which is why we have had to resort to a less-than-open site for our wiki. Apologies for making you go through this step, but it has proven to be worth the hassle.

Etiquette

In order to encourage as many voices as possible this site will be completely driven by the comments sections. It will only be as useful (and civilized) as you all make it. We would suggest that you sign up for a Blogger ID so that you can edit your comments (and later delete them if need arises) and so that people will be able to respond to your anonymous online persona rather than a series of "anonymous" posts. Just a thought.

Do not list names on this site. As hires are announced in the spring and summer the wiki will be filled in by those made offers, and who are willing to post such information on the wiki. Any comments which reveal names, directly or indirectly by posting TMI will be deleted post-haste.

Most importantly, please, please, please maintain a supportive and helpful environment! Applicants and Search Committees are all in this together, even though it often does not feel that way. This process is brutal enough without exacerbating it by impugning the methods and motives of others. Remember, we are all present and future colleagues. Let's live up to our recent reputation (scroll down about a third of the way) as model academic citizens!

This space was created as a way for information sharing, not as a platform for launching unsubstantiated and slanderous rumors. Humor is good. Good-natured kvetching is good. Helping each other out with tips is great, and getting well-informed and well-intentioned advice from those who have gone through this wringer is truly awesome. We can all learn a great deal from each other, applicants and non-applicants alike, but only if we strive to maintain a thoughtful and graceful conversation. We should continue to discuss difficult and challenging topics, but let us try to do so in a way that shows respect for our audience and a humble regard for our own place within it!

In bocca al lupo, Quirites!

Job Announcements

2009-08-01T12:58:00.001-04:00

Please use this thread to announce new positions, whether they are in advance of the normal APA deadlines, seen on non-APA sites, or even if it is your own department that is advertising. Please do not use this space for discussion, comments, etc. unrelated to this narrow topic matter. All such comments will be moved to a more appropriate thread in order to keep this thread clean and useful.

Please follow the pattern established below, with the institution advertising as the commenter's identity, followed by a full description in the body of the text.

Have I got a package for you!

2009-08-01T12:57:00.003-04:00

Because one can never be too careful

Questions, answers and such regarding the assembly of dossiers, mailing practices, letters of application, interviews, job-talks, etc.

A sometimes useful, and oftentimes entertaining, site to check out is the Chronicle of Higher Education's Discussion Forum. Two particularly relevant examples are here:

The Job Seeking Experience

The Interview Process

The threads are often not apposite, but they can be a treasure-trove of laughs and morale boosts. And don't forget to check the archives on this site for the past few years.

Kvetch Klatsch Klassik

2009-08-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

This is the kitchen sink of threads. Let it all hang out here, baby.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!

2008-09-01T12:30:00.012-04:00

A new job-search year is upon us! Welcome Back to some, and Greetings to others!

This site is modeled after the successful sociology job search "blog. The current iteration of this can be found here, but for a full year's version (2007-2008) go here.

Because of the problem of wiki vandalism a password-protected Classics page has been established here:

Classics Wiki 2008-2009

In order to access this wiki you must be a member, so an account has been established which everybody can use, anonymously. The log-in email is:

classicswiki@gmail.com

The password is the first phrase commented upon by Austin in his Little Red Oxford commentary on the sixth book. Enter this two word phrase as oneword. If you would prefer to open a WikiDot account of your own, and would like access to the Classics Wiki hosted there, the password to gain access is the same.

********

In order to encourage as many voices as possible this site will be completely driven by the comments sections. It will only be as useful (and civilized) as you all make it. We would suggest that you sign up for a Blogger ID so that you can edit your comments (and later delete them if need arises) and so that people will be able to respond to your anonymous online persona rather than a series of "anonymous" posts. Just a thought.

Do not list names on this site. As hires are announced in the spring the wiki will be filled in by those made offers, and who are willing to post such information on the wiki. Any comments which reveal names, directly or indirectly by posting TMI will be deleted post-haste.

Most importantly, please, please, please maintain a supportive and helpful environment! Applicants and Search Committees are all in this together, even though it often does not feel that way. This process is brutal enough without exacerbating it by impugning the methods and motives of others. Remember, we are all present and future colleagues. Let's live up to our current reputation (scroll down about a third of the way) as model academic citizens! For some serious academic job-market snark, however, we suggest you direct the eyeballs to this blog, of which we are, curiously enough, devoted fans.

This space was created as a way for information sharing, not as a platform for launching unsubstantiated and slanderous rumors. Humor is good. Good-natured kvetching is good. Helping each other out with tips is great, and getting well-informed and well-intentioned advice from those who have gone through this wringer is truly awesome. We can all learn a great deal from each other, applicants and non-applicants alike, but only if we strive to maintain a thoughtful and graceful conversation. We should continue to discuss difficult and challenging topics, but let us try to do so in a way that shows respect for our audience and a humble regard for our own place within it!

In boca al' lupo, Quirites!

(a send-off left by an anonymous poster that is too good not to plagiarize)

Sincerely Yours,
Servius, Servia, and Donatus

Naked Mole Rats et al.

2008-09-01T08:15:00.002-04:00

Because one can never be too careful

Questions, Answers and such regarding the assembly of dossiers, mailing practices, letters of application, etc.

A couple of sometimes useful, and always entertaining, sites to check out are the Chronicle of Higher Education's Fora:

The Job Seeking Experience

The Interview Process

The threads are often not apposite, but they can be a treasure-trove of laughs and morale boosts.

Hopefully the comments section here (as well as last year's thread) will provide more APA/AIA-specific help.

Interviewing Advice, Tips and Experiences

2008-09-01T08:12:00.000-04:00

Check out the thread of this same name from last year as well. Please don't be bashful about asking questions!

Job Announcements

2008-09-01T08:11:00.000-04:00

Geno's or Pat's?

2008-09-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

Oh, and other far less important questions, answers and such regarding Philadelphia, this year's site of the APA/AIA.

First rule: Don't Jaywalk!

Teh Random Scuttlebuttz

2008-09-01T08:09:00.001-04:00

Questions, answers, and random thoughts about the job-seeking experience.

Job Search Updates

2008-09-01T08:08:00.000-04:00

Until we figure out how to deal most effectively with the wiki vandalism, feel free to provide updates in the comments here.

A new wiki has also been established. See the post above for directions and password.

In your comment please note exactly which position(s) you are updating, if possible just cut and paste from the job-search page.

Fly The Friendly Skies!

2008-09-01T07:10:00.000-04:00

Please post updates, comments, and questions related to "fly-outs" and other such things related to campus visits.

The Long, Twilight Struggle...

2008-09-01T07:06:00.000-04:00

... or Spring Hopes Eternal.

This thread is devoted to questions, answers and updates regarding jobs which have post-APA deadlines.

... And There Was Much Rejoicing

2008-09-01T07:05:00.000-04:00

Whether announcing a job offered, or a job accepted, feel free to let the world (or at least the few hundred readers of this blog) know. Once again, please don't name names, even your own.

Professional Developments

2008-09-01T07:04:00.001-04:00

A thread devoted to questions of specialization, as well as professional and departmental expectations for philologists, historians, philosophers and archaeologists. Make it inclusive and welcoming, please!

Elysian Fields Forever

2008-09-01T07:03:00.001-04:00

No one, I think, is in my tree
I mean, it must be high or low
That is, you can't, you know, tune in, but its alright
That is, I think its not too bad

This section is devoted to those of us who have shuffled off this mortal coil, seen the light, and are now exploring options with McKinsey Co., Bain & Co., et al.

In all seriousness, please post here if you are interested in learning more about non-academic careers for classicists, or if you can point to resources, contacts, and ideas for those who are contemplating such a move.

Past Performance is not a Guarantee of Future Returns

2008-09-01T07:00:00.003-04:00

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics:

Hiring Data from 2005-2006

Hiring Data from 2006-2007

Hiring Data from 2007-2008

See the archived version of last year's classics wiki (requires wikidot log-in) in order to get a sense of how the most recent market behaved in terms of contact dates, etc.

Feriae Aestivae

2008-06-15T11:40:00.001-04:00

The wings of our famae are exhausted and badly in need of a grounding, so this site will be on hiatus for a couple of months. Comments will be suspended for this time, though all previous posts are archived in the side-bar. Additional editors will be joining me in order to help run the site during the upcoming job-hunt season, and we welcome any and all suggestions as to how Famae Volent can be made more useful. Please send comments and suggestions to:

jobagora@gmail.com

Please have a restful summer.

Sincerely,
Servius

... And There Was Much Rejoicing

2007-01-01T11:38:00.001-05:00

Whether announcing a job offered, or a job accepted, feel free to let the world (or at least the few hundred readers of this blog) know. Once again, please don't name names, even your own.

The Long, Twilight Struggle...

2007-01-01T11:37:00.004-05:00

... or Spring Hopes Eternal.

This thread is devoted to questions, answers and updates regarding jobs which have post-APA deadlines.

Fly the Friendly Skies

2007-01-01T11:36:00.001-05:00

Please post updates, comments, and questions related to "fly-outs" and other such things related to campus visits.

Elysian Fields Forever

2007-01-01T11:31:00.004-05:00

No one, I think, is in my tree
I mean, it must be high or low
That is, you cant, you know, tune in, but its alright
That is, I think its not too bad

This section is devoted to those of us who have shuffled off this mortal coil, seen the light, and are now exploring options with McKinsey Co., Bain & Co., et al.

In all seriousness, please post here if you are interested in learning more about non-academic careers for classicists, or if you can point to resources, contacts, and ideas for those who are contemplating such a move.

Interviewing Advice, Tips and Experiences

2007-01-01T11:30:00.004-05:00

Chicago, Chicago...

2007-01-01T11:30:00.003-05:00

First rule: Don't Jaywalk!

Questions, Answers and such regarding the APA/AIA, the Site, and the City

Random Scuttlebutt About This Year's Market

2007-01-01T11:29:00.003-05:00

Questions, Answers, and random thoughts about the job-seeking experience.

Job Search Updates

2007-01-01T11:29:00.002-05:00

Professional Developments

2007-01-01T11:28:00.001-05:00

Given the thread begun in the Job Search Updates section about questions of specialization, as well as professional and departmental expectations (and in light of more than a few reactions, both posted and emailed, towards what was designed to be an inclusive and yet secure password process), it seems like a forum to discuss broader issues within the fields represented by the APA and AIA is a (dare I use this word? :-) desideratum.

Here it is.

Past Performance...

2007-01-01T11:27:00.002-05:00

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics:

Hiring and Applicant Data from 2006-2007

See the latter half of the classics wiki for the most up-to-date information regarding last-year's placement on an institution by institution basis.

This is a less-frequently-updated list for the same.

Paper Clips vs. Staples

2007-01-01T11:18:00.001-05:00

Because one can never be too careful

Questions, Answers and such regarding the assembly of dossiers, mailing practices, letters of application, etc.

A couple of sometimes useful, and always entertaining, sites to check out are the Chronicle of Higher Education's Fora:

The Job Seeking Experience

The Interview Process

The threads are often not apposite, but they can be a treasure-trove of laughs and morale boosts.

Hopefully the comments section here will eventually provide more APA/AIA-specific help.