New postition

[Avery Todd]

Greg,

I'll add just a few things to what Chris has already said (interspersed
with some cuts made).

>Here are a few of my first thoughts:
>
>>Greetings list,
>>I've been told that they should pay my plane fare to come to the interview.
>>Is this correct?
>
>Often, depends on the school and the distance.

I had to pay my own way but it was only about a 6-hour drive.

>>What are the benefits?
>
>That varies.  Insurance is getting very expensive and packages vary. Here
>we have an option of three plans with lots of other coverage that can be
>added at our own expense.

The same is probably true here but my particular benefits include medical
type insurance and retirement. My predecessor told me after he retired that
with SS and retirement, he was making more than when he was working
full-time.

>>Since I'm leaving a full time business I built over 17 years can I expect
>>some type of contract so that I'm not out on a limb a year from now?
>
>Usually not long term. I have a one year contract which is renewed each
>year. Don't expect tenure.

If I remember correctly, I had a 6-month "probation" period after which I
cannot be arbitrarily fired without extremely good cause.

>>Can I expect them to help with relocating costs?
>
>I doubt it.  Depends on their budget.

I got no moving expenses directly, but I was put on the payroll a week
earlier than I actually started to help compensate me for those expenses.

>>What are standard salaries these days?
>
>That varies a lot.  I have seen starting pay in the low twenties often.
>Usually they say it depends on experience.  In better schools in big cities
>it is often much better but the living expenses are so much higher.
>Usually the job is given a classification within the university and that
>classification has salary minimum and maximum specifications.  See if there
>is a salary cap for your position if you can.

Someone on the list (I can't remember who right now) did a sort of survey
of university tech's salaries not too long ago. Maybe he'll post that to you.
In my case, my salary was roughly what I made being self-employed but my
(business) expenses went down considerably, plus the medical and retirement
benefits which at the time, I didn't have in place.

>>Anything I'm forgetting?
>
>If you are unfamiliar with the city or area, be sure to check out real
>estate costs and other living expenses.
>
>Carefully consider the number of pianos, their condition, and the climate
>control of the building.  The later alone will make a huge difference in
>your work load.

I would also try and get a feel for the "climate" with the faculty. A
school can range from having people who are extremely difficult to work
with to a situation like I thankfully have, where they are extremely easy
to work with. Primarily because most of them know there is more work than
one person can handle and as long as I keep the concert stuff and piano
teachers going well, most others have a "when you get a chance, I need
so-and-so" attitude. That kind of environment is worth the little less
money I make here than I might at some other comparable universities! The
person you're replacing, if that's the situation, would be a good place to
get that information.

One more important thought. Be sure and check out what kind of budget you
will have to work with. When I first came, I had almost nothing and had to
go to the Assistant Director of the dept. everytime I needed to make a
purchase. It's progressed now though, to where I have a better than
average budget and never have to ask about ordering anything, unless it's
a major, major expense. Like the new SAT III I got them to pay for. :-) It
may change in the future but right now, that aspect of the job is great.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Avery

>chris
>
>-Christopher D. Purdy R.P.T.
>-School of Music, Ohio University
>-Athens, OH  45701
>-mailto:purdy@ohio.edu
>-(740) 593-1656 office
>-(740) 593-1429 fax