Albion College

English

2010

I simply cannot say enough nice things about the folks in this department. Every single person I met was friendly, welcoming, and candid. They even made me a little goodie bag complete with aspirin, gum, fruit, etc. for the campus visit. I was so sad not to land this job.

Allegheny College

Biology

2010

Didn't get the job, but the SC and faculty were very understanding about some last minute schedule changes I had to make and were very inviting and open in general. Fast reimbursement and return of an item I forgot. Rejection email was very very nice - personal, flattering, and very open about why they made their choice.

American University, DC

History

2008

OK, so this isn't exactly a hymn to AU (maybe I'd feel differently if they had given me the job!), but they did treat me extremely decently on a campus visit for an accelerated search. And reimbursed me at lightning speed for travel from a European postdoc.

Boston U

English

2008

Didn't end up giving me a campus visit, but clearly all the MLA interviewers had read my materials closely. I can say that in my dozen or so interviews over the years, this was the only one in which this has happened. The SC chair was extraordinarily kind, sending me three (unsolicited) e-mails throughout the process telling me just where my candidacy stood. The only way the notification process could have been more efficient is if he'd Twittered me.

Bowling Green State

English

Smart, sharp people who do amazing work. Campus visit was very well organized. I was treated very courteously. Excellent questions during job talk. Reimbusement was quick.

Case Western Reserve

Art History

2009-10

Great faculty -- sharp and engaging. Wonderful students, both grad and undergrad. I was treated extremely well during the campus visit, plenty of people came to the job talk. I really felt like they were invested in this search.

Central Missouri University

Biology

Nice people, plenty of space, I would have taken if offered

Claremont Colleges

Joint Science Department

2009-2010

I asked politely for some feedback on my application, and the Search Committee Chair sent me a two-page critique of my entire application packet! Unbelievably thoughtful, helpful, and just plain nice!

Claremont Graduate University

History and Cultural Studies

2009

Very collegial and well-organized search. The chair kept me well-informed throughout, which was particularly important as the search hovered around cancellation for several weeks. Faculty were friendly and helpful, as were staff members. Dean was also the height of professionalism and very open about answering questions. Hotel arrangements were top-notch. Job talk was well-attended, and students generally asked good questions. Rejection, when it came, was extremely kind and and positive as such can be. Makes me wish I'd gotten the job even more, but the candidate they chose was, I have to agree, a much better fit.

Cornell University

History

2009

I didn't get the job, but this was the best-run campus visit I've ever experienced. The search was run with military precision, and I had my schedule (right down to 15-minute increments) two months before my visit! Expectations were clear, folks were friendly, respectful, and professional, and reimbursement was lightning fast. The chair personally called me to inform me where I was in the list of also-rans, and personally called me again two weeks later to let me know that the first-choice candidate had accepted the offer. A great department!

Davidson College

History & Spanish

2009

Very well-organized campus visit. Relaxed meeting opportunities with a variety of faculty, all of whom were friendly, helpful, and candid, and many of whom came to the job talk. The college is a lovely place, and the history department is truly collegial (an increasingly rare thing these days). This would be a splendid place to make one's professional home.

• I had an interview with the Spanish department that was genuinely enjoyable. They were experts at asking meaningful, relevant, and creative questions while keeping the conversation relaxed and flowing. I read online that their salaries are in the top 2%. It looks like a truly wonderful SLAC to work at.

Fairfield University

Math/CS

2009

Everything about the interview was extremely well organized, and all travel expenses were paid upfront, though I was asked several times if I had incurred any additional expenses during the trip. The VP, the Dean, and every faculty member I spoke to had read through my materials. Everyone was friendly, gracious, and seemed genuinely interested in both my teaching and research ideas. A strong student turnout for the job talk, too, and several students spoke very highly to me of the department chair and other faculty afterwards. The new mission statement has a solid articulation of their vision for education. Tenure requirements seem quite reasonable. The interview day, though exhausting, was a genuine pleasure.

Fairfield U

History

A very organized and friendly campus visit. Remarkably collegial faculty who seem like genuinely nice and interesting people in addition to being good scholars. The head of the department and the committee seemed genuinely interested in putting me at ease and giving me every opportunity to do well.

Franklin and Marshall College

English

Jan. 2009

This department should run a "how to treat candidates with respect and dignity" seminar at the MLA every year. I just got back from my on campus visit and cannot say enough about the collegiality of the faculty. During all steps of the visit -- research talk, teaching demo, group interview, etc. -- I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed talking with all of them. They seemed generally interested in my work and had not only read the entire writing sample but had read it with depth and engagement. The itinerary had enough free time scheduled in to allow for useful down time without leaving me bored. The associate dean announced that at dinner, I was officially "off the clock" (as much as I could be, at least) and no one was to ask me interview-related questions. The warmth and friendliness they showed allowed me to relax enough that my nervousness didn't distract me when I was "on the clock." The research support is generous, but the tenure-track process is also remarkably humane to junior faculty. Oh, and one other positive: many of the faculty have dogs and bring them to work, which for me is always a good sign (though others might not like this). All in all, should they offer me a job I'd take it in a heartbeat, and if I'm rejected, I'll still remember this interview very fondly.

They are extraordinarily systematic. The campus is driven towards reaching out towards strong research-oriented people. I was there on a job-talk -- and was amazed by how carefully they had read the letters and the materials. In fact, I saw in the hands of at least four people, underlined transcripts of my application letter. Moreover, they had researched most of my presentation material well before my arrival. This is a school to look out for in terms of quality research and teaching. The thing is, even though they are a liberal arts college, ultimately, they grant tenure for teaching and research -- and not for teaching, service and research (in that order).

• I like their use of the phrase "down time" in Lancaster

Georgia Southern University

Communication Arts

2010

Despite not getting the job, I was continually impressed with the organization and professionalism of the school and the department. Very informative in their job posting, timely phone interview just before the end of the Fall Semester, quickly arranged for campus interview with flight and bed and breakfast accommodations. I was met at the airport by a member of the faculty, who showed me around campus and the community before taking me to dinner. The next day was filled with informative and polite introductions to students and faculty. The faculty were gracious and interested, which is a great pleasure in comparison to other groups I've met. Before I left, they presented me with a bag full of information on the community, the school and local housing. They made the experience appear to be seamless and inviting.

Two minor complaints were that I wasn't fully warned of the odd classroom layout where I was giving my presentation and the complete lack of communication following my visit. I know that it typical, but it really shouldn't be.

George Washington University

Jewish Studies

2008

Amazing, collegial faculty. The exceptional thing that they did was hire me for a 1-yr replacement position and then let me out of my contract when I was offered a 3-yr job elsewhere, a job which had come on the market late in the game. The only explanation I can come up for this is that their faculty cares deeply about the careers of junior academics in the field even if it makes life a little difficult for them. This is a standard each and every one of us should aspire to meet when we are in the driver's seat.

• Ditto - GW. Kind, collegial, warm faculty.

1. Got a reimbursement check to me a week BEFORE my campus visit, and

2. Took me to every a-list restaurant in town.

Denison University

English

I cannot imagine a more friendly, enthusiastic, supportive, and generally wonderful faculty. Reimbursement was practically immediate and every effort taken to make my visit pleasant. As one measure: my meeting with the provost was actually enjoyable!

Depaul University

English

From the moment I submitted my application, I was treated with respect and decency. The administrative assistant sent a very kind email acknowledging receipt of the application, and included the following reassurance (!): "I realize that an email message may seem a rather impersonal way to acknowledge your application, but please be assured that the Appointments Committee will read your letter and vita with careful attention." Wow. They also wrote a very kind email to tell me I was out of the running on Dec 18, just a day after the wiki showed that calls for MLA interviews had been made. The English department at Depaul ran an efficient, thoughtful search, and it was very much appreciated. Please, if other SCCs are out there, consider taking a similar approach.

Eastern Kentucky University

History

They don't have a lot of money and they teach an enormous amount, yet everyone was great. The faculty are friendly, including the people I met from other departments. The administrators are administrators, but by no means the worst I've ever encountered. They did a very thorough job and I was pretty sure that everyone on the faculty had read my stuff with a careful eye. Overall a great place to interview.

Florida State University

Classics

Their search got canceled, but they did an amazing job of spelling out exactly what would be asked in the interview, actually reading and questioning me about my writing sample, and having a phenomenally helpful website.

Hamilton College

History

Languages

2000s

2010

I wasn't a candidate for a tt job just a VAP but this was a great experience and good for my career. There are many wonderful people on the faculty, good financial support, smart if slightly predictable students, and a nice junior faculty environment. I'd heard rumors that a few of my colleagues were "difficult" but the truth is even those people were nice and supportive if you engaged them a little in their work and tolerated their eccentricities (not really hard). Upstate NY isn't the best place to live. But this department is friendly, professional, collegial, and genuinely interested in the development of its junior members. Simply a great place to work.

I was a finalist for a full time lecturer position at Hamilton last year and had a very positive experience, from initial contact all the way through to a timely and throughtful notification that the position had gone to someone else. The school scheduled and paid for all travel arrangements and prepared a nice but not too full day and a half visit for me, and everyone I encountered in my time there was courteous and personable. It was really the best first campus visit one could hope for.

Hampden-Sydney College

History

I was a finalist for a search there and was not offered the job. However, over the course of being part of their search I admired how prompt they were with communication and how well they treated me. They promptly acknowledged my application, invited me for an AHA interview a month before the conference, and arranged for my on campus visit quickly thereafter. While I was on campus I treated affably as a future colleague and was impressed with everyone I met. Also, faculty attended my job talk from multiple departments, asked questions, and made sure to talk to me afterward. This is truly a liberal arts college and run by classy, humane, and friendly folks. Finally, I found the students to be engaging, willing to talk in my teaching demo and ready for a rigorous education.

High Point University

Political Science

This was probably the nicest faculty I have ever talked to. They were funny, personable, interested, complimentary, and honest. They were more transparent about their hiring process than anything I have experienced. I didn't get the job, but would apply here again in a heartbeat.

(new poster) I have to agree on this one. I interviewed this year with the History Department and they were great. I had a phone interview and then AHA, but did not get a campus invite. But, the SC was very pleasant and they seemed very happy with their school. I would also apply here again!

Humboldt-Universität,

Berlin

Musicology

One of the loveliest places I have worked. The faculty and administration are caring, honest and hard-working people. The students are interested and disciplined. My colleagues here always walked the extra mile for me - arranging opportunities for me to present research, getting me invitations to special events and even going as far as to offer help with non-academic problems when they occurred. I have never before experienced such a supportive environment and I can't recommend this department highly enough.

Idaho State University

Visual Arts

Interviewed there last in Summer. Didn't get the job, but I was treated to a wonderful day. Great company, food, discussions...It was great all around.

Illinois Central College

English/Language Arts

great school. The usual with student body, but wonderful instructors and a supportive associate dean. Less than the usual politics between adm and faculty. Great staff. Many good professors under which to mentor. My only complaint is that this area of Central Illinois is really, really dull. If you get a t/t job, bring your spouse and/or family because there is no support for single folks and very little do do around here. Still, very good professors to work with! And as I typed, administration is generally supportive.

Ithaca College

Spanish & Portuguese

English

Faculty were completely engaging, students were interesting and chatty. Super fast reimbursement for incidental expenses - they booked the plane tickets and hotel. Beautiful city and campus! SCC and chair both bent over backwards to make me feel comfortable.

The folks in the IC English department are a model of collegiality and warmth. I cannot recall a more pleasant MLA interview or campus visit! Professional, friendly, courteous--just great.

Indiana University- Bloomington

Biology

By far the most collegial department I interviewed with. The interviews and campus visits are run just like the department- incredibly organized, thoughtful, and thorough. The faculty, staff, and graduate students are all interested in and welcoming to new candidates, and while there is a lot of information discussed, it is all relevant to the job and demonstrates that the department deserves its excellent reputation.

Kansas State U

English;

Anthropology

bad town, but great school; MLA interview was actually enjoyable; was well taken care of during campus interview, including 2 dinners, and the reception was actually at professor's house, where I felt completely welcome; when my flight was delayed, rather than have me take a bus to the university town, 2 profs picked me up from the airport and drove me there (they even gave me food in the car!); didn't get the job, but am still in contact with them.

• Seconding this post. Did not get the job but had wonderful campus visit, amazing faculty and grad student support at job talk, and genuine interest from search committee about my areas of research and how I would contribute to their program. Young, dynamic faculty and well-organized program. 

• • Thirding this post - Anthropology search 2009 - the chair of the SC sent all applicants an amazingly kind email about how qualified we all are, and how difficult it would be to sort through so many fabulous applications.  This is the first bit of kindness and compassion I have been shown on the market.  In subsequent cuts, KSU has been friendly and on the ball.  Not sure what will happen, but I'm grateful already.

Kennesaw State University

English

2009

Didn't know what to expect before the campus visit, but I was really impressed with pretty much everything. Faculty seemed to get along well and actually know each other outside the department. School has tons of financial resources for scholarship, teaching, collaboration. Faculty were genuinely interested in my work and teaching methods, and newer faculty seemed to be mentored well for tenure track. Students were smart and engaged during demo. Reimbursement for campus visit came quickly. The school and this department really seem to have their act together.

Marylhurst U.

English Language and Writing

2011

As with any job prospect, I had certain reservations and questions going into my initial Skype interview with Marylhurst University; however, within minutes I was reassured by the very friendly and professional way that the initial interview was handled. The campus visit further solidified how collegial this department is, treating job candidates with a respect that goes beyond mere politeness. There was a real sense of collaboration between myself and the search committee during the entire process, as though whether I got the job or not, there was a real exchange of ideas underway. I never felt like I was being sold on the job, rather that I was being given an honest glimpse into the day-to-day workings of a really solid department. Lots of attention to detail was paid in the scheduling of the campus visit, including time for breaks between events and time for questions/conversation with students, full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, etc.

Michigan State U.

English

2007-08

While I was not offered the job, the campus interview experience was wonderful. The faculty were prepared to discuss my work, ask questions, and provide feedback. The principle of academic freedom was readily apparent in all aspects of the interview. The chair kept me up to date on the search all the way through. The department is congenial, professional, and fascinating in its diversity.

Mississippi State

English

date withheld (recent)

Very professional throughout. The head of the dept. arranged times for discussions with all senior faculty as well as a separate time for discussion with all junior faculty. Plenty of breaks scheduled during the campus visit, and everyone showed interest in job talk

Mount Holyoke

English

Incredibly nice people. Very professional. Intellectually engaged. The most fun I had ever had on a campus visit. Search committee chair called me to inform that they had offered the position to another candidate; this was a nice courtesy as most search committees just send a form rejection letter weeks after the fact.

Mount Royal (Calgary)

Humanities

Everyone I met in the department seemed incredibly nice; the atmosphere was very collegial and friendly. I was sent a very detailed itinerary well before the visit. I emailed the search chair with questions a couple of times before the interview and received comprehensive, helpful answers the same day. At the interview, I was asked several times to submit all my receipts (including those for meals I had eaten on my own while in town) for reimbursement, and I received a cheque in American dollars (I'm in the US) a few weeks later. My job talk was really well attended and I got great questions. After the interview, the search committee chair gave me a timeline for when I would hear back, and emailed me when they couldn't meet this deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, and then called me personally to tell me I did not get the job. I would definitely apply here again!

• I had the same experience.  They were wonderful to work with.

Northern Arizona University

History

2008

An absolutely wonderful group of people. Campus interview included lots of coffee breaks, a broad sampling of Flagstaff's restaurants, and even a home-made dinner at the SCC's home! Everyone I met was just so nice: the dean, the department chair, the admin staff, the undergrads who came to my job talk, the whole SC. Not a very wealthy university but they make up for it in other ways. University also has a comprehensive spousal hire program - they're quite proud of it and were happy to discuss it. They didn't offer me the job but it's impossible to be bitter after such treatment. I agree. I had an interview in Women's Studies on the phone. For a phone interview, they actually wanted to hear what I had to say and I was allowed to give real answers, rather than superficial sound-bites I have found encouraged in other phone interviews. It actually led to a great conversation. Unfortunately, they lost a lot of their funding and had to re-configure the position from a TT to a one year gig. They offered me an interview on campus, but I did not want to waste their $$ given this situation would not work for me. Very unfortunate, because they seem really committed, engaging and kind. I could tell they really cared about teaching and students. This funding crisis is bad...

Once they received my application, the search chair sent an email confirming it was received and let me know the full schedule for the entire process if I were to be considered further. Phone interview invite came right in line with the schedule, as did the campus interview (and the ultimate decision -- they didn't offer me the job).

The campus interview was wonderful. Two members of the search committee (one the chair of the search) took me to dinner at a nice restaurant. They outlined the full schedule for me, already sent promptly via e-mail, but they went into detail. They also said they wanted me to do as well as possible, and so they told me I could ask anything I wanted about the experience and what they were looking for and that it would remain confidential (they let me know they were doing this for all of the candidates).

They were the nicest people ever to interview me. Each step of the way they treated me like a colleague and not with suspicion or disdain. They really seemed to care about teaching and research, and the search chair was always giving me a water bottle or a snack and making sure I was taken care of in the process. He also noticed I didn't get to eat much during a pizza lunch and took two of the same kind of pizza slices that I was eating and made sure I got fifteen minutes in his office to eat before the next event. When I left the campus, I felt like I was leaving friends. I see the search chair each year at CSCA and NCA, and it is never awkward. He and his colleagues are real class acts.

North Carolina State

History

2006/07

actually got back to candidates after AHA when they said they would, which is rare and always appreciated. Jan. 2006

• Prompt, polite acknowledgement, and rejection, honesty appreciated. 2006/7
• I second this posting- I was an on campus candidate and was treated very well by kind, fun faculty. The entire trip was well planned and very smooth. Great group.
• I agree. I was an on-campus candidate in 2007/8 and actually enjoyed the experience--can't say that about most on-campus experiences.

Ohio State

Theatre

2010

This was the most organized search I have ever been a part of. The departmental assistant was in constant contact and knew all the details backwards and forwards. Even with some awful weather causing delays, the department made the search appear effortless. I did not get the job, and the chair provided insightful feedback about my interview. Best of luck to whomever got the job.

Penn State University

Medical Humanities

2009

A class act. Sent a gracious email acknowledgement of my (late) couriered application, then an equally gracious (and quick) rejection letter by mail. They know what they want, and they have it together.

Pomona College

English

2008

Very organized and thoughtful. Offered to pay hotel and flight costs up front, which was really considerate. Lively, passionate faculty and impressively run search. Kept all of us in the loop throughout.

Portland State University

History

2007

Extremely organized, friendly and courteous campus interview. Didn't get the job but the search process was highly professional.

Rowan University

English

2010

Incredibly well run, courteous, organized search, from materials requests to the campus visit. Warm, friendly faculty and staff, great students, and prompt reimbursement. Whoever ends up there is lucky.

Simmons College (Boston)

History

I took a job at a larger research university but the people on this committee cosigned a personal letter of congratulations wishing me the best. That amount of personal attention was over the top and truly appreciated.

Saint Louis University

Communications

2009 Fall

Wonderful, welcoming people. In every step of the process (conference interview, phone interview, campus visit), I was treated with respect, as a colleague, not as a target for interrogation, which is too often the case in interviews and research presentations. Also, they were very up-front about timeline for the search and when other candidates were interviewing, etc.

Saint Francis University

English

2010

Fantastic experience. Accomodations were great. Faculty was friendly and one could tell they enjoyed being there.

Saint Vincent College

Theology

2007 Fall

they were clear about the search timeline and were very prompt about notifying candidates about changes/progress, including rejection. I'm all for rejections that come sooner rather than later.

Towson University

Biology

2007 Fall

The single most professionally organized interview I've been on - punctual, efficient, thoughtful. I felt refreshed and enthused when I was done! The one on ones were all about the department and science. The faculty are genuinely collegial and proud of it, and both student panels I met with were mature and insightful

University of Alabama

2008

fantastic, considerate hosts. I enjoyed the campus interview and felt as if I were actually _valued_ for a change.

• QUESTION: Which University of Alabama, and which department? Thanks.

• Interviewed at History Dept., at UA Tuscaloosa (main campus). It was a very good experience.
• I also had an excellent experience interviewing with UA Tuscaloosa (History; Atlantic world) at the AHA; it was the most intellectually stimulating yet friendly of the 8 AHA interviews I had this year (AHA 2008). In addition, both prior and subsequent to the interview, the SC's communication was fluid, courteous, and transparent. The entire committee had read my dissertation and had informed and thoughtful questions; they treated me as a potential colleague and were warm and polite yet intellectually rigorous. I did not get a campus interview, but had a very informative and pleasant email from the SC chair explaining why. The whole search process from beginning to end was organized, professional, and respectful. Much appreciated, as this kind of SC communication is, in my experience, all too rare.
• I'll add my positive experience to this too. History Department (Ancient/Late Antique). Wonderful AHA interview/communication and the best rejection letter I've ever received! I would have loved to work with these people.

U of Arizona

Human Resources/Search Secretary

incredibly helpful and just plain nice

• A good department with friendly staff. But research is the major focus - teaching is undervalued and not a major factor in job hires.

U of British Columbia, Okanagan

Humanities

Ridiculously nice people. The entire SC was lovely, and one of them even lent me a snowsuit so that I could go skiing at a hill nearby after my interview. I don't know yet whether I'll get the job, but everyone was so courteous and downright interesting that I'll think well of the school regardless. Also, though this doesn't apply to my own situation, from talking to other people at the school, it seems that they don't look down on candidates for having spent a few years as a sessional/adjunct and that they'll gladly hire the best person for the job whether they're a sessional or not. I hope to stay in touch with several of the people I met while I was there. Oh, and they paid for flight, hotel and car rental up front and reminded me several times to keep my receipts for everything so that I could be reimbursed. -added 2/27: Same person. Didn't get the job in the end, but this was conveyed in a personal email that was pretty much the nicest rejection letter I've ever received. These people are gems.

• Ditto for search in 2007, humanities, except the ski suit. Wonderfully welcoming, collegial, interesting and engaging faculty questions. Even given a tour of the area's local history and agriculture industries.

U of Colorado, Denver

Geography

I was short listed there. Didn't get the job, but was a very positive interview experience. They put me up in a really nice hotel, and were very straightforward and honest about how the job search is proceeding, what they are looking for etc. No problems with reimbursements etc. The job talk turned into a good discussion about my research and some of the broader issues it raised. Likewise, the dinners and one-on-one interviews were actually enjoyable conversations. Very nice people, no big egos. I never felt like anyone was trying to sandbag me. Even the rejection email was nice.

UC, Davis

English

I liked everyone I met there. Friendly faculty and grad students. Chair (now retired) was very transparent about the whole search process. Everyone was very courteous. I didn't get the job, but I liked the visit so much. I'm still in touch with one of the search committee members, and we hang out whenever we see each other at conferences.

UCLA

English

didn't make the cut after the conference interview, but the interview itself was very collegial and professionally conducted. The SCC contacted me personally to let me know I was no longer in the running, and gave me genuine encouragement and some pertinent info regarding why I didn't make the cut. It wasn't all hot air, either. They did what they could to make the whole job seeking process less miserable than it can sometimes be.

U of Delaware

Women's Studies

2009

Quite possibly the most organized campus visit I've ever been on. The faculty member who picked me up at the airport the day before my talk was my guide for my whole visit. She escorted me to every appointment, gave me a tour of campus, and even carved out 30 mins so I could go back to my hotel and have a brief nap between my talk and dinner. The talk was well-publicized and both faculty and students attended. I left with the sense that they are a warm, kind, intellectually engaged, highly organized, politically and intellectually committed department.

The campus visit was extremely well-run. There was a good balance between structured and unstructured time. I was never left alone to wander/wonder but I was given some down time, such as private use of an office before the teaching demo and optional tours of town and campus. The events were well-attended by members of the department, and questioning during the interview portion was rigorous but friendly. Students were polite and participated actively during my teaching demo. In the end I finished second for the job, but I was left with a very good impression of the place and people.

U Houston-Clear Lake

Literature

2007/8 search

MLA interview went well. Didn't get a campus visit, but chair sent a personal email explaining why. Said she could have hired me (and 4 others) on the spot but I was the only ABD. Went into detail about my strengths during the interview. Pretty cool of her to give me that level of feedback.

U IL Springfield

Biology

young faculty, nice people, highly recommend, very professional interview process.

U IL, Urbana-Champaign

2006/07 search

campus interview run with military precision, making up for the long pre-pre-interview process. Every accommodation was made for me.

University of Memphis

Art History

2008

The best campus interview I have ever had - congenial faculty, well-organized, with 30-45 minutes of down time between interviews, no need to ask for reimbursements, wonderful dinners and the greatest hotel I have ever stayed in. A real class act. (Now if they will just hire me!) 4/2008

University of Michigan

English

2008

2010

The most amazingly detailed and clear acknowledgment of an application I have ever seen. It was clearly just a form email, but it outlined the steps they'd go through, an approximate timeline, and included other useful information. Further, it was a completely professional and polite tone--if I'm ever a search committee chair, I'm patterning my acknowledgments after theirs. No idea if I'll even make the shortlist, but if I do, they've already impressed me. 11/2008 (Update 1/2009: I didn't get to the conference interview round, but it remains among the clearest and most humane contacts I've ever had with a hiring committee.)

Update: As of 2010, they are still awesome on the front end of the application process. Their letter of receipt is detailed, with a full timeline, very professional, and even comforting. Their ad also explicitly states they support dual career couples. Remarkably humane in all ways!

University of Michigan-Flint

Biology

2009

The chair of this search committee (Gary Pace) was easily the most professional and nicest person I have met on an interview in years. The overall experience was so positive I cannot describe it. The start up appeared low and the student graduate stipends were very low, but I would still have taken the job because everyone I met was so nice. Even at the motel!

University of Mississippi (OleMiss)

History

2009

Didn't get the offer but was taken away by the professionalism and friendliness of the whole department. The chair, Joe Ward, went out of his way to offer pointers on the job talk and make me feel welcome after arriving. Another professor took me on a tour of the town in her car to give me an idea of what it'd be like to live in Oxford. (Great town, if you ask me!) The department actually has a tradition of holding a reception for each finalist at the home of one of the faculty. A number of the professors were enthusiastic about my work, and even the ones who clearly didn't regard me as their first choice were cordial throughout my campus visit. The visit was organized like clockwork. My job talk was well attended and the graduate and undergraduate students I met with were all first rate. The chair was gracious and palpably disappointed when he called me to share the bad news, and offered all kinds of unexpected praise. This is a place that protects and nurtures its junior faculty - great department!

University of Nebraska at Omaha

History

2009

Search committee chair went out of their way to be cordial and provide additional information. Well-organized, even on short notice (mid-November interview for a spring position). Phone interview was tough but fair and friendly, even collegial: though it was clear after the first few questions that they wanted someone with experience in an area I don't have, they were still genuinely interested in discussing my teaching and research. Gave the impression that they really do get along and have a good department atmosphere. Notification via email was prompt, courteous and encouraging - definitely one of the nicest rejection letters I've ever gotten! Not your standard boilerplate.

University of New Mexico

Geography

Very organized search, great department head and friendly faculty. Efficient with the search (apps due Jan. 9, campus interview in mid Feb.). Ultimately I did not get the job but there was an air of openness and honesty through the whole process. Would be a great department to work in, I'm sure.

U of North Carolina, Greensboro

Romance Languages

The SC was great during my MLA interview. Kept me posted during the process very professional and warm. Of all my campus visits the best one, the most organized and professional. I really felt they understood what it feels to be a candidate.

University of Northern British Columbia

History

2009

A class act from the get-go, and the most straightforward, engaging, and interesting search committee I have ever met in four years on the job market. First thing the chair asked me when I got off the plane was, "would you like a nice cup of coffee?" Thank you! Every faculty member I met was well-informed about my research and career thusfar, and made me feel both welcome and respected. The department made a fabulous poster to advertise my job talk, and though the audience was small, they all asked excellent questions. The Dean with whom I spoke was extremely candid about both the benefits and drawbacks of working there. Their interest in me as a candidate was obvious, but so was their determination to hire someone who went into the job with their eyes open. Interview itself consisted of a series of tough but fair open-ended questions that really got to the heart of who I would be as a scholar, teacher, and colleague if I was hired. If every search committee was this honest, engaged, and professional, the job market would be a lot less of an ordeal.

University of Northern Colorado

English

I couldn't have asked for a better interview experience; it really was the most positive and well-organized out of all my interviews, most of which were also smoothly organized. The folks in the department were exceedingly supportive and inviting; my schedule was delivered to me well in advance and plenty of down-time was included to keep me from being run ragged, the expectations for the teaching demo were spelled out well in advance, I was given comprehensive travel information well in advance, and I was reimbursed very quickly. In short, when I visited in 2007, I couldn't have asked for a more profession or inviting interview experience.

• I second this. My campus visit was well-organized, professional, and collegial. Throughout the process they were supportive and engaged. I was impressed by the number of faculty and graduate students who attended my teaching and research presentations and asked excellent and challenging (in the good way) questions. Overall I was very impressed with this university and department.

University of the Pacific

Biology

2008

Nice, considerate, collegial faculty, sharp undergrads, engaged Masters students, plus their new building is slated to open later this year. Everything about the interview was well orchestrated and professional, and reimbursement was quick. What a great department!

• While everything above is true, I must note that it took them 7 weeks (~3 weeks post-offer) to notify their second-choice that they would NOT be receiving an offer. Not a good situation for #2, that close to the end of hiring-season.
• How long do contract negotiations typically take?
• That delay was the result of a rather "prickly" and extended contract negotiation with the #1 choice. The norm is 1-2 weeks.

University of Richmond

Biology

Faculty are exemplary teachers and researchers. I have never met a more engaging and interesting group of students. UR has a very strong diversity initiative, good spousal support, and a huge endowment to back it up.

University of San Francisco

Environmental Science

2009

Absolutely the nicest people ever during my phone interview. They asked good questions and asked for clarification when necessary, plus seemed happy to be working at USF. I received a job offer at another institution before USF invited candidates for on campus interviews, and when I told the SC that I was taking the other job, he sent me a very nice email in return.

University of the South (Sewanee)

History

2007

one-year job, great interview (they wined and dined me, paid for my travel, no need to hassle w/reimbursement), good communication (actually made the offer the day after my on-campus visit), great place to work (amazing salary, lots o' resources, great students, and interested and interesting colleagues who treat me like a member of the dept, not just an adjunct); another bonus - one-year faculty have full access to conference and research funding

• I was surprised to see this dept. on this list. I had an AHA interview with them for a TT job a couple of years ago. Rarely have I encountered more morose people. I was asked about my teaching style, and said something about how I have to learn to slow down in class -- I exhaust myself. One comm. member replied, "Oh, our students will slow you down prtty quick." I wondered afterwards if it wasn't just a culture clash (I'm from NYC and, let's say, ethnic) but a friend who is Episcopalian had the same experience.

I never post anything online, but I feel like our very positive comments should not only encourage those who have campus visits with these institutions, but also the hiring committees who are truly outstanding sometimes - if they ever read these comments.

It was my first campus visit (I am new on the job market) and I can tell that this department has the NICEST faculty ever! Everything went very well: the committee chair picked me up - on time - at the airport, she already had a huge smile on her face, and was very enthusiastic to have me in Evansville - I immediately felt welcome.

All the professors from the department were so encouraging with me, always eager to get to know me, and really, they all were very personable and likeable. We had very interesting conversations about eveything - academia, different cultures.. (most of the professors come from different countries).

I think I did not get the job (no rejection letter yet, but it's been more than two weeks now), but I am glad I had my first campus visit with them as I got to practice/learn with really nice and intelligent individuals.

University of South Florida

History

2009

A wonderful department. They are engaged scholars doing great work. They communicated everything very clearly, were collegial and interested, and offer a great work environment -- you teach just in your own field, whatever inspires you. (This is rare and surprising for my field -- I'm an Asianist). They are also good people. A real gem.

University of Texas at Dallas

Arts and Humanities

2008

Perhaps the most collegial faculty I have ever dealt with. The search committee was straight forward and really went out of their way to make the experience as painless as possible.

• I absolutely second the previous comment. I loved meeting with this faculty!
• I agree - didn't even get a CAA interview, but I just received an e-mail stating that they are looking to make another hire in the future, and could they retain my dossier? Very, very nice and considerate.(4/2008)

University of Texas Pan American

Biology

2009

The experience was great, the faculty were all wonderful. I have no doubt that if another vacancy occurred here I would jump to apply. I really liked everything.

University of Toronto

DEPARTMENT?

2005/06

Interviewed in wheelchair. Perfect interview for disabled candidate. I never experienced this before. Driver who picked me up knew what to do. Hotel was on main street downtown so I could go out. (As opposed to hotels where you are captive in your room as you can only access parking lot) Room was easy to navigate with enough space to get in bathroom, move around bed, desk. Department made my "accessibility" a non-issue by planning. Lectern for job talk was already at perfect height. Lunch and dinner were easy to get to and wheelchair friendly. Department already knew where accessible toilets were. (The worst is when you ask and they say: Oh, gee, I guess we´ll have to find "one of those" for you!) All around class act. And no, I didn't get the job.

• Another good experience here (2005/06 search).

University of Utah

Communication

The on-campus visit was entirely paid for and booked by the department. Outside of extra baggage fees, they paid for everything. They put me up in a University-owned hospital in the Olympic village. The faculty were very engaged in the process. I met with over a dozen faculty outside of the SC during finals week. Although the department is a broad one, with media studies, journalism, and speech, org, and interpersonal comm all in one place, the faculty struck me as very collegial. The dean and department chair took great pains to make sure I understood everything about the position and life in SLC. They provided a realtor who gave me a tour of the city's neighborhoods. The staff is incredibly friendly. Finally, they made a decision precisely when they said they would.

University of Washington

Communication

2011-12 search

Incredibly nice, friendly department where faculty at all levels seems happy. Entire search very transparent and simple. (Uploaded documents to website, gave LoR writers a code; SComm tweeted timeline/stages, rejection letters notably polite, chair prompt in replying to emails/phone calls, chair made salary/benefits/what is negotiable very clear during campus visit.) On campus visit, treated like a peer, not someone to be grilled by entire faculty. Chair/admin ensured ample time for breaks/bathroom/eating and prep for job talk. No airport pickup -- in part BECAUSE department didn't want guest to feel pressured to walk off the plane in top form. Every meal out was great and friendly. Hotel was lovely. I booked flights myself, but I preferred it as to control my departure/arrival times. They offered to book if problem. Had many pleasant campus visits, but UW was noticeably special.

University of West Georgia

English

2006-07 search; 2010-2011

Really nice, friendly department. Faculty deported themselves very professionally during MLA interview and campus visit. Underfunded university, but otherwise seemed like a great place to work. Great support staff, quick reimbursement. (No, I didn't get the job.) Don't believe everything you see over on the black list

• 2011: I agree completely with the above poster.

University of Winnipeg

Rhetoric

2007-08

No upfront expenses as the university buys your plane ticket. Generous breaks between interviews. It was the only school (among several campus visits) where the interview included a session with the faculty association (= union) that provided tips and resources on how to negotiate the contract.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

English

2010

A very welcoming and friendly English department and an extremely organized search committee. Nothing but good things to say about the university and all those involved with the search.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Modern Languages

History

Education

2009-2010

2009-1

2012

From start to finish this was one of the best interviewing experiences I have had. The SCC set the tone with a professional and friendly approach and was extremely welcoming on campus. The campus visit schedule was sent well in advance, expectations were clear, and there was time to rest scheduled between teaching/presentations. The department members all seem to really care about students AND research, plus the students are very alert, engaged, and socially active.

• Ditto.

A delightful visit - warm people, enjoyable conversation. Really came across how much they like each other and their students. Whomever they select will have great collegues.

Utah State University

History

Outstanding department and very friendly. Excellent mix of research and teaching. Surprisingly liberal for Utah, inclusive department, non-mormons are the majority.

Washington University St. Louis

Theatre

I got a call from the search chair letting me know that my letters of recommendation had not arrived. I am impressed that this call was made at all -- given the number of schools that utterly fail to contact candidates at any point. The entire tone of the call was both warm and professional.

Wayne State University

Biology

2008

A wonderful interview experience. The interview was so well run and I was treated so well, that I felt like an invited speaker, rather than a job candidate.  I was picked up at the airport by a limousine, and was put up at the wonderful Inn on Ferry Street.  They had the entire schedule planned ahead, and even had pointers for my job talk and the next day's chalk-talk!  Had the first evening to myself, so I had time to relax after my flight and go over my talk.  Extremely efficient but relaxed schedule - small breaks for bathroom, etc...  The faculty were friendly and outgoing, and the grad students were great.  During my talk they were polite but asked interesting questions (not all were easy ones, but all were relevant and fair).  Unfortunately, I did not get an offer (in any case, I was not a good fit, professionally), but they are a great group of people and it would be a great place to work.

Western Kentucky University

Art History

Really, really nice bunch of people. Everyone was very friendly and professional-- had an absolutely packed crowd for my job talk, a couple of very collegial dinners, and a wine reception at a SC member's house. They put a lot of time and effort into their visiting candidates. (so nice and positive, in fact, that I was shocked to not be offered the job, but they were very nice about that, too)

Western Kentucky University

Biology

Follows the Art History description above to a tee. The department was not in "pristine brand new" condition, but the faculty were very nice and impressive. I was drooling over taking a spot there.

Wheaton College

Theology

2007 Fall

I didn't even get an interview, but have corresponded several times with the search committee chair over email. He was very nice, helpful, forthcoming about what they were looking for, willing to listen to concerns, and provided some helpful feedback.

- Ditto! I interviewed in Spring, 2008 with another department. They contacted me when they said they would, promptly refunded my travel expenses, and conducted the campus interview with great professionalism and courtesy. An excellent place to interview!

2011-12 season: I only had a skype interview, but during that and all our interactions I was impressed by what attentive listeners they seemed to be and how determined to really understand where I was coming from in a constructive way; it seemed a very thoughtful department and they were also extremely kind.

Whitworth University

Human Resources

2007

Very helpful and friendly. I was stunned (in a good way).

• I agree! My experience with them thus far has been very good. They're professional, organized and on-the-ball in ways that so many universities aren't. (Dec. 11, 2007)

Whitman College

English (Visiting)

From the first phone call, my experience was great. When I arrived, the administration (including a newly hired Dean) knew my name, my file, and my research. Both faculty and students were candid (and accurate)in their descriptions of the job and campus life. They payed hotel and air up-front, and then double-checked to make sure I had not incurred any additional expenses. I can't think of a better "first job" experience.

This is another person essentially dittoing the above paragraph: As someone coming right out of grad school and into this institution, it's a bit a dream, and yes: an ideal first job experience. Collegial faculty, amazing and engaged students, tremendously functional all-around. From first contact to what is now the last bit of the visiting professorship, it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. (3/7/12)

Williams College

history

2002/2003

everyone was very friendly and very professional. accommodations were very nice. it seemed like a nice place to teach. inside candidate unsurprisingly got the job but even the rejection - by telephone - was heartfelt and personal.

Wofford

While I didn't get the job, the SC was pleasant, prepared, and obviously interested in finding the best candidate for the job. What really impressed me, however, was the fact that they notified the non-campus visit MLA interviews once the campus visits had been confirmed. I find this to be rare (and prefer it to the indefinite, "maybe our first 4 choices won't work out" approach.

• I had a great experience visiting campus for an art history position. I was surprised by how many faculty members from other departments showed up for my job talk. Students seemed sharp, too.

Xavier University of New Orleans

History

The students, faculty and administration here are endearing folks who have obviously triumphed after Hurricane Katrina. The history department was great--very open and honest after what has been a difficult time. Paid for everything up-front (always appreciated) and were very gracious.