The timing of moving within the academic year

[moving]

I am an assistant professor and like many of us I still plan on going on the market again. One thing that I have been wondering about is if there is any point within the academic year where moving becomes "not ok," or at least frowned upon. In particular, a number of different positions that I might be interested in have been posted within the past few weeks. Given that their deadlines have not even come up yet, it is unlikely that they would have made a decision by, say, April. In the meantime, my current colleagues and I have already been discussing fall classes and all that. Meaning that if I were to leave, the course atlas would still have my name on it, and it would probably be too late for my current institution to get any sort of VAP or TT line for next year.

As such, I wonder if moving this late in the academic year would be the sort of thing that would burn bridges (at least more than the usual with regards to moving) and/or be frowned upon by those in the profession.

[negotiate]

one thing you could do if you do get an offer is negotiate for a delayed start date- either for a semester or for a year. explain the situation to the new institution if they like you they will probably accommodate your request.

if your current department is dysfunctional or run by kooks you're probably going to piss them off either way. I think most of your former colleagues will understand and be supportive.

[some places]

Some universities may require faculty who are resigning or retiring to announce their plans by a certain date (e.g., April 30). Faculty handbooks or the faculty contract if your university is unionized should contain information like this. This can further complicate matters.

Good luck. Hope you get an offer you want to take.

[AAUP]

AAUP rules (non-binding but generally adhered to) say that negotiations for the next academic year should be concluded by May 1. If not, the provost from the hiring university has to get permission from the provost of your current place to continue negotiations. I did this when I moved and my first provost gave permission only because I asked. Note that this is a dumb negotiating move because the new place then knows you're probably going to take the job.

[Then again]

How well are you guys placed for adjuncts? If your department can easily sub you with a PhD student from your department or someone in the area, then I personally wouldn't feel too bad about the situation. I mean, I'm not saying you should try to do this, but if you know they can easily find somebody to cover the class, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe offer to share your syllabus as a token of good faith?

That situation is exactly how I got my first adjunct class... with 2 weeks before the start of semester. I had to scramble, but it was fine.