Reasons for VAP

[Concerned about Corn Belt]

A tiny liberal arts school in Iowa has an interesting advertisement for a VAP, in that it dangles the potential of renewal.

But if it’s renewable, that slightly worries me about the department in an era of shrinking enrollment in Corn Belt schools.

After some sleuthing, it seems they had a 3 full Soc TT positions in the fall but now they’re only showing two.

Anyone have scuttlebutt on why they’re missing a TT prof halfway through the year? While I won’t explicitly out the gentleman for being dismissed but he was Washington State PhD grad in 15 if anyone knows anyone from that program

[why?]

People quit and/or take a leave of absence for all sorts of reasons that don't directly have anything to do with the institution at which they are/were employed. Why assume the person was "dismissed"? If you're concerned that the vacancy has something to do with the department itself, the reason(s) for that will likely become apparent during an interview, should you get one. The personal circumstances of a person who may have left are irrelevant.

[trulydisenchanted]

I know what job you're referencing, but I don't know anything about the particulars.

I interviewed for a TT position there a few years back, didn't get it, but I later learned that the person who did get the job moved on shortly after. This might be similar. Who knows though.

They might just be looking for stability and this VAP position is the best the provost/dean could offer at the time.

Seems like a great place to work though considering the market. Best of luck if you did get your application in.