In Case I Was Having Doubts

It's nice when the universe (or, in this case, the university) reminds you of why you're leaving. I thought, actually, that I'd be talking about the double-edged sword of life near family and how that's playing out in my job decision.

Instead, current job complaints.

Last summer I attempted to teach a graduate course. Our department had been heavily lobbied - just short of actual pummeling - to offer graduate courses in the newly created Master's program. Of course, with our 4/4 teaching load, the only time to teach such a course was in the summer, and summer pay here isn't great. But it sounded like a fun idea, and I like even a little extra pay where I can get it, so I tried.

Getting the course off the ground was a nightmare. It meant I had to get a course through the entire review process to be put in the catalog. As is the nature of universities, this took longer than it needed to - it actually got bumped off two separate meeting agenda cycles - and it was more inconvenient then it needed to be. I was asked ridiculous questions about attendance policies, required to attend meetings where there was no discussion of my (or any) course, etc, etc, etc. When the time for the course finally came, I needed three students to be registered (or so I was told). I had two, and a third who was trying but couldn't actually - literally - register because our computer systems hadn't accounted for people entering being admitted the same week classes they were going to take would actually be starting. I met the first night with the students, and then the course was canceled because I didn't have my three students yet.

Only, it turns out, technically I didn't need 3 students. Two would have been enough, and I could have taught for tuition. When this error was caught, a plan to give some compensation to faculty was launched. Only, for some reason, faculty teaching those much sought after graduate courses weren't factored in.

"Be patient," I was told. The person who had brokered the deal was going through some issues. All would be made right. My union rep didn't - and hasn't - return my phone call. At a union meeting, I was told they were sure management would do the right thing.

This was August.

Yesterday, in my 11th follow-up to my Dean, I noted that it felt like the University was losing this, and while I understood personal issues, I also understood that the problem is a small one and shouldn't take long to correct (Step 1: issue check in same amount issued to the other seven faculty Step 2: hand check over Step 3: Optional apology for the delay and the lack of planning) and that I'm expected to keep functioning in my position even when I have personal difficulties.

This morning, I received a reply that told me essentially that the University - and the person in charge - has forgotten the details and that perhaps compensation won't be given because of this.

I am so ready for an exit interview.