Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty Candidates

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

San Francisco State University

 

 

  1. What are the requirements for tenure and promotion?    The requirements for retention and tenure are available in the Faculty Manual at http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/facman/fac-man.htm#996980 and http://www.sfsu.edu/~senate/S88-120.htm;  the retention and tenure process is described at http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/rettenflow.html,   The requirements for promotion are described at http://www.sfsu.edu/~senate/S94-028.htm ;  the process is described at http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/promoflow.htm . 

 

  1. What is the relative importance of teaching, research and service at SFSU?   The requirements discussed above at http://www.sfsu.edu/~senate/S88-120.htm and http://www.sfsu.edu/~senate/S94-028.htm describe the relative importance of teaching, research and service. 

 

  1. What would be my potential salary range? The salary for new assistant professors is negotiated with the Dean of the College, Dean Joel Kassiola.  The ranges are set out in the CSU contract with the faculty union, the California Faculty Association.

 

  1. What kind of benefits does the University provide?  Faculty at San Francisco State University are part of CalPERS, one of the largest groups available.   Accordingly, the University provides excellent benefits (health- http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/plans_programs/health.htm, dental-http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/plans_programs/dentsum.htm, vision- http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/employee_benefits/vision.htm, life insurance -http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/employee_benefits/life.htm).  In addition, various voluntary plans are available (http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/plans_programs/vp.htm).   See the Human Resources website for additional information (http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/) .

 

  1. Are there same-sex partner benefits?  domestic partner benefits?   Yes, domestic partner benefits are available for employees (http://www.sfsu.edu/~hrwww/benefits/plans_programs/domesticpartner.htm) .

 

  1. Would the University provide me a computer?  The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences provides each new faculty member with a computer and associated peripherals. 

 

  1. What about parking?   As this is an urban campus, parking is limited but mass transportation options are numerous.   The SF MUNI stops right outside the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences buildings and the BART is only two bus stops away (in addition, the University runs a shuttle from Daly City BART as well as from the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges).     To park on campus, faculty may purchase permits on a semester or annual basis.

 

  1. How does my potential department or program fit within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences?    Each department or program serves an important role within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.    The College has eight departments and ten programs (see http://bss.sfsu.edu/bss/ for a list and their websites).  

 

  1. Would the University help me with my moving costs?   Yes, the University does

 

  1. What would be my teaching load?  Faculty in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences teach three courses during each of two semesters (fall and spring).   Summer teaching is optional.

 

  1. Would I have an office to myself or share an office?   Due to extreme space constraints, faculty will share offices.

 

  1. What about housing costs in the Bay Area-- is there assistance available from the University?     Limited assistance is available in this area and the University is actively working on improving the housing options available to faculty.

 

  1. Where do most faculty live?    Faculty live throughout the Bay Area; many live in Pacifica and in the East Bay as well as in San Francisco itself. 

 

  1.  If I am ABD, when do I have to officially complete my degree?   What happens if I cannot do that?     If the Ph.D. or terminal degree is not completed by the time of the official appointment at San Francisco State University, the faculty member is appointed as a lecturer until such time as the dissertation is defended.

 

  1. What kind of research support can I expect if I come to SFSU and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences?    Faculty are eligible to apply for the Faculty Affirmative Action awards (http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/aaction.htm), Stipends for Professional Development Opportunities (http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/probpdel.htm) as well as the Presidential Award for the Professional Development of Probationary Faculty (http://www.sfsu.edu/~acaffrs/probpdel.htm), an early “sabbatical” type of program.   In addition, faculty are always welcome to approach Dean Kassiola to discuss their research agendas and goals with him.

 

  1. What are the possibilities for interdisciplinary research and teaching on campus?      Particularly in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, there are many ongoing interdisciplinary activities (note the number of interdisciplinary programs within the College). 

 

  1.  Would I have access to graduate research assistants and teaching assistants?     Faculty can request graduate research assistants from their department chairs or program directors or can request funding for research assistance from the professional development opportunities discussed above.    Teaching assistants may also be requested from chairs but are typically limited to those teaching large classes.