How to assess the long-term stability of a college as part of a job search












8















A few weeks from now, I'll be traveling for a flyout interview to a SLAC in the eastern United States. The college is very small, less than 1,500 students. If hired, I would be teaching philosophy and other topics in a traditional liberal arts and humanities curriculum.



In many ways this is a perfect job for me. The teaching load is 4/4, but I have long wanted to be at a teaching-focused institution. The college is in a small, quiet town in a beautiful area of the country with affordable living. The colleagues I've spoken to so far have been friendly and helpful, and the students seem good. I foresee being able to get tenure fairly easily. For me, all of these features form a very attractive combination. I know it's impossible to predict the future, but at the very least I could see myself spending many years working at this college, assuming there were no major surprises.



My big concern--and I don't know any way other to frame this--is the long-term viability and stability of the college. It has a very small endowment, and as far as I can tell, does not regularly receive donations of any meaningful size. The college weathered the most recent economic challenges here in the US, and has more students enrolled now than at any other point in its history. But my worry is simply that, one day, in response to economic or other issues, it's just going to fold. Then I ask myself whether I could get a job applying out of there, what I would do if I had to leave academia, and so on.



I have no evidence to indicate that anything like this might happen in the near future; in fact, the little information I do have suggests that the college is doing well. But I still worry. I've thought about the possibility of taking a prospective offer with an exit plan: going in ready to publish all of my dissertation research to fill out my CV, in order to make myself competitive should I need to apply out down the road. But that's the best I have so far.



I'd like to ask for your help. My questions are:





  1. What questions can I tactfully and respectfully ask while on my visit to probe for information about my concern? (Keep in mind that I won't have received an actual job offer while visiting; I assume I could ask more direct questions later, were they to make an offer.)

  2. What else should I be looking for on the visit that might help me better understand the college's long-term viability, if anything?










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  • 2





    If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    2 hours ago











  • Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

    – Brian Borchers
    1 hour ago











  • This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

    – JoshuaZ
    40 mins ago











  • @BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

    – twoblackboxes
    24 mins ago
















8















A few weeks from now, I'll be traveling for a flyout interview to a SLAC in the eastern United States. The college is very small, less than 1,500 students. If hired, I would be teaching philosophy and other topics in a traditional liberal arts and humanities curriculum.



In many ways this is a perfect job for me. The teaching load is 4/4, but I have long wanted to be at a teaching-focused institution. The college is in a small, quiet town in a beautiful area of the country with affordable living. The colleagues I've spoken to so far have been friendly and helpful, and the students seem good. I foresee being able to get tenure fairly easily. For me, all of these features form a very attractive combination. I know it's impossible to predict the future, but at the very least I could see myself spending many years working at this college, assuming there were no major surprises.



My big concern--and I don't know any way other to frame this--is the long-term viability and stability of the college. It has a very small endowment, and as far as I can tell, does not regularly receive donations of any meaningful size. The college weathered the most recent economic challenges here in the US, and has more students enrolled now than at any other point in its history. But my worry is simply that, one day, in response to economic or other issues, it's just going to fold. Then I ask myself whether I could get a job applying out of there, what I would do if I had to leave academia, and so on.



I have no evidence to indicate that anything like this might happen in the near future; in fact, the little information I do have suggests that the college is doing well. But I still worry. I've thought about the possibility of taking a prospective offer with an exit plan: going in ready to publish all of my dissertation research to fill out my CV, in order to make myself competitive should I need to apply out down the road. But that's the best I have so far.



I'd like to ask for your help. My questions are:





  1. What questions can I tactfully and respectfully ask while on my visit to probe for information about my concern? (Keep in mind that I won't have received an actual job offer while visiting; I assume I could ask more direct questions later, were they to make an offer.)

  2. What else should I be looking for on the visit that might help me better understand the college's long-term viability, if anything?










share|improve this question


















  • 2





    If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    2 hours ago











  • Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

    – Brian Borchers
    1 hour ago











  • This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

    – JoshuaZ
    40 mins ago











  • @BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

    – twoblackboxes
    24 mins ago














8












8








8








A few weeks from now, I'll be traveling for a flyout interview to a SLAC in the eastern United States. The college is very small, less than 1,500 students. If hired, I would be teaching philosophy and other topics in a traditional liberal arts and humanities curriculum.



In many ways this is a perfect job for me. The teaching load is 4/4, but I have long wanted to be at a teaching-focused institution. The college is in a small, quiet town in a beautiful area of the country with affordable living. The colleagues I've spoken to so far have been friendly and helpful, and the students seem good. I foresee being able to get tenure fairly easily. For me, all of these features form a very attractive combination. I know it's impossible to predict the future, but at the very least I could see myself spending many years working at this college, assuming there were no major surprises.



My big concern--and I don't know any way other to frame this--is the long-term viability and stability of the college. It has a very small endowment, and as far as I can tell, does not regularly receive donations of any meaningful size. The college weathered the most recent economic challenges here in the US, and has more students enrolled now than at any other point in its history. But my worry is simply that, one day, in response to economic or other issues, it's just going to fold. Then I ask myself whether I could get a job applying out of there, what I would do if I had to leave academia, and so on.



I have no evidence to indicate that anything like this might happen in the near future; in fact, the little information I do have suggests that the college is doing well. But I still worry. I've thought about the possibility of taking a prospective offer with an exit plan: going in ready to publish all of my dissertation research to fill out my CV, in order to make myself competitive should I need to apply out down the road. But that's the best I have so far.



I'd like to ask for your help. My questions are:





  1. What questions can I tactfully and respectfully ask while on my visit to probe for information about my concern? (Keep in mind that I won't have received an actual job offer while visiting; I assume I could ask more direct questions later, were they to make an offer.)

  2. What else should I be looking for on the visit that might help me better understand the college's long-term viability, if anything?










share|improve this question














A few weeks from now, I'll be traveling for a flyout interview to a SLAC in the eastern United States. The college is very small, less than 1,500 students. If hired, I would be teaching philosophy and other topics in a traditional liberal arts and humanities curriculum.



In many ways this is a perfect job for me. The teaching load is 4/4, but I have long wanted to be at a teaching-focused institution. The college is in a small, quiet town in a beautiful area of the country with affordable living. The colleagues I've spoken to so far have been friendly and helpful, and the students seem good. I foresee being able to get tenure fairly easily. For me, all of these features form a very attractive combination. I know it's impossible to predict the future, but at the very least I could see myself spending many years working at this college, assuming there were no major surprises.



My big concern--and I don't know any way other to frame this--is the long-term viability and stability of the college. It has a very small endowment, and as far as I can tell, does not regularly receive donations of any meaningful size. The college weathered the most recent economic challenges here in the US, and has more students enrolled now than at any other point in its history. But my worry is simply that, one day, in response to economic or other issues, it's just going to fold. Then I ask myself whether I could get a job applying out of there, what I would do if I had to leave academia, and so on.



I have no evidence to indicate that anything like this might happen in the near future; in fact, the little information I do have suggests that the college is doing well. But I still worry. I've thought about the possibility of taking a prospective offer with an exit plan: going in ready to publish all of my dissertation research to fill out my CV, in order to make myself competitive should I need to apply out down the road. But that's the best I have so far.



I'd like to ask for your help. My questions are:





  1. What questions can I tactfully and respectfully ask while on my visit to probe for information about my concern? (Keep in mind that I won't have received an actual job offer while visiting; I assume I could ask more direct questions later, were they to make an offer.)

  2. What else should I be looking for on the visit that might help me better understand the college's long-term viability, if anything?







job-search academic-life interview administration






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asked 4 hours ago









twoblackboxestwoblackboxes

963




963








  • 2





    If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    2 hours ago











  • Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

    – Brian Borchers
    1 hour ago











  • This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

    – JoshuaZ
    40 mins ago











  • @BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

    – twoblackboxes
    24 mins ago














  • 2





    If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    2 hours ago











  • Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

    – Brian Borchers
    1 hour ago











  • This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

    – JoshuaZ
    40 mins ago











  • @BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

    – twoblackboxes
    24 mins ago








2




2





If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

– Anonymous Physicist
2 hours ago





If you get two job offers, it will probably be easy to assess which employer is more stable. If you get one job offer, take it and then form a plan for any potential failure. Joining a failing institution is better than unemployment.

– Anonymous Physicist
2 hours ago













Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

– Brian Borchers
1 hour ago





Ask to see an annual report that includes financial data. Check the institution's bond rating. Ask what the "discount rate" on tuition is. Ask the dean about the institution's enrollment management plan- how are they going to deal with the impending decline in the number of 18-year-old high school graduates. (from 3.5 million high school graduates per year now to 3 million per year in 2025.)

– Brian Borchers
1 hour ago













This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

– JoshuaZ
40 mins ago





This is a great question and I wish I could upvote it more. I had a position at a SLAC where I knew going in that they had some financial issues but the severity wasn't clear to me until after I was hired. And it clearly caused massive stress for the faculty and staff.

– JoshuaZ
40 mins ago













@BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

– twoblackboxes
24 mins ago





@BrianBorchers, thanks. If they make an offer, I will ask about an annual report and enrollment plans.

– twoblackboxes
24 mins ago










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















3














Over the forty year period of a faculty career, any kind of institution is likely to fail or change until it is unrecognizable.



If your goal is to get the job, during the interview, ask how they plan to change and evolve over decades. Then, tell them how you would help them achieve their long term goals.






share|improve this answer
























  • Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











  • If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

    – Buffy
    22 mins ago











  • @twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago











  • @Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago





















1














While college failures are rare they do happen, especially in generally poor economic situations. But I think that mismanagement is more likely to be a factor when they do fail. But some advice, probably not complete.



I hope the place is regionally accredited with one of the major agencies. Otherwise, not a great bet.



I hope the place is not for profit. Otherwise...



I hope the place is a bit diversified in course offerings and student body and faculty and administration. A place traditionally founded and run by a single family is less of a sure bet.



I hope the place draws students from a wider, rather than a narrower, geographical area. A national or international student body is best, but a few places can make do with only a regional reputation. How wide is their reputation?



I hope they don't need to accept every applicant for financial reasons. Otherwise they have no cushion when times get bad.



It is good if they have some endowment that they manage wisely as a cushion and to enable opportunities.



I hope that they are open to new ideas, both in curriculum, and in management, but that is hard to judge. I hope that they don't need to chase every new trend to stay viable.



I hope that the faculty is collegial, both within and across disciplines, though that is more of an indicator of a good work environment than longevity.



I hope that a lot of decisions are made by the faculty and that the faculty is generally listened to in important discussions; curriculum and beyond. And that the administration respects those decisions.



I hope that the board of directors is also diversified, not just cronies of the college president.



I can probably think of more and will update as it occurs. I've worked at a couple of problematic places. None failed, but they did fail at being a satisfying place to work at times.






share|improve this answer
























  • I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











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2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes








2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









3














Over the forty year period of a faculty career, any kind of institution is likely to fail or change until it is unrecognizable.



If your goal is to get the job, during the interview, ask how they plan to change and evolve over decades. Then, tell them how you would help them achieve their long term goals.






share|improve this answer
























  • Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











  • If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

    – Buffy
    22 mins ago











  • @twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago











  • @Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago


















3














Over the forty year period of a faculty career, any kind of institution is likely to fail or change until it is unrecognizable.



If your goal is to get the job, during the interview, ask how they plan to change and evolve over decades. Then, tell them how you would help them achieve their long term goals.






share|improve this answer
























  • Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











  • If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

    – Buffy
    22 mins ago











  • @twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago











  • @Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago
















3












3








3







Over the forty year period of a faculty career, any kind of institution is likely to fail or change until it is unrecognizable.



If your goal is to get the job, during the interview, ask how they plan to change and evolve over decades. Then, tell them how you would help them achieve their long term goals.






share|improve this answer













Over the forty year period of a faculty career, any kind of institution is likely to fail or change until it is unrecognizable.



If your goal is to get the job, during the interview, ask how they plan to change and evolve over decades. Then, tell them how you would help them achieve their long term goals.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 1 hour ago









Anonymous PhysicistAnonymous Physicist

19.8k83979




19.8k83979













  • Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











  • If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

    – Buffy
    22 mins ago











  • @twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago











  • @Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago





















  • Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago











  • If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

    – Buffy
    22 mins ago











  • @twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago











  • @Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

    – Anonymous Physicist
    20 mins ago



















Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

– twoblackboxes
25 mins ago





Helpful, but the choice isn't just between joining a (possibly) failing institution and unemployment--it's between joining a (possibly) failing institution and one or more of returning to my PhD for one more year, taking a postdoc, or leaving academia.

– twoblackboxes
25 mins ago













If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

– Buffy
22 mins ago





If you really want a career in academia, finishing your PhD should be a top priority.

– Buffy
22 mins ago













@twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

– Anonymous Physicist
20 mins ago





@twoblackboxes That would be a different question on stack exchange, one that would depend on your field of research. In most fields, you should not assume you will ever get a second faculty job offer. An extra year of PhD is rarely a good idea.

– Anonymous Physicist
20 mins ago













@Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

– Anonymous Physicist
20 mins ago







@Buffy it depends; some fields primarily hire ABDs into faculty positions. Others prefer many years of postdoc experience.

– Anonymous Physicist
20 mins ago













1














While college failures are rare they do happen, especially in generally poor economic situations. But I think that mismanagement is more likely to be a factor when they do fail. But some advice, probably not complete.



I hope the place is regionally accredited with one of the major agencies. Otherwise, not a great bet.



I hope the place is not for profit. Otherwise...



I hope the place is a bit diversified in course offerings and student body and faculty and administration. A place traditionally founded and run by a single family is less of a sure bet.



I hope the place draws students from a wider, rather than a narrower, geographical area. A national or international student body is best, but a few places can make do with only a regional reputation. How wide is their reputation?



I hope they don't need to accept every applicant for financial reasons. Otherwise they have no cushion when times get bad.



It is good if they have some endowment that they manage wisely as a cushion and to enable opportunities.



I hope that they are open to new ideas, both in curriculum, and in management, but that is hard to judge. I hope that they don't need to chase every new trend to stay viable.



I hope that the faculty is collegial, both within and across disciplines, though that is more of an indicator of a good work environment than longevity.



I hope that a lot of decisions are made by the faculty and that the faculty is generally listened to in important discussions; curriculum and beyond. And that the administration respects those decisions.



I hope that the board of directors is also diversified, not just cronies of the college president.



I can probably think of more and will update as it occurs. I've worked at a couple of problematic places. None failed, but they did fail at being a satisfying place to work at times.






share|improve this answer
























  • I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago
















1














While college failures are rare they do happen, especially in generally poor economic situations. But I think that mismanagement is more likely to be a factor when they do fail. But some advice, probably not complete.



I hope the place is regionally accredited with one of the major agencies. Otherwise, not a great bet.



I hope the place is not for profit. Otherwise...



I hope the place is a bit diversified in course offerings and student body and faculty and administration. A place traditionally founded and run by a single family is less of a sure bet.



I hope the place draws students from a wider, rather than a narrower, geographical area. A national or international student body is best, but a few places can make do with only a regional reputation. How wide is their reputation?



I hope they don't need to accept every applicant for financial reasons. Otherwise they have no cushion when times get bad.



It is good if they have some endowment that they manage wisely as a cushion and to enable opportunities.



I hope that they are open to new ideas, both in curriculum, and in management, but that is hard to judge. I hope that they don't need to chase every new trend to stay viable.



I hope that the faculty is collegial, both within and across disciplines, though that is more of an indicator of a good work environment than longevity.



I hope that a lot of decisions are made by the faculty and that the faculty is generally listened to in important discussions; curriculum and beyond. And that the administration respects those decisions.



I hope that the board of directors is also diversified, not just cronies of the college president.



I can probably think of more and will update as it occurs. I've worked at a couple of problematic places. None failed, but they did fail at being a satisfying place to work at times.






share|improve this answer
























  • I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago














1












1








1







While college failures are rare they do happen, especially in generally poor economic situations. But I think that mismanagement is more likely to be a factor when they do fail. But some advice, probably not complete.



I hope the place is regionally accredited with one of the major agencies. Otherwise, not a great bet.



I hope the place is not for profit. Otherwise...



I hope the place is a bit diversified in course offerings and student body and faculty and administration. A place traditionally founded and run by a single family is less of a sure bet.



I hope the place draws students from a wider, rather than a narrower, geographical area. A national or international student body is best, but a few places can make do with only a regional reputation. How wide is their reputation?



I hope they don't need to accept every applicant for financial reasons. Otherwise they have no cushion when times get bad.



It is good if they have some endowment that they manage wisely as a cushion and to enable opportunities.



I hope that they are open to new ideas, both in curriculum, and in management, but that is hard to judge. I hope that they don't need to chase every new trend to stay viable.



I hope that the faculty is collegial, both within and across disciplines, though that is more of an indicator of a good work environment than longevity.



I hope that a lot of decisions are made by the faculty and that the faculty is generally listened to in important discussions; curriculum and beyond. And that the administration respects those decisions.



I hope that the board of directors is also diversified, not just cronies of the college president.



I can probably think of more and will update as it occurs. I've worked at a couple of problematic places. None failed, but they did fail at being a satisfying place to work at times.






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While college failures are rare they do happen, especially in generally poor economic situations. But I think that mismanagement is more likely to be a factor when they do fail. But some advice, probably not complete.



I hope the place is regionally accredited with one of the major agencies. Otherwise, not a great bet.



I hope the place is not for profit. Otherwise...



I hope the place is a bit diversified in course offerings and student body and faculty and administration. A place traditionally founded and run by a single family is less of a sure bet.



I hope the place draws students from a wider, rather than a narrower, geographical area. A national or international student body is best, but a few places can make do with only a regional reputation. How wide is their reputation?



I hope they don't need to accept every applicant for financial reasons. Otherwise they have no cushion when times get bad.



It is good if they have some endowment that they manage wisely as a cushion and to enable opportunities.



I hope that they are open to new ideas, both in curriculum, and in management, but that is hard to judge. I hope that they don't need to chase every new trend to stay viable.



I hope that the faculty is collegial, both within and across disciplines, though that is more of an indicator of a good work environment than longevity.



I hope that a lot of decisions are made by the faculty and that the faculty is generally listened to in important discussions; curriculum and beyond. And that the administration respects those decisions.



I hope that the board of directors is also diversified, not just cronies of the college president.



I can probably think of more and will update as it occurs. I've worked at a couple of problematic places. None failed, but they did fail at being a satisfying place to work at times.







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answered 3 hours ago









BuffyBuffy

48.9k13159243




48.9k13159243













  • I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago



















  • I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

    – twoblackboxes
    25 mins ago

















I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

– twoblackboxes
25 mins ago





I should have been clearer on at least these points--it is regionally accredited, and not for profit.

– twoblackboxes
25 mins ago


















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