Class Size

As an instructor, you'd prefer to have smaller classes.  That frees up more time for your research work.  However, you might agree to teach more students if the Dean agrees to some or all of the following:

a.  All classes are on the same (few) days of the week.  This frees "big blocks" of time on the other days for you to write.

b.  You give only multiple-choice tests.

c.  You have a graduate student be a designated 'assignment grader.'

 

Teaching Load

As an instructor, you'd prefer to have a lighter teaching load for the same pay.  What does that mean?  Suppose that normally, you are expected to teach three preparations (three different courses; each distinct course is called a "prep.") with two class sections of one prep.  You might negotiate alternative arrangements to teaching this load each semester.  For example:

**A greater (heavier) load in the Fall Semester with a lighter load ("release time") in the Spring.

**One-semester release time for writing an externally-funded grant proposal; more if it is funded by an external grant and you become the director of your own research laboratory.

**Teaching in the "off-sessions" (e.g., a three-week Winter session or perhaps a three [or four]-week Summer session) and letting such "off-session" teaching count toward your normal (nine-month) teaching load.  Note that the schedule allows for only one Winter session class.  Zero to four Summer session classes are possible.

**Combining two regular class sections of one prep; having them meet in a larger lecture hall during the regular academic year.

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