Career & Tools
To learn more about the academic culture and teaching opportunities in the California State University (CSU) system, the Graduate Division recently hosted a discussion with CSU faculty members. The panelists discussed the life of a professor at these campuses, which includes teaching small classes, meeting the needs of diverse students, and including undergraduate students in your research. Read on to access a recording of the panel!
Are you looking for academic career options that include an emphasis on both teaching and research? Are you hoping to pursue a career based in California?
Then be sure to watch the recording of our recent panel discussion with California State University (CSU) faculty, hosted by UC Santa Barbara's Graduate Division. You'll learn about the life of a professor at these campuses, which includes teaching small classes, meeting the needs of diverse students, and including undergraduate students in your research.
To access the recording of the online webinar click here. (Note: you must be signed into your UCSB email account).
The Q&A from the panel was largely answered live, but there were several questions that received typed responses that may be helpful in your exploration of academic careers at CSUs:
Q: Do you have to complete a post doc to be competitive?
A: This varies by discipline... physical and life sciences yes, other disciplines are less focused on this. Other parameters can be more important. For example... how undergrad friendly is your research program? How focused are you on developing strong/innovative instructional projects? What relevant training have you engaged in?
Q: What's a good way to go about finding a CSU mentor for the CDIP program?
A: Reach out to Associate Dean Hegarty and Dr. Nash at the Graduate Division. They can connect you with potential mentors.
Q: Are there options for working remotely for part of the work week?
A: This depends on your schedule of classes and the modality of teaching those courses. When I first started at CI I was living in LA. I was on campus on Tues, Wed, and Thursdays only as my courses were scheduled on Tues/Thurs. Pre-COVID, we were already moving many committee and department meetings on Zoom. Many faculty also have student hours (office hours) on Zoom.
Questions about the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP), or applying to a faculty position at a CSU? Contact Associate Dean Hegarty or Dr. Nash in the Graduate Division.