Career Frequently Asked Questions

As a new faculty member at Texas State University, you likely have some questions. Other new faculty members have. This section answers the most commonly asked questions asked by new faculty members over the past few years. We have organized the questions according to the elements important to your career: Administrative, Teaching, Research, and Service

 

Administrative Questions

These questions and answers will help you know what to expect regarding orientation, benefits, pay, and more as you begin your career at Texas State.

Q: When and where is orientation and what will I learn?
A: Check the New Faculty Calendar of Events to find dates and locations for upcoming orientation sessions. During orientation, you will learn about Texas State University policies and procedures, benefits and financial services, technology resources, campus information, faculty organizations, and much more.  Human Resources staff will coordinate your new hire paperwork, parking permits and ID cards so be sure to bring the following items with you to New Faculty Orientation:  1) vehicle information and license plate number; 2) checkbook; and 3) Social Security Numbers and birthdates of dependents. 

Q: I need more information about retirement plans and other benefits. Who can I talk to?
A: You will receive benefits information from Human Resources during the New Faculty Orientation. Your benefits options vary.  You can review faculty benefits on the Human Resources website. For more information about university-level benefits, contact Human Resources at (512) 245-2557. For department-level benefits and information, refer to your department chair.

Q: When can I expect my first paycheck?
A: Paychecks are distributed during the first week of the month for the previous full month of work, generally the first work day on or after the first. This means, for example, if your contract with Texas State begins on September 1st, your first paycheck will be issued at the beginning of October. For other questions about payroll, call or visit the Payroll Office: (512) 245-2543.

Q: How can I set up my paycheck to go directly into my bank account?
A: Complete the Authorization Form requesting that payments be made via direct deposit. Obtain forms from the Payroll Office. You will need a voided check to assure accuracy of account and transit numbers.

Q: What are the requirements for tenure?
A: There are several requirements for tenure at Texas State University, usually including teaching, research, and service. There are university, college, and department-level requirements. To learn about departmental and college requirements, talk to your chair and, perhaps, a mentor. To determine university-level expectations, check out the Policy and Procedure Statement 8.10 on the Academic Affairs website.  For each review, you will submit a summary of your accomplishments in the Texas State Vita format.  Select the version of the vita format that best accomodates your focus in research (Form 1A) or fine arts (Form 1B).  Templates for the Texas State Vita can be located with Policy and Procedure Statement 8.10 forms.

Q: Where can I get something notarized?
A: The Texas State Mail Services office provides notary public service for a nominal fee. You should call ahead to make sure the notary public is on site. You will need two forms of identification and must pay in cash or by check. Contact Mail Services for more information: (512) 245-2293.

Teaching Questions

Texas State University values teaching and student-centered learning. Here are some common questions new teachers at Texas State ask when they begin their jobs.

Q: What workload can I expect for my first year? Subsequent years?
A: Many factors determine workload. Primarily, though, workload refers to the number of courses you teach in one semester, and faculty members at Texas State University most often teach a 3:3. Other workload factors include the number of different preparations you have, the number of students per course, the amount of writing in a course, and the number of graduate committees you chair during a semester.

The University aims to provide all new faculty with a 2:2 workload during their first year at Texas State. This means half of your time will be spent teaching and the other half will be spent on scholarly and service activities. It may be the case that your department cannot accommodate this plan. In such cases, work with your chair for alternatives. If you have other questions, ask the personnel person in your department, or read the Policy and Procedure Statement 7.05 on faculty workload.

Q: Who do I approach about student grade appeals?
A: Each department has its own policy for handling these situations. Check with your chair about the policies in your department.  Please also consult the Undergraduate Catalog (page 51) and Policy and Procedures Statement 4.07. 

Q: How do I deal with a suspected case of cheating or plagiarism?
A: Besides discussing the matter with your chair, consult the Honor Code Policy, University Policy and Procedure Statement 07.10.01, which outlines your responsibilities and steps to take.

Research Questions

Texas State University thrives on research. These questions relate to research activities.

Q: How do I apply for a grant or foundation funds?
A: At Texas State University, we strongly encourage our faculty members to apply for grants. All applications for grants and foundation funds should go through the Office of Sponsored Programs in order to help track University resources and to prioritize applicants when multiple people want to apply to the same grantor.  Contact the Office of Sponsored Programs for help with the application process. For more information about grants, check out the Policy and Procedure Statement 5.01.

Q: What about start-up funds for research equipment?
A: Start-up funds may be provided to a new hire at the Provost's discretion.  The chair negotiates start-up packages with new faculty during the hiring process.  For more information about start-up funds, read Policy and Procedure Statement 5.04.

Service Questions

These questions will help you fulfill the service obligations that come with being a faculty member at Texas State.

Q: What sort of activities count toward the service requirements for tenure?
A: Check with your department about which activities count as service for you. Service activities could include departmental committees, membership in professional organizations, attending graduation ceremonies, advising students, serving on thesis committees, and so on.

Q: What are the University's policies for academic advisors?
A: The policies for advising are spelled out in Policy and Procedure Statement 3.01 on the Academic Affairs website. Check with your department for more specific guidelines and practices.

Q: Where can I find out about the types of committees I can serve on?
A: For a list of university-level committees on which faculty members may serve, see the Roster of Councils, Committees, and Teams. Normally, tenure-track faculty are not expected to have university-level committee service during the first few years of their probationary period.