1 Dossier Preparation: Phase 1
The first phase of dossier preparation focuses on the preparation of materials to be sent to expert evaluators. These materials typically include:
- a CV (see Appendix 1: Suggestions for Faculty CVs )
- a short statement (4-7 pages) defining the candidate’s area of excellence as defined in their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and contextualizing the materials included for review (see Appendix 2: Suggestions for Preparing Short Statement and Evidence for Expert Evaluators)
- a sample of evidence for review by expert evaluators. This evidence will be specific to each position as outlined in the MOU. Suggestions in the areas of service, teaching and research/creative activity are provided under “Components of the Final Dossier” in Procedures in the Jacobs School of Music for Long-Term Contracts.
Candidates will consult with their review committee chair and with the ADFARCA to determine the appropriate scope and quantity of materials to be sent out. All files should be converted to PDFs when appropriate.
This phase also includes the identification of letter writers in two categories:
Evaluative letters for the dossier may be drawn from expert evaluators within the School, or from the profession at large. Evaluators from within the School should not also be serving on the candidate’s review committee.
The candidate will supply a list of four people from outside their department or area to serve as expert evaluators. The candidate should include a short statement about their connection to each person.
After discussion with the review committee, the review committee chair may compile a separate list of a maximum of four additional expert evaluators from outside of the department if desired. The connection of the candidate to these evaluators (if any) should also be explained.
The review committee chair should contact all potential evaluators to determine their willingness to write a letter evaluating the candidate. The Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Research, and Creative Activity will send the candidate’s dossier, a copy of the Jacobs School of Music procedures for academic specialist appointments, and a copy of the candidate’s MOU (with amendments) to all those correspondents willing to participate. The dossier should include the candidate’s personal statement and Curriculum Vitae, and evidence that demonstrates excellence in the areas of evaluation specified in the MOU.
The final dossier should include a minimum of four evaluative letters. The final dossier may also include letters solicited from former students of the academic specialist.
Unsolicited letters from anyone including present students, mentors outside or inside the Jacobs School of Music, professional colleagues, retired faculty, etc. may be submitted for inclusion in the dossier in a special section.
See also “Letters for the Dossier” in Procedures in the Jacobs School of Music for Long-Term Contracts.
Timeline for Phase 1
| Deadline | Candidate Responsibility | Department Chair Responsibility |
| November/December | Meet with Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Research, and Creative Activity (ADFARCA) to discuss candidate’s area of excellence, preliminary lists of evaluators, and materials to be submitted for external review. | |
| January 15 | Submit first draft of CV. | |
| January 31 |
Submit first draft of short statement. | |
| March 1 | Deadline for submission:
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Begin contacting potential expert evaluators (for candidate and review committee, if applicable) and compile list of acceptances. Templates for writing to evaluators will be made available upon request. |
| April 1 | Deadline for submission:
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Deadline for submission:
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