sbw@bocklin.UUCP (12/05/85)
My preceding posting was the official job posting for faculty
positions in Computer Science at NAU. I thought it might be
helpful for interested parties to have a more personal description
of the positions.
First, the computer science program is strictly (at this point)
an undergraduate program that is undergoing fairly rapid
change. When I started here three years ago, there were
three other faculty members. We currently have 6 full time
faculty for about 300 students (though the number of upperclass
students is fairly small). Most of the introductory courses
are currently taught by part time people from some surrounding
scientific organizations (USGS, Lowell Observatory, etc.),
a situation that is less than desirable.
The program is sufficiently rigorous that less than 15% of the
incoming freshman complete the program, and the intent is
maintain and improve the quality of our graduates, not to
pass more through the program. We are interested in people
with a commitment to quality teaching, with research as a
secondary activity. In the past, there has been very little
concern for research, though the recent changes have seen
a shift in the administrations outlook in that regard. There
is also a chance that the administration may begin to count some
consulting activities as research.
Currently, we are fairly short on equipment, with departmental
facilities consisting of several LSI-11's, one PDP-11/44 (UNIX),
and numerous micros. We have three u-VAX II's on order (one
dedicated to faculty use), and an IRIS 2400a graphics system
has been shipped. We hope to have at least 6 u-VAX II's by
next fall, and possibly one larger machine. University
academic computing facilities consist primarily of a Honeywell
DPS-8.
There is some discussion of starting a Master's program.
Second, in all fairness, I must qualify the statement that "...and
boasts the cleanest air in the nation". While that is true in
general, there are no ordinances governing woodstove emissions,
and some parts of the city suffer during the winter months.
However, for an outdoor enthusiast, this is an incredible
place to live. Phoenix is 150 miles away (and 6,000 feet
lower in elevation) to provide some relief for those in need
of an occasional shopping spree. Winter is a particularly
pleasant time to visit the lowlands.
Finally, if you are interested in learning more about the area,
please feel free to contact me on a less formal basis than
the standard interviewing process.
Steve Wampler
sbw@arizona.UUCP
None of the above opinions are endorsed by anyone/thing other
than myself (not even my wife).