humanities recruitment visit

jewelbomb
Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:29:16 +0000

I’m sure this question has already been asked somewhere on this forum, but most threads I’ve found seem to be out interview weekends for the sciences rather than for programs in the humanities. Sorry in advance if this post is redundant.

Here goes: I’ve recently been admitted to a PhD program for English literature. I have also been invited for a campus visit which the program is willing to fund. My acceptance letter also said that decisions regarding assistantships will made at a later stage in the process. Is it pretty safe to assume that some type of funding will be forthcoming? They wouldn’t pay for me to come visit if they weren’t planning on offering me some type of assistantship, would they? Or will funding decisions be contingent on my “performance” during the visit? Again, it’s not framed as an interview or anything, merely a visit.

Also, I will have the opportunity to sit in on a few seminars. Should I feel pressure to participate in class discussions? Should I keep my mouth shut and just observe.

Any advice/opinions would be great. Thanks guys.