Chapter 36
Josh's POV
Dr. Wetshack has shown Maya and I around campus, and now we are standing in an empty office.
"This would be your office, Josh. There's a receptionist station out in the foyer, and then your office is back here. You have your office, a lounge area, and a work space. Your predecessor used the work space as a dark room, but I know that most photos are digital now. If you want to set the space up as a studio space on campus for Maya, feel free. You would have set office hours for coworkers or students to meet with you as needed. You can meet with them in your office, or the lounge, however you would prefer." He explained.
"I would prefer to set this common area up as the meeting space. I feel that for everyone's comfort and safety, meetings should be in a open area, and not behind closed doors. Especially when some students would be close to my age. In the common area, the receptionist could be the witness to the meeting, but the conversation would still remain private." I quickly stated.
"I understand and totally agree. A young faculty member can quickly find themselves in a seemingly compromising situation. The other fine arts faculty have offices down the main hall and are required to leave their doors open when meeting with students." Dr. Wetshack agreed.
"Who is the dean of the fine arts department? I would think this office would be the head office." Maya interjected.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought I had made myself clear. Josh, we aren't just offering you a faculty position. I want to hire you as the head of the fine arts department. You will teach 3-4 classes a semester, sit in on the other classes as needed, and be available for office hours. Office hours would be for about an hour a day, depending on your classes. The Fine Arts department is on a Monday-Thursday schedule, and open office hours only on Friday mornings. No classes met on Fridays to give students time to complete projects and assignments." Dr. Wetshack explained.
Maya and I just look at each other. It seems too good to be true.
"If you will come back to my office with me, I will share the salary and benefits information with you. I know its sudden, but classes start the week after Labor Day. We will pay moving expenses and give you a housing allotment to help with expenses." Dr. Wetshack asked.
We followed him to his office, and he handed me a piece of paper. It showed that my starting salary would be $97,500 a year. Full medical insurance on Maya and myself, and any future children was included, along with a retirement plan. For the first year, I would receive for $15,000 moving and housing expenses.
Dr. Wetshack told me he would allow Maya and I time to discuss, but I knew we didn't have to take any time.
"Where do I sign? I'm willing to agree to this position for a year's contract, with the option for renewal." I stated, and quickly signed the contract. I shook his hand, and walked out with Maya.
"We have a lot to do in a short amount of time. I guess the first step is to go kick your parents out of their house." Maya laughed as we walked back to the car.
Life has a way of making unexpected turns.