Negotiating an employment contract for your self? Quickly consider these basic things as a framework for conversation and contract...

1. Strive for a clear description of job duties and the institution's short term and long term expectations of you as a faculty member.
   
   
2. Request a detailed description of and timetable for career-advancement opportunities.
   
   
3. Be sure that the contract contains fair and equitable contract term lengths and termination provisions.
   
   
4. If you seek an academic life of teaching and research, get comfortable with the specifics arrangements of how "protected time" will be afforded and guaranteed.
   
   
5. Have detailed conversations and include in your contract, well-defined terms regarding future ownership of intellectual property.
   
   
6. Things may not work out, avoid no unrealistic non-compete provisions.