university job opening draws swarm

The University of Alberta is seeking a new president. The job pays a minimum of $400,000 per year. With this in mind, a quasi-tongue-in-cheek group of four professors offered their collective services to fill the position. They noted that even if they split the president's salary four ways, each of them expected to receive a pay raise in academic times given to ballyhooing "austerity."

When I was growing up, this used to be called a "rat-fuck" -- a practical joke of considerable proportions. And yet, in this case, the professors are only partly giggling. The other part really wants to point out the bloat rampant in the upper levels of academia.

Here is both the application by the four professors and the university's solicitation for applicants.

Since the feisty four made their initial application, another 52 academics have joined the fray.