Some search committees request academic transcripts, most commonly in the performing arts. Official transcripts are sent directly from an institution’s registrar and usually take several days to process. The registrar may require a letter of request in hard copy from you, so allow plenty of time to make these requests and have them processed. Occasionally applicants are also asked to submit official transcripts of their undergraduate and master's programs. To request transcripts from U.Va., please visit the Office of the University Registrar.
Search committees may require a short description of your dissertation. Standard practice varies by discipline, but generally speaking, a dissertation abstract is typically a 1-2 page essay. Some abstracts begin by placing the work in the context of the existing literature and research in the field. All abstracts should be clear, easy to follow, and should express the scope and significance of the project. The abstract should be written in an appropriate authorial voice that will help to define the author as an expert. Writing a dissertation abstract is good preparation for job interviews as it prompts you to discuss your work and its context succinctly. You will want to work with your adviser and other committee members as you craft this document to ensure that you are following disciplinary customs.
Another document commonly requested by search committees is a statement of “research,” “research interests,” or “research plans.” This document is usually a 1-2 page essay written in the first person. Here again, standards vary by discipline, so you should consult with your department on the customary approach to research statements in your field. Generally speaking, you will discuss your doctoral research and your post-defense plans—for example, revising your dissertation into a book, publishing multiple articles, and so on. It is also a good idea to address your research interests beyond the dissertation. What fresh areas would you like to explore, and how are they interesting and significant? What resources will you need to accomplish these goals? Even if you have not yet formulated detailed answers to these questions, you will score points with search committees by demonstrating that you are thinking ahead.
A reflective teaching statement (also referred to as a statement of teaching philosophy) is commonly requested for teaching positions, either with the initial application package or at a later point in the screening process. This short essay (usually 1-2 pages) written in the first person should capture your commitment to education and represent your style and approach to teaching. Good reflective teaching statements cite specific examples of what the authors have practiced to support their statements of belief. You may wish to address your goals for students, assessment methods, techniques for engaging students, an account of how you support diversity, etc. You may also want to include information on the courses you are prepared to teach and those you would like to teach in the future if this information is not presented elsewhere in your application. For more information on reflective teaching statements, consult the Teaching Resource Center.