The University of Colorado at Boulder聮s department of Spanish and Portuguese has been recognized by a national newsletter for placing all of its Ph.D. graduates during the 1996-97 reporting period in academic, tenure-track positions.
The 100 percent placement figure contrasts sharply with the national average of 59 percent cited by the Modern Language Association Census of Ph.D. Placement.
The recently published national survey was the first such peer review conducted by the MLA, and included data from Spanish and Portuguese language and literature departments across the country.
"Numbers, which are usually cruel indicators, have been very favorable to us," said Leopoldo Bernucci, the department chairman. "All CU-Boulder Spanish and Portuguese graduates who sought employment were placed in academic positions and all are employed."
CU-Boulder聮s Spanish and Portuguese department reported three new graduates in 1996-97, while the average for all similar departments nationwide was five graduates.