Hi guys, I thought I'd share what just happened today here.
I interviewed with a Department on-campus last week – and they sent me an offer in writing today via email containing my hourly rate along with other information. I accepted within ten minutes of getting it and was provided a start date. I let them know that I wouldn't be able to work that first day in the morning but would be able to come in that same day at noon. I could only cover 10 hours of the 12 across the two weekdays they then told me they needed coverage for. They said (in the email) that ideally they want someone who can work 9:00am-4:30pm on Wednesdays. I can only do 12:00pm-5:00pm.
I received no written response after they asked me if I could accommodate that coverage. I got a call one hour later from the woman who offered the job (as well as interviewed me) for her to inform me that they're looking for someone who is available to cover completely, but they are still looking at candidates and are deciding if whether or not to hire two more ass opposed to just one. She basically retracted the job offer after I accepted it via email and learned I couldn't work all day on one weekday, just five hours. I am available the other three weekdays though. I asked her if she could send these details to me in an email too but I plan to follow up if she doesn't. Our phone conversation was toward the end of the workday so I'm not expecting it ASAP.
My concern is in whether or not my Uni can do this – as it isn't the first time an office at my school has tried pulling something unethically sly over the phone so that there isn't a trace of it. I'm in California by the way. Any thoughts are appreciated.