January average daily maximum temperature
- in Moscow: -6.2C (20.8F)
- in Quebec City: -7.4C (18.7F)
Attracting promising scholars is a challenge in itself. But most other departments don’t have to make their pitch while the candidate is shivering in a paper-thin trench coat and street shoes.
Worthwhile Canadian Initiative 
I have no idea on the difficulty of recruiting in St. John’s, but I do know that one-third of the department escapes to warmer climes for winter term. Might explain why we just hired a Russian.
I’d noticed that in the corporate recruiting season, when in college.
Flybacks were from Dec-Feb. Great for Dallas (where I had one in December); not so great for the northern half of the country.
I am on an academic market and recently went for a recruiting visit to Edmonton. A fine school but the cold weather cannot help during the recruiting season. I don’t mind the weather, but I know I may be the one trying to recruit in the future if I go. Tough decisions to make…
Yeah, I once had an interview at U of A. When I noticed that the parking lot had electrical outlets at each space, I complimented the university administration on their thoughtfulness. My hosts were pleased at my reaction. When they have to explain to candidates why there are electrical outlets at each parking spot, they notice that the candidate’s enthusiasm dampens noticeably.