system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Tenure Track Interview and Dinner?

I have an on-campus interview for a TT position in Education/Social Services. I've been adjuncting with this school for a few years now. 
The thing that is throwing me off is that there is a dinner the night before the day-long interview.

I've only ever been to one other academic interview (wound up going into clinical work). I expected there to be a portion of time where I'd have lunch with the search committee or department.

What should I expect at the dinner? I believe it will be the search committee only (i.e., not the entire department). Am I correct to assume that this is an assessment of "fit" between me and the department?

Any advice is appreciated!
gpt
Doubtful with the whole committee and definitely not with the whole department. Probably only 2-3 members of the committee, including the Chair/Head. 

Be personable and professional, but you also want to be looked at like someone they could envision spending a few decades working/socializing  with. Follow their lead with alcoholic drinks. Don't be the only one ordering beer/wine. Obviously don't get tipsy in the slightest. Cell on mute. Ask questions. Don't order spaghetti :)

And good luck/congrats!