education

  • Is it a Break or an Extended Vacation?

    Classes resumed after spring break, and I was unpleasantly surprised by the number of empty seats in my classroom. I wasn’t too shocked about this in my early morning class. Most of the time, when students miss this class, I… Continue reading

    Is it a Break or an Extended Vacation?
  • I Hate Playing the Game: The Academic Conference

    Due to a plague spreading through my household, I decided to provide an excerpt from my novel. It explains why I am not the biggest fan of conferences. Enjoy or don’t. I don’t care. I was always told in graduate… Continue reading

    I Hate Playing the Game: The Academic Conference
  • What Can I Do To Bring My Grade Up?

    This line is one of the most popular utterances a professor will encounter in their careers. It is a simple question with several complex layers attached to it that there is no single proper answer. One thing is for certain,… Continue reading

    What Can I Do To Bring My Grade Up?
  • Mirth in Misery

    My current institution recently held its annual “State of the Union” address for the employees. I am learning that this is a necessary evil at some places because they can be pep rallies or funeral wakes. The administration touched on… Continue reading

    Mirth in Misery
  • This isn’t Shawshank.

    Every semester, I receive accommodation notices from students regarding their educational needs. It seems like each year, I receive a more extensive list of students who require extra time for assignments and extra exam time, among other things. I understand… Continue reading

    This isn’t Shawshank.
  • Working at a Transparent Institution

    If there is one thing I cherish above all else at this point in my career, it is transparent leadership. I have worked at some institutions where there was the illusion of transparency. In truth, cinder blocks offered better transparency… Continue reading

    Working at a Transparent Institution
  • The Kids Are All Right

    Sitting in another faculty meeting (which is always about as fun as a COVID-19 test), I heard the old refrain from another faculty member about the current condition of our students being the worst that could possibly be out there.… Continue reading

    The Kids Are All Right
  • Dear Faculty Senate President,

    I hope this email finds you well. Actually, I don’t care where it finds you as long as you read it. I’m not sure if you will have the time to look it over as you are in the midst… Continue reading

    Dear Faculty Senate President,