engagement

  • The Other New Hire

    When I arrived at Remus, I was one of eight new professors starting that fall semester. That sounds like a lot of new faces for one college to have in a year. If a college has a huge student body,… Continue reading

    The Other New Hire
  • At Least You Have A Personality

    I had a quick meeting with a student who would be taking a class with me in the spring. They were curious about what to expect in the class. I provided insights in my usual way, and at the end… Continue reading

    At Least You Have A Personality
  • Students Say the Darndest Things

    It never ceases to amaze me how students will utter some of the most mind-blowing thoughts that live rent-free in my head. You would think that over the decade that I have taught in institutions of higher learning, I have… Continue reading

    Students Say the Darndest Things
  • Scar(r)ing the Children on my Way Out

    Since I know that I will no longer be associated with Romulus University in the near future, I decided to take off a few of my restraints. Seriously, what is the school going to do, fire me early?  Among the… Continue reading

    Scar(r)ing the Children on my Way Out
  • I Thought I Wanted This, But You Can Have It Back

    Even though I work at a SLAC, the institution still makes an effort to indicate that scholarly pursuits are happening at Romulus University. They accomplish this facade by putting together two events that showcase the talents of the faculty and… Continue reading

    I Thought I Wanted This, But You Can Have It Back
  • A Disorienting Orientation

    The first day on the job is just like the first day of school. You want to dress up all snazzy and wash behind your ears so that your first impression can really wow your new colleagues. But, when you… Continue reading

    A Disorienting Orientation
  • Student Expectations or My Professor’s Expect Me to Do What?

    Anybody who has ever taught at the college level generally hears the familiar refrain from their colleagues about allowing kids to come through our campus doors that are not ready for college-level academic rigor. As far as I know, this… Continue reading

    Student Expectations or My Professor’s Expect Me to Do What?
  • I Miss the Song and Dance

    After sifting through all those exams and essays from this long semester, it is time to tally up the scores and submit grades. You look over your math and verify that the final scores are correct. You enter the final… Continue reading

    I Miss the Song and Dance
  • Extra Credit Workaround

    When the end of the semester quickly approaches, one of the biggest certainties is bound to happen: the extra credit request. It never fails. I get requests from people I am pretty sure I never met in class before, or… Continue reading

    Extra Credit Workaround
  • You’re My Favorite Because You Aren’t Boring

    Whenever the final for a class wraps up, one or two students usually take the time to thank you for their experience during the semester. Most students will utter “thanks” and move on with their lives. However, there are always… Continue reading

    You’re My Favorite Because You Aren’t Boring