problems
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Tales From the (Mental) Institution #1: The English Bulldog
Dr. Elson Carpenter was a senior member of the English department. The reason is that she probably annoyed everybody else into finding work somewhere else. I never had any direct contact with Carpenter, but her presence in faculty meetings was… Continue reading
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Why Bother Knowing What Classes I Need to Take?
This article will sound like I am waving my cane at the clouds, but I am perplexed by how students seemingly don’t grasp the importance of registration. They come to my office and have no clue about what classes they… Continue reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Failing Upwards 