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A New Term: The Promise

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It is week 2 of 13 at work and it is filled with new faces, new courses, and lots of promise. I did something a little different last week during one of my lectures. I spent a good chunk talking about my expectations, good habits, things to avoid, and reminded my students to get involved. These points speak to the Fall term at university. I want big things for this term.

The reminder is also important for me. I am in my 17th year of teaching and this means that I am comfortable with my job. Comfort is great and has some pitfalls. I must remember that this new environment is filled with its own jargon and the new students are just figuring out the place–let alone my expectations on the first or second day. As I walked to the lecture hall last week, I had that bounce in my step and I was excited. It was great to see the new group. Welcome to campus, and welcome to my classroom. I know that this particular class is different, as it is team taught.

When I walk into the classroom, I think about my job and how important it is for the students. It is privilege to have an important part in their education. But, as I told them, they need to show up. They need to own their education. I am looking forward to this term. And, I really hope that my students are, too. I’m raising my coffee to my students. Rock this term!

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Fri Fun Facts: Academic Privilege and Making a Difference

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Today’s Friday Fun Facts continues my discussion about the Occupy conversations. I’m thinking about academic privilege and my own responsibilities. I’ll end with some points about how I’m reminded how faculty make a difference.

There are different units and levels of privilege on campus. Even though I am pre-tenure, I know how lucky I am to have my teaching-focused regular faculty position. Regardless, in some respects on campus, I am the 1%. Off campus, I am also part of the 1% by virtue of my college education. I might not fit per the income guidelines as a Senior Instructor at UVIC does not get paid $170, 000 or at least this one does not! I’ve been grappling with my political commitments. I marched to the legislature and then back to Centennial Square. But, I only officially visited the encampment twice during the month long “occupation.”

I did speak to this movement in other venues and feel that my work in the classroom and office hours mentoring students is important. Is it enough, though? I know that some days when office hours and teaching have drained me, I have felt that it is more than enough. Yet, on other days I wonder if I am doing enough to make a difference in my students’ academic lives and experience on campus and in the larger community.

Just as I wonder this, as I wander from one meeting to the next, I check my email and see emails from two former students thanking me for making a difference in their lives. The timing was perfect. Students telling me that the readings and lectures are influencing decisions or used in their daily lives reminds me that teaching and mentoring is important.

1. Office hours. It’s in office hours where I hear about successful classes. I hear so many positive statements about colleagues in Political Science or other departments. I wish I could bottle up these statements and send them to colleagues on rainy, cold days. They would warm up with the enthusiastic statements, “Her class made me change my major.” Students can be effusive with their statements. I’m not sure they always remember to let the instructor know.

2. Walking across campus. It’s amazing to see how some students light up seeing an instructor. I’ll meet a colleague for coffee and a student will see us and it’s nice to see the positive reactions.

3. Communication. Facebook messages, emails, and cards make their way to our mailboxes and students thank you for a class or a letter.

I can add to the numbered points, but I won’t. Enjoy the weekend.