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St. Cloud State University
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Professors should give all or nothing
By Kristen Kubisiak
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Kristen J. Kubisiak -- Staff Column
It is nearly an undisputed fact.
The back-to-school transition is hard on everyone. Students return from full-time jobs, trips, internships, study abroad programs and summer school. Professors reclaim their classrooms and abandon other conquests of presumed intellectual pursuit.
The first few weeks of class, key concerns are addressed, important guidelines established, popular questions answered. And while some questions may not be answered to our satisfaction (Why are books so expensive?) by the end of the first two weeks students (and professors) seem to be easing back into this thing called "secondary education" with grace and enthusiasm. Although this is not always the case.
The majority of SCSU's professors, and it seems especially those who hail from the surrounding locale, behave professionally and regard their students with genuine interest and caring. Their goals are challenging, yet attainable, their intentions sincere and in the best interest of the student.
Then there are the others. The others seem to believe a common college student stereotype (that we are a bunch of alcohol-consuming jag-offs) and that we are not worthy of the time commitment professors owe us. One "staff" professor from the Cities went so far as to tell students who had to take a theory test to remain in his class (a class they already registered for) that he would make the test extra hard so he could cap his class at 50. Then he wouldn't have to deal with the "trouble" of managing so many of students. He didn't know them, he said, he doubted that would hurt their feelings.
Students and professors need to develop a relationship of mutual respect. Professors have the right to penalize students who aren't holding up their end of the deal, so should students have the right to demand the best of SCSU's professors, "staff" or otherwise. I advocate students to take action: file a complaint with the University against professors who aren't fulfilling their obligations as educators.
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