Topics for 2010?

In my longer conversations with students and faculty  at Urbana 09*, I’ve  asked

How can the ESN blog best serve you in 2010?  What are some topics you’d like to see receive attention, or more attention?

Below you’ll find some of the responses I’ve received.   What are your thoughts?   Feel free to list several topics and give them an order of priority.   Note:   The big picture of what guides our posts can be found here.

• How does one transition from undergrad to grad?  What should I be sure to read/know to prepare?   What unique roles do race, ethnicity, gender, faith, relationships (e.g., married, parent) play?
• How does one apply/adjust/enter graduate school after being out of higher education for awhile?
• How does manage time in higher education?  E.g., Can one be married, let alone have children in graduate school (or beyond as a researcher/professor), who is invested in one’s faith and family?  Testimonials/interviews would be of great encouragement.
• How do race, ethnicity, gender, faith, relationships (e.g., married, parent) factor into acceptance by, one’s sense of acceptance by, or one’s ability to feel accepted/respected by the academic community along the path of higher education?
• More book reviews and/or discussions on must reads, e.g.,  Best Books for Undergrads: Your Picks
• More on the sciences
• Testimonials/interviews of followers of Christ who have made it and are unashamed of who they have been created to be by God (Note: includes race, ethnicity, gender, faith, married, parent).
• What are the +/-‘s of taking some (or even all of) your graduate classes on-line?

*Note:  If you’d like to keep up with ESN at Urbana follow Mike’s tweets.   If you’re at Urbana 09, don’t miss this afternoon’s ESN reception.

Tom Grosh IV

Tom enjoys daily conversations regarding living out the Biblical Story with his wife Theresa and their four girls, around the block, at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (where he teaches adult electives and co-leads a small group), among healthcare professionals as the Northeast Regional Director for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), and in higher ed as a volunteer with the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). For a number of years, the Christian Medical Society / CMDA at Penn State College of Medicine was the hub of his ministry with CMDA. Note: Tom served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA for 20+ years, including 6+ years as the Associate Director of ESN. He has written for the ESN blog from its launch in August 2008. He has studied Biology (B.S.), Higher Education (M.A.), Spiritual Direction (Certificate), Spiritual Formation (M.A.R.), Ministry to Emerging Generations (D.Min.). To God be the glory!