Rob Jenkins, an associate professor of English and director of the Writers Institute at Georgia Perimeter College,* proposes The Five Characteristics of Successful New Faculty Members. The first one on his list is humility, which includes the importance of seeking out an experienced faculty mentor. You might be surprised at how many new hires show up believing they're smarter than their colleagues, or thinking they already know more about how the institution ought to function than do people who have been there 20 … [Read more...] about Humility as essential to faculty success
Mentoring
Star Trek: The Right Stuff?
Note: Contains spoilers and has become more of a reflection than a review* ... Faith & Geekery claims Star Trek Will Rock the Summer. Yes, Star Trek features superb action, casting, soundtrack, and special effects. As a fan who only reached the theater on Monday (to distinguish myself from Trekkies who went to the early screening in uniform/costume on Thursday night), Star Trek not only fit in the 43 year history well enough, but also created the foundation for a future series which will boldly go where … [Read more...] about Star Trek: The Right Stuff?
Mentoring at a Distance
I occasionally get asked how much good ESN's mentoring program can really do, since mentors and mentees are generally on different campuses and rarely, if ever, meet in person. A great example of the potential of long-distance mentoring appeared in my inbox this morning. … [Read more...] about Mentoring at a Distance
Validation
Statement: (Y)ou are great. You are amazing! Response: No one has ever said that about me before. Some lines from the short film Validation (16:23). Have you watched it? Some reflections below. … [Read more...] about Validation
The Myth of First-Year Enlightenment II
This spring's Chronicle of Higher Education piece The Myth of First-Year Enlightenment has more to consider (Note: link to earlier post here). Of particular interest are the practical steps which Tim takes to address quintessential Americans in the classroom. Any students or faculty have reactions to the proposed shift in learning objectives and new classroom style? … [Read more...] about The Myth of First-Year Enlightenment II