Classes are finally back in session (woohoo!) and I'm having a blast getting to know all of my new students. Because, when you get right down to it, my job consists almost entirely of talking to people. The act of listening/watching/observing my fellow humans has been a part of my daily life since I was a teenager--I have two degrees in Theatre, it's my job to pay attention to people.
But as we go about our daily lives, running from class to class, it is becoming more difficult to truly "listen" to other people. I watch my students moving aimlessly around campus, focusing on their cell phones, texting friends, sending e-mails, watching videos...but they rarely look at what is around them. Don't get me wrong, I consider my iPhone a technological version of crack--but it does narrow my focus to a disturbing degree.
I often tell other advisors that the main difference between my performing arts students and other students is their focus. When I meet with my arts students, they will look me in the eye when we talk. Other students (especially students interested in the health professions) often have a more difficult time "connecting"--they keep their gaze trained to the floor.
When my first year students transition to their departmental advisor, they will frequently complain that their new advisor doesn't know as much or doesn't care as much about them as I do. This is simply not the case. The only major difference is that I give the student all of my focus during advising meetings. I don't hide behind my computer monitor, I try very hard not to answer my phone during meetings, and I LISTEN. These aren't monumentally difficult things to do, but they make a huge difference to my students.
Now I would ask you, as students, to turn this theory around. How often do you give your TEACHERS all of your focus? How often do you actively LISTEN in your classes? The university requires that you turn off your cell phone in class...do you? Think about how good you feel when someone is actively listening to you...do you think your professors are capable of the same emotion? (hint: they are!) Why not give your professors some credit and actively LISTEN to the things they are trying to tell you? I can promise you that your professors will respond favorably...and you might actually learn something!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The First Semester Supply List
When I was in school, my absolute favorite part of the summer was doing my "back to school" shopping (ok, I think we've established by now that I'm a nerd...get over it). When I went to college for the first time, I had several shopping trips (school supplies, outfitting the dorm room, food/necessities). And, it should be pointed out, every year I have students asking me what they should be purchasing as they pack up and head to school. So I'm going to use today's blog post to create the definitive shopping list (handily divided into categories for your shopping ease!)
Electronics:
1). Computer--This is probably the biggest purchase you'll be making for college and it's an important one. Check your school's technology website to see if your department has any specific requirements for your computer (memory, processing speed, programs, etc.) I get asked the Mac vs. PC question all the time. For the record, I am a Mac girl; I think they're more intuitive to use and I've had the same one for the last five years without a single problem. If you are in a major that will require heavy-duty data/image manipulation (Cinema, visual arts, Music production) a Mac is probably the way to go (most of the programs you will be using have been designed for Macs--they are industry standard). If you are not going to be getting into the meat and bones of the data/image manipulation just yet, get a PC (they ARE cheaper) and get a Mac as a graduation gift.
2). Printer--You will probably waste more money as a student by paying to use school printers than anywhere else. Save yourself some money and purchase a printer. It doesn't have to be super-fancy, a fax machine is not required (although a scanner might be helpful!)
3). Music-playing Device (i-Thingy)--I don't care who you are, you need your tunes!
4). Cell phone--I know that everyone has a cell phone these days, but when you head off to college, this is a great time to review your cell plan. Do you have enough minutes each month (bearing in mind that you'll be calling home now, in addition to calling all of those people of the opposite sex?) What about text messaging? Or, you could, I don't know, combine numbers 3 and 4 and get an iPhone...
5). Digital recorder--A simple digital recorder can cost as little as $30 and can save you a lot of note-taking strain in the classroom. Use this as a back-up to your paper notes so you never miss a word of your lectures!
6). Alarm clock--No item is more important, and costs so little. Please, try out your alarm clock in the store before you purchase it. Make sure it is loud enough to stampede a herd of elephants.
7). Camera-- Most of my arts students need a digital camera of some kind so they can take pictures of their work (you need to document for your portfolios!) Now, I am not an expert on cameras--so check in with G4's Attack of the Show and find out what cameras they recommend here.
School Supplies:
1). 1-2 Reams of Paper--You'll use it, I promise!
2). Pens--At least 20.
3). Pencils-- I'm a big fan of the mechanical pencil, but use what you like.
4). Highlighters-- Get a multi-pack...you'll go through these like they're going out of style!
5). Post-it Notes-- I like a variety of post-its (colors and sizes). Use them to leave notes for yourself AND to help organize your research papers!
6). Notebooks or Binders with Loose leaf Paper-- This depends on which you're more comfortable with (I like a notebook that has at least one pocket in it for carrying papers). You'll want at least one for each subject you've registered for.
7). Books-- Your textbooks CAN be purchased through your school bookstore...or you could save yourself a TON of money and use websites like half.com or cheaptextbooks.com
But do yourself a big favor and be REALLY careful when using these sites! Get your book lists from your school website and pay extra close attention to the edition numbers for each book. If you purchase the 3rd edition and your instructor wants you to have the 4th edition, you could end up buying the book twice!
8). Calculator-- Are you taking math? Is it a dense, impossible to understand kind of math? Then you probably need a calculator. You probably need a fancy-pants, graphing, metric, cook-your-breakfast kind of calculator. Check with your math department to find out exactly what kind of calculator you need and what brands they recommend.
9). Art Supplies-- If you're a visual art student, you probably got a list a mile long of supplies you will need (pencils, pastels, paints, paper, canvass, etc.) You'll love doing that kind of shopping--but you might want to grab the parental credit card and ditch the parentals themselves...you'll be in the store a while!
Dorm Room Outfitting:
1). Comforter/Sheets/Towels-- Yes, linens (and things) are kind of a necessity. It's always a nice idea to start off your college career with something new and fresh. Target sells coordinated dorm room comforter and sheet sets at a very reasonable price.
2). Lighting-- I don't care how nice your dorm room is, it's going to be a bit on the dark side. So do yourself a favor and get a lamp or two to brighten things up (a floor lamp and a desk lamp are great ideas).
3). Posters/Framed Pictures-- You definitely want to personalize your room so grab some framed pictures of your friends to hang in your dorm room. There are ALWAYS poster sales (no matter how big or small your school is, there will be a poster sale somewhere on campus!) so you CAN hold off on that until you get to school.
4). Shower Caddy/Organizer-- Make sure you have something to keep all of your shower stuff (shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, etc.) in one spot so you aren't hauling a bunch of bottles around.
5). Re-usable Wall-Mounted Hooks-- You can use over-the-door hooks too, but you basically want something that you can attach to your closet door to hang your robe and your towels.
6). Laundry Hamper/Basket-- Trust me when I say you're going to want a big one! College is the time when you start letting your laundry pile up for weeks at a time...make sure your laundry basket can accommodate all of that.
7). Plastic Storage Bins-- You would be amazed at how helpful plastic storage bins can be (make sure you get ones with lids!) Pack a lot of your stuff in them for the trip to school--when you unpack them, they can be covered with a spare piece of cloth and used as a table, or as extra storage in your closet.
Groceries/Other Needful Things:
1). Jumbo Size Container of Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener--Store them in your laundry basket when not in use to save space!
2). 1-2 Rolls of Quarters--To feed the laundry machines. If you can find the individual containers of Mini M&Ms those containers are PERFECT for storing quarters for laundry!
3). Jumbo Bottle of Aspirin/Motrin (pain reliever of choice)--Think of this as stocking a year-long first aid kit. You want to have enough to last you for the entire year.
4). Giant Box O' Band-Aids-- What if you get a boo-boo?
5). Jumbo Bottles of Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash/Hygiene Products-- I'm a big fan of taking advantage of any family member who has a Sam's Club or Costco membership. Those bottles are HUGE, they last FOREVER, and they will save you a TON of money in the long run.
6). Snacks/Gum/Etc.-- Do you have a favorite snack food (pretzels, popcorn, dry cereal, trail mix)? Why not buy a gi-normous bag of it before the school year starts so you have something to munch on in your dorm room? The cafeteria isn't open 24/7 so you might as well have snacks, especially if it's something you eat all the time. Remember those plastic storage bins you bought earlier? Reserve one of them for snack items!
Other-Other
1). Expandable File of Important Papers-- This is the one thing you should NOT leave home without. Before you head to school, make sure you have a copy of all of your school information (FAFSA, parent's tax forms, immunization forms, and any other information that you have submitted to the school since you were accepted). Has the school asked for a high school transcript? Put a copy of that in your file. You should also have a copy of your insurance information (health and drivers), as well as copies of your Social Security card and birth certificate. You never know when you're going to need this stuff, and a lot of you won't be within a short drive of your house to go pick it up.
Electronics:
1). Computer--This is probably the biggest purchase you'll be making for college and it's an important one. Check your school's technology website to see if your department has any specific requirements for your computer (memory, processing speed, programs, etc.) I get asked the Mac vs. PC question all the time. For the record, I am a Mac girl; I think they're more intuitive to use and I've had the same one for the last five years without a single problem. If you are in a major that will require heavy-duty data/image manipulation (Cinema, visual arts, Music production) a Mac is probably the way to go (most of the programs you will be using have been designed for Macs--they are industry standard). If you are not going to be getting into the meat and bones of the data/image manipulation just yet, get a PC (they ARE cheaper) and get a Mac as a graduation gift.
2). Printer--You will probably waste more money as a student by paying to use school printers than anywhere else. Save yourself some money and purchase a printer. It doesn't have to be super-fancy, a fax machine is not required (although a scanner might be helpful!)
3). Music-playing Device (i-Thingy)--I don't care who you are, you need your tunes!
4). Cell phone--I know that everyone has a cell phone these days, but when you head off to college, this is a great time to review your cell plan. Do you have enough minutes each month (bearing in mind that you'll be calling home now, in addition to calling all of those people of the opposite sex?) What about text messaging? Or, you could, I don't know, combine numbers 3 and 4 and get an iPhone...
5). Digital recorder--A simple digital recorder can cost as little as $30 and can save you a lot of note-taking strain in the classroom. Use this as a back-up to your paper notes so you never miss a word of your lectures!
6). Alarm clock--No item is more important, and costs so little. Please, try out your alarm clock in the store before you purchase it. Make sure it is loud enough to stampede a herd of elephants.
7). Camera-- Most of my arts students need a digital camera of some kind so they can take pictures of their work (you need to document for your portfolios!) Now, I am not an expert on cameras--so check in with G4's Attack of the Show and find out what cameras they recommend here.
School Supplies:
1). 1-2 Reams of Paper--You'll use it, I promise!
2). Pens--At least 20.
3). Pencils-- I'm a big fan of the mechanical pencil, but use what you like.
4). Highlighters-- Get a multi-pack...you'll go through these like they're going out of style!
5). Post-it Notes-- I like a variety of post-its (colors and sizes). Use them to leave notes for yourself AND to help organize your research papers!
6). Notebooks or Binders with Loose leaf Paper-- This depends on which you're more comfortable with (I like a notebook that has at least one pocket in it for carrying papers). You'll want at least one for each subject you've registered for.
7). Books-- Your textbooks CAN be purchased through your school bookstore...or you could save yourself a TON of money and use websites like half.com or cheaptextbooks.com
But do yourself a big favor and be REALLY careful when using these sites! Get your book lists from your school website and pay extra close attention to the edition numbers for each book. If you purchase the 3rd edition and your instructor wants you to have the 4th edition, you could end up buying the book twice!
8). Calculator-- Are you taking math? Is it a dense, impossible to understand kind of math? Then you probably need a calculator. You probably need a fancy-pants, graphing, metric, cook-your-breakfast kind of calculator. Check with your math department to find out exactly what kind of calculator you need and what brands they recommend.
9). Art Supplies-- If you're a visual art student, you probably got a list a mile long of supplies you will need (pencils, pastels, paints, paper, canvass, etc.) You'll love doing that kind of shopping--but you might want to grab the parental credit card and ditch the parentals themselves...you'll be in the store a while!
Dorm Room Outfitting:
1). Comforter/Sheets/Towels-- Yes, linens (and things) are kind of a necessity. It's always a nice idea to start off your college career with something new and fresh. Target sells coordinated dorm room comforter and sheet sets at a very reasonable price.
2). Lighting-- I don't care how nice your dorm room is, it's going to be a bit on the dark side. So do yourself a favor and get a lamp or two to brighten things up (a floor lamp and a desk lamp are great ideas).
3). Posters/Framed Pictures-- You definitely want to personalize your room so grab some framed pictures of your friends to hang in your dorm room. There are ALWAYS poster sales (no matter how big or small your school is, there will be a poster sale somewhere on campus!) so you CAN hold off on that until you get to school.
4). Shower Caddy/Organizer-- Make sure you have something to keep all of your shower stuff (shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, etc.) in one spot so you aren't hauling a bunch of bottles around.
5). Re-usable Wall-Mounted Hooks-- You can use over-the-door hooks too, but you basically want something that you can attach to your closet door to hang your robe and your towels.
6). Laundry Hamper/Basket-- Trust me when I say you're going to want a big one! College is the time when you start letting your laundry pile up for weeks at a time...make sure your laundry basket can accommodate all of that.
7). Plastic Storage Bins-- You would be amazed at how helpful plastic storage bins can be (make sure you get ones with lids!) Pack a lot of your stuff in them for the trip to school--when you unpack them, they can be covered with a spare piece of cloth and used as a table, or as extra storage in your closet.
Groceries/Other Needful Things:
1). Jumbo Size Container of Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener--Store them in your laundry basket when not in use to save space!
2). 1-2 Rolls of Quarters--To feed the laundry machines. If you can find the individual containers of Mini M&Ms those containers are PERFECT for storing quarters for laundry!
3). Jumbo Bottle of Aspirin/Motrin (pain reliever of choice)--Think of this as stocking a year-long first aid kit. You want to have enough to last you for the entire year.
4). Giant Box O' Band-Aids-- What if you get a boo-boo?
5). Jumbo Bottles of Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash/Hygiene Products-- I'm a big fan of taking advantage of any family member who has a Sam's Club or Costco membership. Those bottles are HUGE, they last FOREVER, and they will save you a TON of money in the long run.
6). Snacks/Gum/Etc.-- Do you have a favorite snack food (pretzels, popcorn, dry cereal, trail mix)? Why not buy a gi-normous bag of it before the school year starts so you have something to munch on in your dorm room? The cafeteria isn't open 24/7 so you might as well have snacks, especially if it's something you eat all the time. Remember those plastic storage bins you bought earlier? Reserve one of them for snack items!
Other-Other
1). Expandable File of Important Papers-- This is the one thing you should NOT leave home without. Before you head to school, make sure you have a copy of all of your school information (FAFSA, parent's tax forms, immunization forms, and any other information that you have submitted to the school since you were accepted). Has the school asked for a high school transcript? Put a copy of that in your file. You should also have a copy of your insurance information (health and drivers), as well as copies of your Social Security card and birth certificate. You never know when you're going to need this stuff, and a lot of you won't be within a short drive of your house to go pick it up.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What to Expect the First Week...
We're still enjoying the balmy days of summer and most of my students are still frolicking pool and beach-side (and I'm not jealous...at all). So this seems like the perfect time to talk to my new students about the first week of classes. Every year my students wait in breathless anticipation for the start of a new school year--they wonder what college will be like, if they'll be more popular (or less) than they were in high school, they wonder if college will be a constant stream of parties and illicit substances. They wonder if they'll get the guy, or the girl they always dreamed of...they wonder if they'll gain the dreaded "Freshman 15" (ewww, scary). Funny how my students don't think about their classes or their grades...
But as your advisor, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't tell you what to expect during your first week of classes (both personally, and academically) so here goes:
DURING YOUR FIRST WEEK YOU WILL:
1). Be mildly to severely creeped out by at least one thing your roommate says. Living with a total stranger is just a weird situation, so be open-minded and remember that your roommate has probably been creeped out by something YOU said too!
2). Get lost 2-3 times and feel like everyone around you knows that you're a freshman and you're lost (oh, and they're all secretly laughing at you). The truth is, THEY were in your shoes last year so go up to them and ask for directions. Or do what I do, find a fellow "firstie" and wander around together. At least that way you can laugh about it.
3). Spend 3 days just "loving" all of the options in the cafeteria and then, on day 4, walk in and honestly believe that there is "nothing" to eat. I know I've mentioned cafeteria food before. Orientation and Admitted Student days are the best days to eat in the cafeteria and the options go downhill from there. But there is always SOMETHING to eat. Remember that salads, sandwiches, and cereal are your best friends...and be creative!
4). Wake up late for at least one class. It's going to happen--what makes you stand out as a student is how you deal with it. Your first goal is to try really freakin' hard to keep it from happening (Shaun's first rule? Your cell phone is NOT an alarm clock!) If you do oversleep, don't make excuses to the professor--apologize and work like hell to be sure it never happens again. Set a second alarm clock, ask a friend who's in class with you to stop by your dorm or call you to be sure you're up.
5). Decide, beyond all reasonable doubt that one of your professors is a d-bag. Ask yourself if you want your life to be completely perfect--if you want a life without any challenges or struggles to overcome (I don't). Think of the d-bag professor as a challenge to survive and know that your class will only last one semester. If your professor totally gives you the heebie-jeebies, get thee to your advisor's office! Some of us (namely me) might be able to adjust your schedule. But I'm not a mind reader...I don't know what's going on unless you talk to me.
6). Have at least one run-in with a crazy person/crack head. I like to make sure my students are aware that VCU is an "urban" university--meaning that we are in downtown Richmond (with all of its accompanying homeless people and drug addicts, and combinations thereof). Don't walk by yourself at night, be polite but firm in brushing off any approaching crack heads. I have found that talking on my cell phone (or pretending to do so) is a great deterrent. Use the VCU-WALK (828-9255) number to get a ride from VCU campus police. Above all else, BE SAFE!!
7). Figure out that the cost of books throughout your four years of college could feed a family of four for a year (or pay off your student loans). I know, I know, textbooks are just ridiculously expensive. You get sticker shock your first semester, but you'll be a little more prepared for each following semester. What you DON'T want to do, is to avoid buying a textbook to save a little money (when you don't buy the book, you can't do the homework. You don't do the homework, you generally fail the class...then you have to take the class all over again! By saving a LITTLE money on the front end, you'll end up paying for the class twice!) Buy ALL of your books! But don't fall into the trap of selling them back at the school bookstore. Yes, you'll get money into your hot little hands, but it's usually not a lot of money--sometimes less than an 1/8 of what you paid. Be patient and sell your books online (where you should really purchase them in the first place).
8). Meet incredible people. Honestly, one of the best things about college is that it gets you out of your old environment and into a new one where there are (usually) incredibly diverse people. You'll be exposed to all kinds of new situations and people that are totally different. The best thing that you can do is to be open to the experiences.
9). Find at least one professor who will change your life. Not all professors are bad and you're probably going to take classes in a lot of different subjects. One of those professors (maybe more if you're lucky) will say something to you in a way you've never heard it said before. They'll be honest and funny and passionate about what they do. Those are the teachers you hold on to--they'll change your life.
10). Feel like you've run a marathon, hiked up Everest, crossed the English Channel, and mushed the Iditarod; and then you'll get up the following Monday and do it all over again. The first week of college is confusing, chaotic, mind-blowing, mind-expanding, exhausting, and exhilarating. You can't know what it's like until you've actually experienced it--and it's scary as hell when it's happening to you because you feel like you'll never master the learning curve. But I'm here to tell you that you do. I survived my first week of college, and my first week of grad school and for the last three years, I have watched my students survive THEIR first week of college.
Take each moment as it comes. And if things really freak you out, come see me.
But as your advisor, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't tell you what to expect during your first week of classes (both personally, and academically) so here goes:
DURING YOUR FIRST WEEK YOU WILL:
1). Be mildly to severely creeped out by at least one thing your roommate says. Living with a total stranger is just a weird situation, so be open-minded and remember that your roommate has probably been creeped out by something YOU said too!
2). Get lost 2-3 times and feel like everyone around you knows that you're a freshman and you're lost (oh, and they're all secretly laughing at you). The truth is, THEY were in your shoes last year so go up to them and ask for directions. Or do what I do, find a fellow "firstie" and wander around together. At least that way you can laugh about it.
3). Spend 3 days just "loving" all of the options in the cafeteria and then, on day 4, walk in and honestly believe that there is "nothing" to eat. I know I've mentioned cafeteria food before. Orientation and Admitted Student days are the best days to eat in the cafeteria and the options go downhill from there. But there is always SOMETHING to eat. Remember that salads, sandwiches, and cereal are your best friends...and be creative!
4). Wake up late for at least one class. It's going to happen--what makes you stand out as a student is how you deal with it. Your first goal is to try really freakin' hard to keep it from happening (Shaun's first rule? Your cell phone is NOT an alarm clock!) If you do oversleep, don't make excuses to the professor--apologize and work like hell to be sure it never happens again. Set a second alarm clock, ask a friend who's in class with you to stop by your dorm or call you to be sure you're up.
5). Decide, beyond all reasonable doubt that one of your professors is a d-bag. Ask yourself if you want your life to be completely perfect--if you want a life without any challenges or struggles to overcome (I don't). Think of the d-bag professor as a challenge to survive and know that your class will only last one semester. If your professor totally gives you the heebie-jeebies, get thee to your advisor's office! Some of us (namely me) might be able to adjust your schedule. But I'm not a mind reader...I don't know what's going on unless you talk to me.
6). Have at least one run-in with a crazy person/crack head. I like to make sure my students are aware that VCU is an "urban" university--meaning that we are in downtown Richmond (with all of its accompanying homeless people and drug addicts, and combinations thereof). Don't walk by yourself at night, be polite but firm in brushing off any approaching crack heads. I have found that talking on my cell phone (or pretending to do so) is a great deterrent. Use the VCU-WALK (828-9255) number to get a ride from VCU campus police. Above all else, BE SAFE!!
7). Figure out that the cost of books throughout your four years of college could feed a family of four for a year (or pay off your student loans). I know, I know, textbooks are just ridiculously expensive. You get sticker shock your first semester, but you'll be a little more prepared for each following semester. What you DON'T want to do, is to avoid buying a textbook to save a little money (when you don't buy the book, you can't do the homework. You don't do the homework, you generally fail the class...then you have to take the class all over again! By saving a LITTLE money on the front end, you'll end up paying for the class twice!) Buy ALL of your books! But don't fall into the trap of selling them back at the school bookstore. Yes, you'll get money into your hot little hands, but it's usually not a lot of money--sometimes less than an 1/8 of what you paid. Be patient and sell your books online (where you should really purchase them in the first place).
8). Meet incredible people. Honestly, one of the best things about college is that it gets you out of your old environment and into a new one where there are (usually) incredibly diverse people. You'll be exposed to all kinds of new situations and people that are totally different. The best thing that you can do is to be open to the experiences.
9). Find at least one professor who will change your life. Not all professors are bad and you're probably going to take classes in a lot of different subjects. One of those professors (maybe more if you're lucky) will say something to you in a way you've never heard it said before. They'll be honest and funny and passionate about what they do. Those are the teachers you hold on to--they'll change your life.
10). Feel like you've run a marathon, hiked up Everest, crossed the English Channel, and mushed the Iditarod; and then you'll get up the following Monday and do it all over again. The first week of college is confusing, chaotic, mind-blowing, mind-expanding, exhausting, and exhilarating. You can't know what it's like until you've actually experienced it--and it's scary as hell when it's happening to you because you feel like you'll never master the learning curve. But I'm here to tell you that you do. I survived my first week of college, and my first week of grad school and for the last three years, I have watched my students survive THEIR first week of college.
Take each moment as it comes. And if things really freak you out, come see me.
Friday, June 5, 2009
General Education Classes: Circuit Training for Your Brain
How many times have you gone into a new class, simply because you "had" to take it? You registered for the course because it was one of those dreaded "general education" classes. You bitched and moaned throughout the entire registration process, "I don't WANT to take that class! I HATE (insert gen ed subject here)! This is going to be the WORST semester EVER!"
But what if you started to approach these classes differently?
Right now, it's summer and my incoming first-year students aren't really thinking about their fall schedules (or reading this blog) but I'm getting the message out there early. Think about your general education classes as circuit training for your brain.
There is nothing worse (IMHO) than dumb actors, or dancers, or any of the other majors I work with. And I'm not talking about stupid people...I'm talking about people who play into the stereotypes of their professions and fail to engage their brains. If you're going to have a career in the arts, be SMART about it. Learn to think critically and incorporate the ideas of other subject areas! Here's how:
So think of your major classes as the cardio reps in your circuit training. Your major classes keep your heart beating and they keep you moving forward. Your general education classes keep you intellectually toned and they give you a stronger skill set to move out into the workforce when you graduate.
But what if you started to approach these classes differently?
Right now, it's summer and my incoming first-year students aren't really thinking about their fall schedules (or reading this blog) but I'm getting the message out there early. Think about your general education classes as circuit training for your brain.
There is nothing worse (IMHO) than dumb actors, or dancers, or any of the other majors I work with. And I'm not talking about stupid people...I'm talking about people who play into the stereotypes of their professions and fail to engage their brains. If you're going to have a career in the arts, be SMART about it. Learn to think critically and incorporate the ideas of other subject areas! Here's how:
- Look for the Class That Interests You AND Fulfills the Requirement-- There are usually specific categories that students must complete in order to accomplish their general education requirements...and there are usually lists of courses that fulfill those requirements. Find a course that looks interesting or that somehow applies to what you are doing. For instance, if you're a Theatre major and you have a Social Science requirement, Psychology or Sociology would be excellent options (Psychology being the study of the individual mind, and Sociology being the study of the group). Both of those things can be readily applied to Theatre.
- When You're Backed Into a Corner, Apply, Apply, Apply-- There are some classes you will simply never get out of taking (Math, Science). If you find yourself in a class like this, think about how you can use the knowledge you're gaining in the pursuit of your future profession. Most schools will offer a "basic" math class (I can't think of a school out there that is going to force Dancers or Actors to take Algebra). Dancers and Actors DO actually need some practical skills (like, I don't know, being able to manage money, and balance a checkbook) so why not use your math class to help you with that? Do you need to write a paper for an English class? Why not write it on something involving your art? At least you'll be INTERESTED throughout the writing process and you might even learn something.
- Look At the Classes As Skills to be Acquired, Not Challenges to be Endured-- Remember that every class you take gives you access to new information, new knowledge, and new ideas. If you pick up those skills (like you pick up weights), your brain will get stronger. Start your college career with a goal: i.e. I want to be a Scene Designer. Then think about how you can go about picking up the skills you will need for your profession: I will need critical thinking (so that I can give constructive feedback on what I am watching)--I should take English or Art History classes; I will need a basic understanding of space and dimension--a geometry class would be pretty helpful; I should know why I can and can not use certain chemicals in an indoor space (for mixing sealers, fixatives, etc.)--maybe I should take a basic Chemistry class. I bet I have already fulfilled quite a few of your general education requirements, and those are definitely skills a good scenic designer and shop supervisor should know.
- I can't end this post without a word (or twenty) about Critical Thinking. The idea of critical thinking has gotten something of a bad rap here at VCU because critical thinking is so vitally important for our Focused Inquiry class. I am going to tell you right now that NO ONE can be any kind of artist without the ability to view art (in ANY form) and respond to it critically. The more a student practices critical thinking, the more adept they will become at it. The student will move from saying, "I really like this book/play/painting," to saying, "I really like this book/play/painting BECAUSE..." Being able to articulate your ideas about art allows you to take part in the artistic dialogue.
So think of your major classes as the cardio reps in your circuit training. Your major classes keep your heart beating and they keep you moving forward. Your general education classes keep you intellectually toned and they give you a stronger skill set to move out into the workforce when you graduate.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Lottery Test
I recently had a conversation with one of my Dance students who was in crisis. The student was concerned about the practicality of a career in Dance versus finding another major that would give her a "practical" job once she graduated. Now, I know we've talked about this before, but it's an important subject and I thought I would approach things from a new prospective.
Everyone is concerned about money, but money should never (ever, ever, under penalty of death) be the thing that keeps you from following your dream. So let me ask you this: what would you do if money wasn't an issue? If you are doing something you truly love (be it something in the arts or animal husbandry...hey, I don't know what your passions are...) give yourself the Lottery Test.
The Lottery Test is remarkably simple; ask yourself what you would do if you won the lottery tomorrow. Would you still study the same things (now with the benefit of not incurring hideous student loan debt and scoring a kicking new pad)? Or would you study something else entirely?
The challenge comes after you have administered the lottery test...because you need to live by the results. What is the point of studying something you hate just because it is "practical"? You're still going to hate it. You need to start removing money from the equation of your education and do the things that make you happy (yes, I have said that before...repetition makes the heart grow fonder).
Why do I stress this so much? Because I adore my students (even the ones who frustrate me) and I want to see them happy. And because I am fortunate enough to LOVE (all caps) my job and I want my students to have that same satisfaction when they leave their time in college behind them.
If you were wondering, I took the lottery test myself not too long ago. What would I do if I won the lottery? Pay off my student loans, pay off my parents' mortgages (they've given me a LOT of money over the years)...and then show up to work the next morning. After all, we've got Orientation coming up, a new class of students coming in the fall, new curriculums to learn, new technologies to explore to help my students...I'm not done learning yet.
Everyone is concerned about money, but money should never (ever, ever, under penalty of death) be the thing that keeps you from following your dream. So let me ask you this: what would you do if money wasn't an issue? If you are doing something you truly love (be it something in the arts or animal husbandry...hey, I don't know what your passions are...) give yourself the Lottery Test.
The Lottery Test is remarkably simple; ask yourself what you would do if you won the lottery tomorrow. Would you still study the same things (now with the benefit of not incurring hideous student loan debt and scoring a kicking new pad)? Or would you study something else entirely?
The challenge comes after you have administered the lottery test...because you need to live by the results. What is the point of studying something you hate just because it is "practical"? You're still going to hate it. You need to start removing money from the equation of your education and do the things that make you happy (yes, I have said that before...repetition makes the heart grow fonder).
Why do I stress this so much? Because I adore my students (even the ones who frustrate me) and I want to see them happy. And because I am fortunate enough to LOVE (all caps) my job and I want my students to have that same satisfaction when they leave their time in college behind them.
If you were wondering, I took the lottery test myself not too long ago. What would I do if I won the lottery? Pay off my student loans, pay off my parents' mortgages (they've given me a LOT of money over the years)...and then show up to work the next morning. After all, we've got Orientation coming up, a new class of students coming in the fall, new curriculums to learn, new technologies to explore to help my students...I'm not done learning yet.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Grades You "Deserve", Grades Your Professor "Gives" You, and Grades You EARN!
It's finals time...that magical time when students spend 23 out of 24 hours each day in the library (the remaining hour is spent playing beer pong). My students are preparing to take their final exams and head home for the summer and maybe (just maybe) check their final course grades on eServices. So this seems like a delightfully appropriate time to talk about grades.
There is an enormous disparity in the way different people on a college campus view grades. A recent article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/education/18college.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=grading%20colleges&st=cse) talks about the expectations that college students have for the grades they receive. Students frequently talk about a course grade as something they "deserve", or that a professor "gives" TO them, whereas college professors refer to grades as something a student "earns". So what causes all of this miscommunication?
As students progress through junior high and high school, they are given certain standards for their work. They are told that if a project incorporates certain factors (X amount of visual aids, Y number of pages in a written report, etc.) then they will receive an A in the course. This is the standard in the public school system, for good or ill. The problem occurs when students enter college.
College students (again, for good or ill) are held to a higher standard. Yes, there are certain things that each student MUST do, and those things are usually spelled out in the course syllabus. But just because you do the bare minimum of things spelled out in the syllabus does not mean you are guaranteed (or deserve for that matter) an A in the course.
Let's use a fairly recent example: because I work with Performing Arts students, I'll talk about an "artist" who did the bare minimum of work, and was absolutely slammed by critics. I am speaking, of course, about Britney Spears at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Take a second and refresh your memory of this truly atrocious performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HTnWbIyx2g
Now Britney did the "work" for the performance: she memorized her song (to be fair, she didn't sing the song, but who does nowadays?) and she memorized all of her steps. But there was something missing, wasn't there? There was no extra effort. Britney did the bare minimum of work to get by--she practically slept through the performance. If you were a professor of "pop studies", what grade would you think Britney earned for that performance?
Because at the end of the day, you (the student) EARN your grades. Your professor doesn't just randomly assign grades. He or she doesn't "give" out A's or B's to the students that he or she likes and D's and F's to all the rest. The work that you put into a course is directly correlated to the grade that you earn.
So if you find yourself disappointed by your grades this semester, think back. Did you sleepwalk through the semester, miming all of your choreography and lipsynching your songs? Your grades probably reflect that you pulled a "Britney" this semester. Maybe some changes are in order for next semester?
There is an enormous disparity in the way different people on a college campus view grades. A recent article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/education/18college.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=grading%20colleges&st=cse) talks about the expectations that college students have for the grades they receive. Students frequently talk about a course grade as something they "deserve", or that a professor "gives" TO them, whereas college professors refer to grades as something a student "earns". So what causes all of this miscommunication?
As students progress through junior high and high school, they are given certain standards for their work. They are told that if a project incorporates certain factors (X amount of visual aids, Y number of pages in a written report, etc.) then they will receive an A in the course. This is the standard in the public school system, for good or ill. The problem occurs when students enter college.
College students (again, for good or ill) are held to a higher standard. Yes, there are certain things that each student MUST do, and those things are usually spelled out in the course syllabus. But just because you do the bare minimum of things spelled out in the syllabus does not mean you are guaranteed (or deserve for that matter) an A in the course.
Let's use a fairly recent example: because I work with Performing Arts students, I'll talk about an "artist" who did the bare minimum of work, and was absolutely slammed by critics. I am speaking, of course, about Britney Spears at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Take a second and refresh your memory of this truly atrocious performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HTnWbIyx2g
Now Britney did the "work" for the performance: she memorized her song (to be fair, she didn't sing the song, but who does nowadays?) and she memorized all of her steps. But there was something missing, wasn't there? There was no extra effort. Britney did the bare minimum of work to get by--she practically slept through the performance. If you were a professor of "pop studies", what grade would you think Britney earned for that performance?
Because at the end of the day, you (the student) EARN your grades. Your professor doesn't just randomly assign grades. He or she doesn't "give" out A's or B's to the students that he or she likes and D's and F's to all the rest. The work that you put into a course is directly correlated to the grade that you earn.
So if you find yourself disappointed by your grades this semester, think back. Did you sleepwalk through the semester, miming all of your choreography and lipsynching your songs? Your grades probably reflect that you pulled a "Britney" this semester. Maybe some changes are in order for next semester?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Faculty Advisers vs. "Professional" Advisers: The Rumble in the Academic Jungle
In the world of academia, advisers generally fall into two categories: the "professional" adviser (meaning someone who exists on campus primarily to advise students), and the faculty advisor (meaning a faculty member whose primary role is teaching, but also advises students within their department). You can easily find both good and bad examples of advisers from each of those categories, but I want to use today's blog post to explain the differences between the two. In the spirit of full disclosure, I will point out that I fall into the "professional" adviser category (why do I keep using quotes? Because "professional" is a term that is up for contention.) I am going to do my best to give you positive AND negative aspects of the professional and faculty adviser.
My school has students meet with a "professional" adviser during their first year and then transition to a faculty adviser (in most cases) for the remainder of their education experience. Why do we do this? First-year students face a lot of challenges, particularly in their first semester, and they generally benefit from added attention from an advisor. Advising programs all around the country are completely different and you (the student) should be aware of each adviser's strengths and weaknesses so you know where to go to get help.
My Professor/My Adviser: The faculty adviser is usually someone who has spent at least a year working within their specific department--so that they are at least moderately familiar with their own curriculum. The Positives: The faculty adviser is almost always a working professional in their field so they are a superb resource for areas of study within the major, internship opportunities, grad schools, and jobs after graduation. Your faculty adviser is the person you should be looking to for letters of reference (please, by all that is holy, give them at least one month early warning that you need a reference letter! Faculty advisers are busy people!) You have usually taken at least one class with your faculty adviser--they know your strengths and weaknesses as a student. If you are in an Arts program (as my students are), you are probably taking classes with your adviser on a regular basis. You have the opportunity to develop an extremely close relationship with your faculty adviser--please remember that, in most cases, your advisor is required to sign off on your graduation application...so make nice!! The Negative: Faculty advisers devote the bulk of their time to teaching classes--after all, that's what they're paid to do (most of them incurred heavy student loan debt to teach). You may find that you have problems finding time to "meet" with your faculty adviser other than a few words exchanged before and after class. Because faculty advisers are so focused on teaching, they may not be as aware of classes outside of their specific program. Remember that you have general education requirements to complete...which classes you take can be all-important! Course selection meetings can also be rather...brief. Your faculty adviser will often run through a quick list of department classes you should take and then suggest that you fulfill one or two general education requirements...and then your meeting is over. A lot of departments have specific "advising days" where each faculty member is trying to advise their entire caseload in the span of a few hours. Can you really blame them for not going in to a lot of depth?
Adviser in the Hole: The "professional" adviser generally devotes about 90% of their work-week to actual academic advising (the remaining 10% may be used teaching 1 class or in other administrative duties). The Positives: We are in our offices all the time! Most schools will try to set aside "walk-in" hours during particularly busy times (last day to add or drop, last day to withdraw, etc.), which increases the availability of the professional advisor even more. Professional advisers also spend a great deal of time (most of us have weekly staff meetings) staying up to date on the latest policy and curriculum changes. We TALK to our students (all day, every day) so we know who the "good" professors are and which are the best classes to take. The Negatives: Try as we might, professional advisers cannot be specialists in every area. Most of us are generalists who know a little something about each area. When you want specific information about a program, we HAVE to send you to the department. We do our best to know about career options (many of us having training in career counseling), but we can't connect you to jobs or internships...and we CAN'T sign off on your graduation application!!
So how do you work with all of this instead of getting swept along in the current?
My school has students meet with a "professional" adviser during their first year and then transition to a faculty adviser (in most cases) for the remainder of their education experience. Why do we do this? First-year students face a lot of challenges, particularly in their first semester, and they generally benefit from added attention from an advisor. Advising programs all around the country are completely different and you (the student) should be aware of each adviser's strengths and weaknesses so you know where to go to get help.
My Professor/My Adviser: The faculty adviser is usually someone who has spent at least a year working within their specific department--so that they are at least moderately familiar with their own curriculum. The Positives: The faculty adviser is almost always a working professional in their field so they are a superb resource for areas of study within the major, internship opportunities, grad schools, and jobs after graduation. Your faculty adviser is the person you should be looking to for letters of reference (please, by all that is holy, give them at least one month early warning that you need a reference letter! Faculty advisers are busy people!) You have usually taken at least one class with your faculty adviser--they know your strengths and weaknesses as a student. If you are in an Arts program (as my students are), you are probably taking classes with your adviser on a regular basis. You have the opportunity to develop an extremely close relationship with your faculty adviser--please remember that, in most cases, your advisor is required to sign off on your graduation application...so make nice!! The Negative: Faculty advisers devote the bulk of their time to teaching classes--after all, that's what they're paid to do (most of them incurred heavy student loan debt to teach). You may find that you have problems finding time to "meet" with your faculty adviser other than a few words exchanged before and after class. Because faculty advisers are so focused on teaching, they may not be as aware of classes outside of their specific program. Remember that you have general education requirements to complete...which classes you take can be all-important! Course selection meetings can also be rather...brief. Your faculty adviser will often run through a quick list of department classes you should take and then suggest that you fulfill one or two general education requirements...and then your meeting is over. A lot of departments have specific "advising days" where each faculty member is trying to advise their entire caseload in the span of a few hours. Can you really blame them for not going in to a lot of depth?
Adviser in the Hole: The "professional" adviser generally devotes about 90% of their work-week to actual academic advising (the remaining 10% may be used teaching 1 class or in other administrative duties). The Positives: We are in our offices all the time! Most schools will try to set aside "walk-in" hours during particularly busy times (last day to add or drop, last day to withdraw, etc.), which increases the availability of the professional advisor even more. Professional advisers also spend a great deal of time (most of us have weekly staff meetings) staying up to date on the latest policy and curriculum changes. We TALK to our students (all day, every day) so we know who the "good" professors are and which are the best classes to take. The Negatives: Try as we might, professional advisers cannot be specialists in every area. Most of us are generalists who know a little something about each area. When you want specific information about a program, we HAVE to send you to the department. We do our best to know about career options (many of us having training in career counseling), but we can't connect you to jobs or internships...and we CAN'T sign off on your graduation application!!
So how do you work with all of this instead of getting swept along in the current?
- When you're meeting with your faculty adviser, take notes--and schedule a time during his or her regular office hours for more in-depth questions.
- Don't expect your faculty adviser to know anything about the "good" gen ed classes to take--talk to some upperclassmen (find out what they took and who they took it with!)
- Above all, make sure your faculty adviser knows you! If you're going to need references or career advice, you can't expect your faculty adviser to give that blindly.
- Don't be afraid to seek out information on your own. Use your academic bulletin to find out about university policies (especially if you feel like you're being screwed over!) Take your bulletin with you to your advising meeting and point out the relevant information.
- If you have personality "issues" with either your faculty or professional adviser, speak to the head of the department. Changes to your adviser assignment CAN be made!! But as amazing and awe-inspiring as advisers are, we aren't mind-readers. You need to explain your situation to us so we can help!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)