Add/drop is over, we’re past the syllabus quizzes, we’ve picked our unofficial assigned seats and we’re counting down until our next break. Work is piling up, and I expect nothing less. I’ve learned enough about myself and about my university to make it through, but there a few things that would make the semester go a little more smoothly. I find that many of my professors are a little out of touch with the plight of the average student. I hear things like the textbook is only x amount of money, which is rich coming from someone with a salaried job (even better when the professor is tenured). I’ve heard them say I know parking is hard to find but if you’re more than 15 minutes late you’re absent, as they enjoy their parking passes that come out of their salary at a subsidized rate. I’m willing to give my professors the benefit of the doubt. It may have been a while since you’ve been in school, so here’s a little crash course.
1. Textbooks are EXPENSIVE
Yes, everyone knows these books are expensive, but I worry my professors have become desensitized to just how expensive they are. Us students have other financial responsibilities, so excuse us if we can’t get a $200 textbook in a week.
2. Parking is scarce and expensive
I don’t even drive, but I say this for the students who run out in the middle of class to move their cars or risk getting towed or ticketed. Students come in late because they had to walk near a mile from their parking space to class. Parking passes are cool, but they’re like $300. I need that money for your textbook, remember?
3. Technology is useful
This one is for my more seasoned professors. Projectors, blackboard and the communication tools we pay for are really helpful. It’s a lot to learn if you’re unfamiliar with the technology, but we don’t bite. I’ve been in classes where the entire class helps the professor get a YouTube video up or upload a document on blackboard. Let’s work together!
4. We’re interested in what you’re doing
I think there’s a disconnect between professors and students. Often times, professors are doing cool things in their personal lives that students could benefit from. Students are interested in grants you may be trying to get, lab work, research, community service organization, etc. I admit, this one falls on the part of both student and teacher. “Come to my office hours,” may fall deaf on students who missed the first few minutes of class walking a mile from their parking space.
All in all, the price tag on my tuition has way too many zeroes for open communication and collaboration to be so scarce. We need to talk with each other and work together. School is a means to an end, and there’s much more professors and professionals can offer us other than a passing grade.