Dear Aggie,
I’m a junior studying for a liberal arts degree and I was wondering how I should approach a specific issue that I may have with a professor’s ethics. This professor has stopped classes in order to rebuke someone’s speech that regards social issues he does not agree with. I was wondering what I could do as a student to stop this type of behavior when it involves a tenured professor.
Sincerely,
Mr. Concerned
Dear Mr. Concerned,
In a perfect world and certainly in a liberal arts program, the ethics on this sort of situation should be cut and dried. However, we live in the real world where sometimes people ignore situations that make them feel uncomfortable. It sounds like this is such a situation or it would not have been going on for such a long time.
The easiest course of action is to use the chain of command. Speak to the professor to call attention to the situation first. If resistance or misunderstanding is shown, speak to the chair of
the department and share your concerns with him or her. If the professor is the chair of the department or little help is offered, move on to the dean of the school in which the department is housed.
It may be of key interest to write down your concerns and provides specific examples. If you are feeling this way, others in the class are also. Next time a situation similar to this arises in class, speak your opinion and show support to students who are struggling because of a biased opinion.
Sincerely,
Aggie
Dear Aggie,
Do you have any advice on keeping up with classes after having a new baby? I am in the last semester of my degree, and I am due very soon. I don’t want to quit but I also know it will be difficult. Are there any programs CU has to help with a situation like this?
Sincerely,
Nervous New Mommy
Dear Nervous Mommy,
The most important resource for a new mommy is help. Take inventory of the people in your life that can help you with childcare. Some sources for free or low-cost childcare can come from family members.
Communicate with your teachers so they know ahead of time that you will be missing classes when the baby is born. Look into some other services on campus including the Student Wellness Center, located in Shepler. New moms and new parents have unique health concerns especially after the baby is born. The Wellness Center would be able to address those concerns.
Taylor Thompson, a member of the Student Development staff, has been a faculty adviser for various organizations on campus targeted toward student parents. Drop by her office in North Shepler 314 and chat with her — her information on programs, including a nursery and other parent organizations may prove to be invaluable.
Sincerely,
Aggie
Dear Aggie responses are generated in house by Collegian editorial members and do not represent professional opinion or advice. Tweet to @DearAggieCU, contact us by email dearaggiecu@gmail.com , or submit and anonymous message on the Dear Aggie Page.