Being Visible
Always being available for your students is very important. Letting them know that you have an open door policy at all times will make them more comfortable.
Tammy,
I agree that one should keep work and family life separate. If you check your work voice mail and email regularly and respond to students within a reasonable time, you are doing things the right way.
Jeffrey Schillinger
My cell phone has replaced my home phone so I do not give students my cell phone number. I have an office phone with voice mail and check my email more times a day than I should. My door is always open to talk with my students so having my personal number is not necessary. I hear instructors complain that students call them on weekends for things that could have waited until Monday. If you do give your number out you must be prepared for those types of calls.
Lisa,
This needs to be a personal decision made by the faculty members without pressure from campus leadership. Some faculty members would not be confortable with this, and that's okay as long as there are other effective ways for students to reach them. Email is probably the easiest, but a voicemail box on campus is also good as long as the faculty members check these places regularly and are responsive.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think it is ok to give cell phone numbers to students. It's important for the students to be able to contact you if they have questions or concerns.
Cathy,
Thank you for this post. One of the challenges schools that offer classes on once-per-week block schedules is that tutoring and office hours almost have to be before and after the class meeting of that course because students, and often an adjunct faculty member, may only be on campus together that day. Suggestions?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree completely. I make myself available at least one hour each day for tutoring and my students know they can come to me between classes. My classroom is much like a high school "study hall". Even when I don't have a class, my current and former students come into my classroom. They know it's a welcome place for them to be.
Bonnie,
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing them.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree with you Simona that we need to have an open door policy. I even keep snacks in my office for our students and when the come in I just ask them how they are doing, and the gates open up. One thing I started years ago is that anytime we have a student from a different country I have them teach me how to say hello and have a good day in their language. My goal is to make them feel more at home.
Molly,
There is no good answer to your question. It is a matter of personal preference and school policy. My faculty members often use their cell phones and give out the number.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I find this very interesting. We've been told that we are not to call students from our personal cell phones. My students know that my door is ALWAYS open and they can always reach me by email. Although email is sometime regarded as inpersonal, it can also be a reminder to the student as to what they've agreed to. For instance, if I am working with a student who has poor grades and that student has given me their word via email they will attend tutoring, if they never show up to tutoring I can print the email and show them and they feel the accountability becuase they see it in writing. Although I know our job lasts beyond the typically 8-5 work day, should personal time be used to speak with students or should that be reserved for when we're in the office?
K.C.,
Thanks for sharing this positive experience.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree and believe it is very important. My students know that they can reach me any time they have a question. I provide them with my cell number, as well as my e-mail address. I have never had a student abuse the professional courtesy when using these tools.
Simona,
Do you provide students with your home or cell number? There are some varying perspectives on this issue.
Jeffrey Schillinger
