Martin Root,
College of Health Sciences,
Appalachian State University
[Sept. 24, 2013]–
College is competitive. As instructors we wish it were not so. We wish that students would have the time, energy, and curiosity to enjoy the material we teach. But alas, there is a real world out there that is going to reward those who excel.
As an advisor, I find this a particularly difficult situation. Every year I need to give advisees the straight talk about their poor prospects after graduation when they are not making the grade. The toughest part to me is that I start to see my students differently. Instead of a student, I see a grade point average.
Seeing My Students
When that student walks in I think, either, “Oh good, Ms. 3.74.”, or “Oh no, Mr. 2.78.” I fight hard against this dehumanizing of these precious people made in God’s image, but when I pass them in the hall, it is very hard to give equally warm greetings to Ms. 3.74 and Mr. 2.78.
I’m sure that this situation faces many of my colleagues, especially those who want to hold each student in the same precious regard that Christ holds him or her. We are made of the same cloth as these students and we well remember our own pains and traumas at that time of our life.
So what can we do?
I am trying several things with varying success:
1. My first challenge is to remember names and faces. Our college has two “advising seasons” each year for registering for the coming semester courses. I try to make sure that I am prepared for each appointment, that I know the name and situation, beyond GPA, of each student, before they enter.
2. Taking notes helps me ask how track or basketball is going or about their job. I also try very hard to learn, and relearn, names and faces so that I can extend a genuine greeting in the hallway.
3. My colleagues, who are equally good at advising as I am, can only allow 15 minutes per session. A couple of years ago, I decided to extend this to half an hour. These steps have made all the difference. I can say that I truly enjoy advising season now.
Agents of Grace
My students have turned into real people, instead of just a GPA, as we discuss everything from pets to careers. When Mr. 2.78 comes in, we have time to talk about the future and what could happen. I also have time to tell them my own story of graduating college with the 2.40 GPA. I tell them that they can sit in my seat someday, because I won’t be here long.
Seeing only the GPA is a form of judgment that scripture speaks sternly about. It prevents us from being fully the agents of grace and mercy that we are called to be. Taking the time and effort to get beyond that narrow view has become both fulfilling and a source of joy – even fun!
(c) 2013 Martin Root