Have you ever gone to your professor’s office hours and find that they are not there or too busy to see you. Professors often find themselves just as busy as students. They find themselves attending classes as well or taking on other teaching jobs to supplement their income.
“Not only do I teach but I’m also a Ph.d candidate. I think I can relate to my students because I am one.” Professor May teaches sociology at Florida A&M, “Professors should excellent at time management. If you manage your time wisely you will have plenty of time for students and research.”
May’s teachers assistant, J’lisa Ford explains the drawbacks and benefits of having a professor who is a student also, “I feel like I can talk to her because she understands what it’s like, but don’t think you’re going to get a break because she has research to do.” Said Ford with a laugh, “I had another professor who was also a student, but he wasn’t accessible at all, he never showed up for office hours, he didn’t seem prepared for classes and didn’t answer his e-mail. It sucked.”
Some speculate that teachers are not getting paid enough so they must take on other jobs.
“My professor teaches at two universities and who knows what other jobs he has,” said Michael Davenport, a freshman at Hampton University, “They aren’t getting paid enough. Maybe if we paid them more money they wouldn’t need to work a bunch of jobs.”
A FAMU professor who asked to remain anonymous said, “I am one of the department heads, I spend more time running the department than I do with students. I wish I had more time for them. I encourage them to come by my office hours. I clear that time for my students.”
Remember that your education is important. Communication between professors and students is essential.
Tips for better communication:
- Try to meet professors for their office hours.
- E-mail, e-mail, e-mail.
- Find a mentor on campus.
- Don’t give up. Demand time.
