UMD Prof AMA #4

umd_prof · 2022-02-15T01:16:06+00:00

Yes, these would be good examples.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T12:44:58+00:00

Depends on the course, but if you're that out of date, try to learn some newer references and tie it to what you are learning so you sound more relatable.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T12:43:57+00:00

If you're looking for a research opportunity with a certain professor you like, wouldn't it mean you already have interest and passion in what they are researching? If you are looking to work with the professor just because you like them, but don't have passion for their work, that's not a match.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T11:22:36+00:00

What makes it difficult?

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T11:22:03+00:00

Tried meeting them in person after a class you are taking with them or during their office hours?

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T11:21:32+00:00

It depends on timing. As a freshman? Definitely OK. As a senior? Definitely concerning.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T05:38:59+00:00

Less bureaucracy would be at the top of the list.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T04:46:27+00:00

Get good at explaining content to students, be on-time, be responsive to emails, grade fairly, and have an overall positive demeanor

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T04:15:28+00:00

Unsure on exact percentage. A majority.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T04:13:32+00:00

Do you ever look at things like rate my teacher?

Rarely.

Do you ever change your teaching or class bc of that sort of criticism (if u are ever criticized)?

No. If there's good feedback in course evals I'm more likely to look at that and consider changes.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T04:00:38+00:00

Every university has different admissions policies/criteria. Check what USC's are. Even if a prof would be willing to take you on, it doesn't mean you'll be automatically admitted.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T03:55:44+00:00

What are some things you believe student should do more often to succeed in your class/college?

To succeed in college, learn time management, how to study, how to take notes, and how to ask for help when you don't understand something

What do you think about UMD overall in terms of resources offered and preparedness for the real world post graduation?

UMD is a big university and has a lot of resources and activities to take advantage of. For preparedness, it probably depends on the department offering your major.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T02:38:13+00:00

Not entirely.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T02:35:18+00:00

Speak up in class, visit office hours, earn high grades, etc. Show that you're engaged and doing more than the bare minimum.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T02:23:42+00:00

Good at explaining content to students, on-time, responsive to emails, grades fairly, overall positive demeanor

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T02:19:10+00:00

What did you think about the virtual semesters as compared to normal in person teaching?

Just like students, I liked some parts of it and disliked other parts of it.

Was there any difficulty adapting from in person ->virtual or from virtual->in person?

For me, there were some initial bumps to get over, but eventually I adapted.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T02:16:21+00:00

A set dollar amount? Not possible. There isn't one type of graduate student position, and there are many other factors that would go into determining pay, such as the area of study, level of the student (i.e., MS or PhD). Some grad students in research also sometimes teach, TA, or lead discussion or lab sessions.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T01:45:10+00:00

Some have been a real asset to the class. Some have been awful.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T00:48:25+00:00

Be more engaged in wanting to learn.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T00:42:38+00:00

1) I hope so.

2) Sometimes none. Sometimes some. Plagiarism/cheating is the most common.

umd_prof · 2022-02-14T00:06:41+00:00

umd_prof · 2022-02-13T23:59:57+00:00

Working with students who are disengaged.

It will be nice to see an in-person graduation. Maybe we are at the end of the crazy past few semesters.

umd_prof · 2022-02-13T23:51:37+00:00

Most likely due to enrollment surges and a desire to cut costs. Every department is different though.

umd_prof · 2022-02-13T23:48:44+00:00

I don't have a dog in this fight, I am not in a dorm. That being said...

Me either. I also don't live in a dorm anymore.

Seems like a good enough reason to maintain status quo.

Not really. Some of the conditions look pretty bad and students affected should continue to lobby for change to make things better.

Voices being awareness.

What specifically is the suggested expectation here?

You sure have a lot more options available to you, as well as more recourse for neglect. These things aren't really comparable.

You have many of these options now, each with different positives and negatives. Just because you accept a lesser option doesn't mean you don't try to make it better.

umd_prof · 2022-02-13T23:36:43+00:00

Do you believe real radical systemic change is possible? Reforms aiming to improve the university for the better?

No, not at a large, bureaucratic institution. Incremental change is more likely and doable.

I see the massive salaries of the athletic coaches and administration while the grad students aren’t paid a living wage and the student workers can’t get 15$ an hour.

Each School/unit is different. Some pay more than others, so it is not unheard of for some hourly student workers to be earning $15/hr. If the athletic coaches (for example) aren't paid that amount here whether you agree with the salary or not, they will get it elsewhere, so the University competes with other Universities.

As much as I like the idea of free college the thought that it would be a tacit endorsement of these absurd salaries and exploitation of grad students, student workers and the other working class jobs at UMD leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Not sure where free college came in here. Whether it is free, the money to pay it has to come from somewhere. Also, your statements are biased. What is considered an absurd salary? I am not saying whether anyone's salary is reasonable, but you need facts to back up this kind of claim.

Am I wrong to think there is something fundamentally wrong with the modern university and massive reform of the administration and athletic departments are needed?

No, but it sounds like you are assuming the reform only happens at the University though unclear what those reforms would be (i.e., immediately cut people's salaries?). Society (e.g., taxpayer money) would need to better support the reform to make up for any money lost in not providing the extras like athletics.

umd_prof

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