Once Again We Begin

Starting on Thursday night (although technically they were not supposed to come back until Friday), the students started arriving. It is good to have them back, they add such energy and life to the campus. Yet even as they come we are still on mach speed preparing for the semester.

Turns out last week I was discussing the situation of academic probation with the Dean of Academics. I had offered to meet with them and do academic coaching which I did throughout my internship at Eastern University. However, being optional, no one took me up on my offer. Consequently a number of people failed out last semester. This semester we have an even higher number of people which will be put on academic probation. We were discussing our options in how we can help these students and hopefully have a higher percent of retention the following semester.

Finally after throwing it around for a week, Melody Plaxton, and I decided to team teach a class on study skills. Melody will teach on Tuesdays and I will teach on Thursdays. Looks like we are going on another wild ride this semester. Since this was added last minutes Melody put together a book using information from the internet to use in our class.

Time management will also be emphasized. I created a calendar/planner which we will use throughout class. Not only is it a difficult discipline to develop, it is counter cultural for Micronesians.

Besides the fact that we already have a lot on our plates I think Melody and I are both excited and passionate about this class. (Of course that could all change after Tuesday.)

So much for not teaching again while being Dean. Not only am I teaching I am managing some of Hollie's responsibilities and still driving.

Today is Sunday and a bit of the calm before the storm.

Hopefully my memory card from Walmart will show up soon so I can post new pictures.