|
What is one of your favorite Delta moments?
Without a doubt, it was the 2002 visit from the Middle States Accreditation
team. As part of a campus-wide evaluation, two of its members came to
Delta College, and started their question and answer session in a polite
but slightly suspect fashion. When they left, they said that we make most
of the colleges in the country seem as if they are still in the Nineteenth
century. Deep down, we know we deliver a million-dollar education, but
such recognition on a national level is as gratifying as it gets.
Why does every Delta teacher say "Trust Us"?
I think Dr. Nancy Washer addresses our motto best, but I'll give
it a try. Not only have we developed a curriculum that unfolds over
space and time, but also one containing all those competencies,
learning outcomes, skills and assessments that result in a truly
outstanding education. A shorter answer might be that we push and
then praise our students in equal measure, and trust is the stuff
in the middle.
How do Deltas differ from non-Deltas?
Unlike those Delta faculty members who also teach in their "home
disciplines," my courses involve just the Delta population.
Whereas my response may seem one-sided, I certainly can profile
our quintessential student: vociferous, passionate, argumentative,
high-achieving, tolerant, creative and funny. Moreover, these traits
directly translate into their successes after graduation. Our kids
get the jobs, the fellowships, the graduate degrees and doctorates
because of the benefits of collaborative and experiential learning.
Moreover, they stay in touch!
Why did you choose to work for Delta?
Call me biased, but I feel we have the most creative and cooperative
faculty on campus. Just like our students, we work in groups with
a common goal, which involves a genuine commitment to team-teaching.
Additionally, for some magical reason, we are spared the ego wars
of hair-splitting specialists. Because of this camaraderie, we bring
out the best in each other and enjoy each other's company immensely.
Secondly, I remain in Delta because of those above-mentioned vociferous,
argumentative, high-spirited and humorous students. They are, after
all, the heart of our profession.
|
