Faculty

Former faculty talk about students then and now

By Catherine Jarboe

Good, bad, or ugly, we all have memories of college that shape us into what we are today. So when time begins to change these memoires and to improve on what we took for granted, it’s only natural to go back and re-read that chapter of our life as we would a favorite book. Change is a cosmic constant, however, and it must be accepted – yet, it’s nice to wax nostalgic and get a little misty-eyed over “the good ole’ days,” the days when textbooks were under $65 and the only merger you had to worry about was with your date on Friday night.

Have the students changed much over the years? Do their goals reach far above what was once thought impossible, or are they simply plodding through school, living from weekend to weekend? The monster of technology has reared its wiry head, but has it come to lead the students to a wonderland of success or will it take a big “byte” out of their initiative to think on their own? I put a few of these questions to three who should know: former professor and associate dean, Wilma Crumley, former professor and chair of news-editorial, Jack Botts, and former professor and dean of the College of Journalism, R. Neale Copple.

Technological Change

The College of Journalism has recently been test driving a new system of computers. Everyone pretty much agrees that computer training is a must for any college student. But is it sacrificing the student-teacher relationship? “It’s important that the students don’t rely on technology too much and miss the point of an education,” said Crumley.

Copple finds the students have no choice in the matter. “Give me a room full of typewriters versus a room full of word processors and the only difference is that one group is going to have as the teacher has done his job. Sometimes we can get too wrapped up in the convenience that they offer, but as you know, journalists are notoriously horrible typists, and anything that can conceal that glaring truth is welcome.”

Overall, the college is well equipped to prepare the new student for the “real world.” Depending on what the students want out of their education, they have a good chance to experiment with their talents and discover what is right for them, Crumley says. “Also, there is no ‘Magic University’ out there. It is what the students put into their education that determines their success.” Crumely determines their success.” Crumely says the so-called “real world” is mythologized into this exclusive kind of club, and students become horrified if they have no set plan after graduation. “This idea of planning your entire future from graduation to death is just not practical, nor is it necessary,” said Crumley.

The New Generation

The students today, according to Botts, take their education for granted. “They are victims of their generation, I think, and have come to believe over the years that the degree is more a formality than it is a platform for their future career. They seem more inclined to get through the university as painlessly as possible.” Botts also said he feels the university is part of the problem. “We send out all of these fresh pink faces into lower-paid jobs that seem insignificant to the emerging work force. Most can become disillusioned very quickly with the entry-level positions.” Copple and Crumley, on the other hand, feel there is more variety now and a greater chance for specialization than ever before. “There has been an information explosion, and there are far more opportunities now for those who apply themselves,” Copple said.

Copple hopes the university prepares students not only for their first job but also for the jobs that follow as they begin to apply their knowledge to greater projects. “The most important job and the goal of this college is that we can train them for their second and third positions, which are the most important of their careers.

The student connection

Connections to the college after graduation are considered to be extremely important by all three. “It is important to keep some connections with the college. That way we know if we have been doing our jobs. WE would have some insight to help future graduates prepare for their careers,” said Botts. Crumley adds: “We can only hope that this university holds some personal satisfaction for this students. In that way we have succeeded in building a foundation for not only their careers but for their lives.” The ever-practical Copple sees a continuing relationship with the college as a relatively small sacrifice. “There are so many ways graduates can improve the college as recruiters or speakers. We have been lucky to have so many successful graduates continue the tradition.”