The Communicator | November 30, 2011
www.ipfwcommunicator.org
opinion
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Professors: Use Time Logically Getting a degree is all daily expenses and tuition. The high population of While students agree that doing well in a that most college students non-traditional students at IPFW means that many class requires more effort than idly sitting in on want. For those who are of those students also have families class lectures, they also believe focused on that goal, putting in the effort to make and obligations within the home to that professors often don’t take that degree a reality vies for importance with other deal with, meaning that schooling, outside factors into consideration. “Many students obligations such as a job or family. Which leaves while important, sometimes has to Instructors plan their course some questioning, is the university really doing all take the back-burner. will choose schedules around their content and it can to help students graduate? “Non-traditional students face the number of weeks they have to to shave a few IPFW prides itself m a n y teach it, often ignoring the fact that on catering to the many challenges. hours of sleep off students have more than just the one “Have a more realistic non-traditional and T h o s e class to focus on. their day before commuting students “I am an honor student, but expectation of what students who are that make up the successf u l they’ll slack on my grades are on the border line of have the time to handle.” student population. In in that status this semester school work.” staying order to get financial aid, academically due to not enough time to study. these students must be have found Many of my professors give the considered full-time students, with a minimum a way to balance the demands of impression that their class is the of 12 credit hours. Making time for the classes their lives outside of school with only course offered at IPFW,” said themselves may not be a problem, but the real the academic expectations of their Tricia Day, mother of three. college schedule is heavier than it appears. courses. Because they are more mature, often more The solution isn’t to do away with work outside The university suggests that for every hour a disciplined, and because they are shouldering the the classroom, but for professors to have a more student spends in class, they should be studying for financial responsibility for their education, they three hours outside of class. For a student taking are often among the most successful students 15 credits, this means they should be spending 45 at IPFW,” said Dean of Arts and Sciences Carl hours a week studying in addition to the 15 hours Drummond. they spend in class. To be sure, not all students are diligently A survey of IPFW students found that working toward their education 24/7. They like respondents spent an average of 14 hours a week to enjoy social and entertainment activities. But studying and working on homework. The number that doesn’t necessarily mean they are slacking of hours spent studying likely varies by course, but off. Between school, study, jobs, friends and sleep, many students can’t realistically spend 45 hours a the majority of students have schedules full to week in study. bursting. And many students will choose to shave Many students, full-time or otherwise, have a few hours of sleep off their day before they’ll commitments to jobs that help them to pay for their slack on school work. Staff Editorial
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CORNER I P F W ’s C a r e e r Services office will be implementing the Mastodon Mentors Program this spring 2012. Many people do not realize the mentoring relationship is an invaluable resource. Building a mentor relationship can be as simple as understanding why it is important, where to begin and what to look for in a mentor. Let’s begin with why mentoring is important. We have all heard at one time or another that networking is Rachel Landis
extremely valid and useful, and mentoring can play a key role in the process of developing your network by introducing you to their own network of professionals. Did you know 80 percent of jobs are filled without ever being advertised? Mentors can also help you gain abundant knowledge and tools for success. Mentors are more experienced and recognize the steps for accomplishing your career goals. It may seem daunting as to where to begin with the mentoring process. No need to worry, the Mastodon Mentors Program will provide the structure in which to find a mentor, specifically an alumnus from IPFW. You will be able to view available mentors in your field through JobZone, and email the matches of your choice. The mentors will contact you and the process will begin—it’s that simple.
The qualities you want to look for in a mentor include someone who will provide career direction and guidance, challenge you and encourage growth. If you are interested in finding a mentor, the time to prepare is now. In preparation for the Mastodon Mentors Program, update your profile in JobZone at www. ipfw.edu/career, upload your resume and tell your career counselor what types of mentors would be interesting to you. We are currently gathering info of those interested in being Mastodon Mentors. If being a mentor is of interest to you, please contact Christine Force, On Campus Recruiting Coordinator in Career Services, at 260-481-6640 or forcec@ipfw.edu.