Tag Archives: College

Professor Threatens to Fail the Entire Class

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What is the state of higher education in our nation?

Recent news coming from our nation’s universities can be described as anything – but pretty.

What happens when those within the system attempt to stand up against a flood of negative student, staff, or institutional behavior?

Recently, a professor at Texas A&M Galveston wrote an e-mail to his strategic management students that they were a disgrace, that they lacked maturity — and that he would fail the entire class. Irwin Horwitz, a proProfessor fails classfessor in the university’s department of maritime administration, decided that he had to act.

“Enough was enough,” Horwitz said. “It became apparent that they couldn’t do just some of the most simple and basic things that they should’ve been able to do at that point.”

Here is the full article.

The professor stepped down from teaching the class, and the class will now be taught by the head of the department.  The institution gave a public statement saying that the students will not be failed as a class, but will be judged according to their own individual work.

This story should raise questions about the roles and rights of students and professors.  Academic institutions are not controlled by the pursuit of knowledge.  They are governed by the flow of money which unfortunately tips power in favor of the consumer (who are the current and potential future students).

The Myth of the Four-Year College Degree

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I recently came across this article, and wanted to share it with my readers.

According to the Department of Education, fewer than 40% of students who enter college each year graduate within four years, while almost 60% of students graduate in six years. At public schools, less than a third of students graduate on time. (Time Magazine)

college piggy bank

© 2012 Tax Credits, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

There are many reasons why it takes students longer to get through college.  Here are just a few:

  • Trouble getting into a specific program.
  • Finances
  • Trouble getting into prerequisite classes.
  • Illness of the student or family member.
  • Lack of Motivation to leave.
  • Change their major (one or more times).
  • Unable to determine a course of study.

The longer it takes to get a degree usually affects the amount of expenses that a student will accrue, and delays their entry into the workforce.

However as Christians, it is important to remember that each person’s journey is unique and directed by our loving God.  So whether you are a parent or emerging adult, don’t allow the four-year myth to discourage you in your journey.

Take each step by faith.  

David Boyd 1 (1)Dr. G. David Boyd is the Founder and Director of EA Resources.  He has a passion to encourage emerging adults and their parents.  If you are interested in having him speak to your community, email him at gdavid@earesources.org.

 

 

FACTCHECKER: DOES COLLEGE CAUSE YOUNG ADULTS TO LOSE THEIR FAITH?

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I recently came across an article that I wanted to share with my readers.

Parents do have a great fear that college will mark the end of their child’s faith.  However, here are a few points that I would like to make.

1.  Many parents blame college, but the adolescent actually left their faith many years before.

Adolescents leave the faith for a variety of reasons, and parents sometimes turn away from signs that their children no longer hold to the faith that they were taught as children (article).  I recommend a book on this subject by Drew Dyck, Generation:  Ex-Christian.

2.  Professors do not want to convert your children.

The recent film “God’s Not Dead” continues to paint the picture that professors desire to destroy Christians.  While some professors may be personally hostile towards a  specific religion, faculty  cannot discriminate against people of a specific religion, by grading their religious beliefs.

3.  Postmodernism allows diversity and a variety of religious beliefs and experiences on campus.

Christian Smith states, “The increase of relativism and the decline of strict scientism, which allows for discussion of faith and spiritual speculation, similar to what Paul experienced at the Aeropagus.”  Dr. Smith is talking about the decline of modernity, and the rise of post-modernity.  While some Christians have in the past been extremely out-spoken against postmodernism, it has made college campuses more accepting of faith and diversity.

Here is the article.  The author, Glenn T. Stanton is the director of family formation studies at Focus on the Family and the author of five books.

I hope that it is an encouragement to you as you parent.

 

Life with big student debt: tales from four college graduates

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I wanted to share an article with my readers about living life with student debt.

The average debt for a graduating student in 2013 was $32,500          (Source).  This number continues to escalate with the rise in college tuition.  This number includes an average of $3,000 in credit card debt.  

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here are a few notes:

1.  Big-name schools are not always worth the big price tags.

It is important that you know that universities want your money.  They NEED your money.  As you step onto campus, please know that they are trying to sell you on their campus, their classes, and their reputation.  Many schools say that their rankings or reputation will instantly open doorways to higher-paying jobs.  In many situations, this is a marketing tool, and is not based upon real data.  Jenny Hecht says, “I didn’t know that once I had my [master’s degree] nobody would care where it was from.”

2.  Don’t take every loan that comes your way.

© 2007 Quazie, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Education financing is a big business, and there are many people who will gladly give you loans that you feel will lead you to your dream life.  However, many students are waking up from the dream, and realizing that being buried by debt is a nightmare.  Before you accept a loan, make sure that you have done your homework.

“At 18 years old, you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into,” says Gorden, who wishes more advice had been available then. “Those last two years, I was approved for over $60,000 – for a 20-year-old, without a cosigner, with no job, no sense of a future job – and they just gave it to me.”  

As a emerging adult, you will be showered with money; however, none of it is free.

3.  Educational Debt can grow even after college.

While you can request loan deferment or refinance, your debt will continue to grow if you are not able to make your payments.  One student wrote that she owes about $5,000 more than she did when she graduated, due to a few years when she couldn’t cover all of the interest payments.  Delaying payments on a loan is a serious decision, and should not be based solely upon your dream of one day landing a higher-paying job.  

4.  Take time to think about how your debt will affect your future.

It is important that you take responsibility to think through your financial future.  Many students bury their heads in the sand, and ignore how debt will affect them.  “But you don’t really think about what it actually means to have a house worth of debt, on a higher interest rate than a mortgage, until you’re getting close to graduating and thinking about having to repay them.” There are financial on-line tools available to you to help you understand what your future loan payments will be, and how they will affect your budget.

Education is an investment.  Make sure that you make a wise decisions during the journey.

School Debt Consolidation – Don’t Get Fooled!

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Debt from Flickr via Wylio

© 2013 Simon Cunningham, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Thieves will always follow a trail of money.  In today’s world, educational debt is a big business; therefore, it should not be a surprise us that people are making a living off stealing from those who are buried in school debt.

The average debt for a graduating student in 2013 was $32,500 (Source).  This number continues to escalate with the rise in college tuition.  This number includes an average of $3,000 in credit card debt.  Debt is difficult to repay for students who graduate, but we must also remember those who are not able to finish their education.

Feelings of desperation causes people to run towards news that sounds too good to be true.

Here is the article that explains the scams.

Debt is not a game.  It is real, and will affect your life.  Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”   As Christians, we must use wisdom as we make decisions about educational debt.

 

Making Friends at College

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Building A Community During the College Years

I still remember my first week of college, and the excitement and fear I felt group of eawalking around campus. The major reason for these emotions was finding a community.  I knew that in order to make the most of my college experience, I would need the security and contentment that comes from establishing a strong social network.  The relationships I made grew me, changed me, and gave me the confidence to thrive in life.  If you are new to campus or still struggling to find your place, here are a few things that helped me.

1.  Take Social Risks

During high school, I started a new school, and was too afraid to take social risks.  I remember standing in the lunch line, and the comfort it gave me. The lunch line represented safety, it gave me the right to talk to anyone.  The sea of faces each lungch period overwhelmed me, and I could not gain the courage to engage with new people.  I would not make this mistake again.

In the rush of unpacking my room and finding my way around campus, I realized my first priority required engaging with others.  I walked up to strangers and asked if I could eat with them, I listened to others, offered comfort , stayed up late, and found my place. In order to be you in college you must risk rejection, and risk rejection, and risk rejection.  In order to establish a community, you must put your heart on the line.

2.  Choose Wisely

The college years are crucial in the formation of our identity.  It is in these years we learn who we are, and who we want to be. We become like those we spend our time with. Proverbs 13:20 states, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (NIV)  Don’t limit yourself to just one social circle; however, it is important to choose your closest friends wisely.

You should be purposeful. 

Don’t pick your social group based on who you meet first, or who lives near you.  Define the type of friend you are looking for, and search for people with those qualities. If it is your desire to follow Jesus, choose others who do the same. If you want to promote justice, seek out others who have like passions.

Choose others who are willing to sharpen you, who are different than you in good ways.  In your college years learn to be nonjudgmental of others. It is a time to stop judging people for their economic status, outward beauty, race, or clothes. It is a time to seek out others different than you, and to learn from the bests parts of them. It is a time to notice and evaluate your family of origin, and to choose for yourself what to keep the same from your past and what to change. Learn how to live graciously with all of those around you including your noisy roommate, or socially awkward neighbor.

3.  Friendship First

ftflagler-washington-pictures-4376127-h[1]It is important to establish friends first, before you dive headfirst into a first semester love. High school is over, and you will meet many new potential people to date, to fall in love with, and to break up with.  Take your time.  Beginning a relationship early in your college experience will limit your friendship network.   We used to call those couples who spent all of their time together “Velcro Couples” because they just couldn’t seem to be pulled apart.  I encourage you not to be a part of one of these relationships.

It is definitely a time of life to fall in love, but establish yourself first.  In the beginning, put your friends first, and do not sacrifice your friends because you feel as if you have found true love.

College is not just about academics and careers. It is also about building a foundation of social awareness, and learning to establishing well-chosen relationships. It is about learning to take social risks, learning to be nonjudgmental and gracious to others, and learning to balance your valued relationships.

EPSON MFP imageWritten by Rachel Boyd.  Rachel
is the mother of Josiah(9), Andrew(7), and
Tobias(2). They currently reside in MN, but are hoping that God calls them to a warmer climate near the ocean.  She is a graduate of Cedarville
University, and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary where she earned her
MA in Educational Ministries

Avoiding the College Loan Bubble Burst

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I bubble-dark-remember very clearly when we were purchasing our new home.  There was some discussion about some Bubble Bursting in the Housing market.  I didn’t understand what that meant, and doubted that it would ever really affect me personally.

My oh My, how I was wrong…

There has been discussion of another bubble for several years – the college loan bubble.  As the price of attending college have soared, parents and students are taking out more and more loans in order to pay the bill.  These loans are only available as long as investors and banks are willing to make the investment.

Recently a second major bank, JPMorgan has announced that they will be pulling out of the student loan market (US Bancorp stopped making student loans last year.).   While there will still be financial aid available through the US Government, these changes will have an affect on the availability and affordability of college.

While you might not be able to avoid the bubble burst, you can think wisely about funding your college education.

1.  Make sure you know (about education) before you go.

Once you hold that high school diploma, don’t automatically assume that you should go to college.  There is an usual phobia that students (and parents) have that if you don’t go now, you will never go.  It simply is not true.

Take the time to research on your own (or with a trained professional) concerning what you want to do for a job.  Research the Outlook for the profession that you desire at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Career Infonet.  After narrowing down what you want to do, find an educational institution that can provide the knowledge and skills you need to get a job.

The goal of college is not a degree, the goal of college is to prepare you for the workplace.  If you don’t need a four-year degree, then go to a trade or technical school.

College is still a good investment when you view the increased future earnings of college graduates, but make sure you finish your program.  College debt with no job following graduation is hard.  College debt with no degree is even harder.

2.  Plan Ahead.

Planning ahead for the expenses of college is crucial in today’s world.  Talk to a financial counselor, and start taking steps now to save money towards your education.  Take advantage of AP high school classes, Clep tests, and PSEO programs that allow you start college for free while in high school.  Programs are available in many states.  As the market of higher educations makes changes, more and more options will become available.

 

3.  Use debt sparringly.blackfriday-consumerism-materialism-1251010-h[1]

Get a job to pay for living expenses.  Set a budget based on your future income (although you might not get a job right away), and don’t go over it.  Refuse to use debt for the non-essentials like a new computer or smart phone, studying abroad (unless required by your degree), or late-night pizza orders.

4.  Be wary of starting a university, if your attendance requires private funding.

If you are dependent on private funding and the bubble does burst, you may have to drop college, or transfer to another university (which always comes with additional expenses through losing credits).  Many changes are coming to the world of education, especially to schools with high price tags (which includes most Christian schools).  Changes need to occur in the Christian realm of higher education.

Many students shackle themselves to monstrous debt which seems to stand in opposition to the Bible’s teaching on money and debt.  There is a huge need to take the warning of Proverbs 22:7 which says,

“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Whether or not the bubble bursts, following this college advice is bound to pay off for your future.