Tag Archives: education

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.

 

 

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.