Spring Break
Hot off the press
Latest Facebook perils: superiors, friend or foe?
Brenna McCabe
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
09/05/08 - The professor-student relationship is probably one of the most important connections you will ever make as a college student. Though the University of Rhode Island is no doubt a large institution, it is still possible to forge crucial relationships between students and faculty within each department.
As time has passed, technology has made those relationships stronger, and perhaps more useful once students say goodbye to college life and move into the realm of the working world.
It's almost ridiculous to think that years ago, students would have to hand-write a letter to their professors and lick a postage stamp to send it on its way.
Today, we have e-mail, cell phones and alas, social networking.
But the latter of those three may actually, for the first time, put those special relationships in jeopardy.
Although their intent may not be to check up on students on Facebook or MySpace, more and more professors are creating social networking accounts. Some professors might even use Web sites like Facebook as a tool to further engage students in classrooms, as well as keep in touch with long-lost colleagues or friends overseas.
It's incredible. Facebook has grown to accommodate more than 100 million profiles worldwide. But with professors and teachers now making their way into the mix, it brings up a very important question: Is it really appropriate for students and teachers to be this exposed to each other?
The professor-student relationship is sacred. Yes, college is a lot different than high school - professors are your world. They inspire you, help you realize what you want to do with the rest of your life and impart years of wisdom and knowledge that no one else can touch. Some become lifelong mentors and friends.
But back in the old days, professors did this through the classroom, advisory meetings and philosophical conversing in the middle of the hallway during office hours - not by signing into an account and looking at your profile. The difference is, in face-to-face conversation, each party can reveal what they want to and choose to keep other things private.
As time has passed, technology has made those relationships stronger, and perhaps more useful once students say goodbye to college life and move into the realm of the working world.
It's almost ridiculous to think that years ago, students would have to hand-write a letter to their professors and lick a postage stamp to send it on its way.
Today, we have e-mail, cell phones and alas, social networking.
But the latter of those three may actually, for the first time, put those special relationships in jeopardy.
Although their intent may not be to check up on students on Facebook or MySpace, more and more professors are creating social networking accounts. Some professors might even use Web sites like Facebook as a tool to further engage students in classrooms, as well as keep in touch with long-lost colleagues or friends overseas.
It's incredible. Facebook has grown to accommodate more than 100 million profiles worldwide. But with professors and teachers now making their way into the mix, it brings up a very important question: Is it really appropriate for students and teachers to be this exposed to each other?
The professor-student relationship is sacred. Yes, college is a lot different than high school - professors are your world. They inspire you, help you realize what you want to do with the rest of your life and impart years of wisdom and knowledge that no one else can touch. Some become lifelong mentors and friends.
But back in the old days, professors did this through the classroom, advisory meetings and philosophical conversing in the middle of the hallway during office hours - not by signing into an account and looking at your profile. The difference is, in face-to-face conversation, each party can reveal what they want to and choose to keep other things private.
