The Random Thoughts of Louis Schmier

 And finally, why did I say the FYE teachers and advisers are probably the most caring of faculty or staff on campus? Because they are. Do you really think that by and large most academics other than the FYE teachers and advisers would be in those first year classes if they had a choice? Think [...]

 A student in one of my FYE courses came up to me after I had written the last “Words of the Day” on the board. “Who around here are the people you most admire?” he asked.  I turned to him. “You know, I used to admire people who were famous, who had a sizeable reputation, [...]

 As I was saying, so many of us call these first year students “young adults” because it rationalizes and excuses the inclination of far too many of us academics to follow a “hands off,” disengaged policy. If the truth be told and admitted, so many of us just don’t or don’t want to deal with [...]

 My eyes are getting bloodshot. My muscles are aching. I feel my energy draining. For the past few days, I have been reading, pondering, reflecting upon almost 600 evaluations written by the students of themselves and each other, pouring over notes I’ve taken during the semester about students, going back to read project evaluations, pulling [...]