Unreachable, unapproachable and all too busy are just some of the rhetoric you may hear when beginning the college process in regards to professors. Warning signs of distant professors is always important to consider when deciding on which university you wish to attend for the next four years.
In my time at Christopher Newport University, I can say with full confidence that I have yet to experience a lack of care from a professor. In fact, I have yet to experience a time that I wasn’t extended a helping hand, or an opportunity to utilize office hours multiple times a week.
At Christopher Newport there is a high standard for success and the role of the professor for each student. The hope of the university is that smaller classes provide students with the means necessary to not only be successful in academics, but also to build academic relationships with their professors.
Like many things, small class sizes have their pros/cons, but it is important to recognize when something within the pro column is working. Christopher Newport professors do not fit into the classic horror-story rhetoric. Our professors are encouraged to not only play a role in the classroom but to keep an open door for students always. I have heard from my own professors as well as from my peers that the amount of care each professor has for their students is not common on a college campus.
I have found that Christopher Newport has a strong understanding of the importance of its students and their well-being. One of the most endearing moments of my time here was this semester. As we were addressing announcements in my class, my professor added, “…and if no one is going home for thanksgiving, my family would love to have you. Email me to let me know you’re coming so we can have a seat for you.” That stopped me in my tracks – well it stopped everyone in the class. Our professor (and many others) genuinely cared enough to ensure that those who were seatless on thanksgiving had the opportunity to have a seat at a table on a historically familiar holiday.
Christopher Newport cares for its students. The important idea is that students feel comfortable enough to go into a professor’s office and be themselves. In my own experience, professors understand that life happens and that some things are out of our control. An understanding professor, one who is more concerned about you personally than how you did on the last test, are the professors the Christopher Newport is investing in.
I am thankful for the investment of genuine professors who disprove stereotypes time and again. Quality over Quantity.
