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Faculty member right at home in MacKinnon Hall |
| By
Kim Harvey |
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Dec 3, 2008
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| Dr. Tavis Glassman relaxes at home — on the fourth floor of MacKinnon Hall. |
Tavis Glassman is getting used to life in a residence hall.
He’s seen his share of late-night munchie attacks, dorms in disarray and Xbox marathons.
What took some of his approximately 140 neighbors by surprise was Glassman himself. Or, as his students call him, Dr. Glassman.
“The students can’t decide whether I’m a really old freshman or a faculty member,” the assistant professor of health education in the College of Health Science and Human Service said and chuckled. As the University’s first mentor in its new Faculty in Residence Program, he’s gotten many double takes since he moved into MacKinnon Hall six weeks ago.
“The students have been on their best behavior so far, but they’re very open,” Glassman said.
The idea is the brainchild of Jo Campbell, director of residence life, who has seen firsthand the value of faculty members cohabitating among students. During her tenure at the University of Illinois at Chicago, several faculty members, and even their families, lived in residence halls throughout campus.
“I remember a faculty member saying, ‘I thought I was hip. I thought I was getting to them,’” Campbell recalled. “‘But the things I’m learning in this setting are affecting how I teach them.’”
Campbell planned to create a Faculty in Residence Program at UT once she arrived in 2007. As blueprints were drawn to renovate MacKinnon Hall, she asked that a living space specifically for faculty be added.
Glassman’s fourth-floor digs includes two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a living room. His space is “a bit isolated so you can get your rest,” but he has many opportunities to interact with MacKinnon residents and engage in their culture.
Which is precisely the point. Glassman, who spent eight years in health education positions at Ohio State University and the University of Florida, will use this opportunity to conduct research, promote education, and have one-on-one time with those who may end up in his classroom.
“The choices students make about their health impact many parts of their lives,” he explained, “including academic success, social integration and retention.”
He plans to host monthly educational programs focused on student behaviors. The first, called “Sex, Lies and Chocolate,” attracted 25 participants. Undergraduate students in health education fields of study will help coordinate and teach the programs.
Glassman emphasized his role does not include canvassing MacKinnon for bad behavior. “I’m not an enforcer,” he said. “I’m an educator, so I can help students with academic issues that arise. If there are other issues, I can point them in the right direction.”
Campbell plans to expand the Faculty in Residence Program if budgets and participation allow.
“The more we can establish a strong faculty-student connection, the better off we’ll all be,” she asserted. “When the kids at MacKinnon see Tavis on Sunday morning with a paper and slippers, it breaks down barriers. They see him as someone other than a talking head in a classroom.”
For his part, Glassman is encouraged by the students’ acceptance. “It’s only been a few weeks,” he said, “but they’ve been great. Having another older adult around seems to be a source of comfort.”
When asked if he’s picked up any typical student traits — dorm disarray comes to mind — Glassman said his living quarters are relatively tidy. “The bedroom’s a little messy, but it’s OK otherwise.”
Sounds like he’s fitting in just fine.
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