SCHOLAR'S DAY

I just wanted to say I thought Scholar's Day was something worth attending. I learned a great deal from the "Cyber Bullying" session, and I was also impressed by student's uses of podcasting to make presentations about Health, Elementary Education, etc., during the Poster Presentation on Podcasting.

My problem with Scholar's Day is the fact so many things go on all at one time. Why not make sessions shorter (maybe 30/45 minutes) and make more time slots available for those who wish to attend. I personally would have liked to attend at least four or five other sessions but could not because of conflicts with the ones I chose to attend.

I know that Professor Stearns was disappointed with attendance at some of these sessions, but I can honestly say the one on Cyber Bullying was filled to capacity and there were a great number standing as well.

I think the day needs to be "pumped up" from an advertising point of view. I know I got an e-mail about it, but not really much information unless you went to the site and looked at the schedule. Perhaps they could pass out copies of the schedule (like the one you received if you attended) to students before the day actually arrives and each professor could spend more time talking about Scholar's Day and what it means and why it's important for students to attend.

The bottom line, however, is there will always be students who choose not to attend and who choose to use it as a "day off" form classes. Unfortunately, nothing is going to chance that fact. For those professors who are presenting and feel they have something worthwhile to say which they want their students to hear then I think it's important for them to encourage - and not just encourage but let students know what they are presenting and why it's important for them - students to attend. Beyond that - and better marketing on the part of the college - there's not much that can be done. It's still a matter of choice and the only way to improve attendance in a greater way is to make it mandatory for students to attend at least two sessions. It's an idea.