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 Advisers have an obligation to keep our offices free of offensive material, to make all students and visitors comfortable. In my office I display some of my collection of autographed pieces. At the moment I have displayed a letter signed by Lyndon Johnson, a photo of me standing with President and Mrs. Carter, and a signed photo of the cast from “The West Wing.” (I also have Bush, Reagan, and Ford pieces displayed from time to time to lend balance.) I have refrained from displaying a slave bill of sale that I purchased years ago to help teach my children about the reality of slavery. That piece might make some students uncomfortable, and that's certainly not what I'm trying to do.~ Christopher W. Gregory, Framingham State College, November 7, 2005 My campus is located in an area of very little ethnic diversity, but extreme
cultural diversity. Our geographical isolation coupled with access to
incredible natural beauty tends to attract groups of people united by
philosophy, who wish to avoid mainstream society. At the same time, we are
within driving distance of one of the fastest growing cities in the United
States, so we also attract more typical students.My advisees' backgrounds range from practicing polygamists, to traditional Mormons, to devout animal rights activists, to river runners, to extreme environmentalists, to cattle ranchers, to just about everything in between. I consider it part of my job to reassure all who come that this campus is a safe place where they can feel comfortable interacting with each other (there are so many preconceived notions about all of these groups) without the outside political pressures they usually find regarding each other. One of the things I find most rewarding is to see representatives of each of these groups sitting together at one table, the political/religious world forgotten, studying for a Biology test. I have personalized my office with photographs of family, vases, posters and framed pictures of Zion Park and Bryce Canyon, and several other personal items designed to soothe my soul on those difficult days. While I don't censor myself, I do not hang political signs or religious symbols etc. in my office. So many of my students have been so severely misrepresented in the past that they are wary when they enter. By centering our first discussions solely on advising issues, their fears are alleviated and they are more likely to return for advising. After building a reputation over the years as someone who will not pry, and who will not judge, I have been able to bring students on campus who never would have come before. Paradoxically, once the rapport, the sense of respect for their beliefs, and the place of safety have been established, I have more freedom to frankly discuss my religion, politics, and anything else that may come up in an informal conversation in the student center or anywhere else. ~ Carolyn Hamblin, Mohave Community College, Colorado City campus, November 8, 2005 I try to keep an open mind when it comes to displays in my office. I think it is important to create an environment where all students feel comfortable. If there were something that were offensive, I would encourage the student to share why they feel that way and then to engage in a dialogue that may educate and inform both parties involved.I like to have “story” pieces in my office—things to start a conversation with and engage students. A lot of times, this will be art, a recent newspaper article from an event on campus—and I'll ask students what they think. I believe that helps not only rapport building, but the educational nature of our jobs as advisers. ~ Kara E. Lattimer, Virginia Tech, November 10, 2005 I have a very carefully constructed visual environment in my office in an effort to make it feel welcoming even before people meet me.I am a male of European ancestry, and my minority/marginalized/one-down statuses (sexual orientation, religion, ability/disability) aren't visible. At the same time, I love poster art. On the wall facing my door, I have a large poster for National Women's History Month and an even larger poster showing a male of African ancestry reaching out to physically lift up another. On the opposite wall, I have a small patriotic poster showing an allegorical female “Liberty” figure dressed in red, white, and blue, and a bulletin board which, among other things, displays a pink triangle button and a multicultural resource calendar. Just above the light switch, I have a small plaque which is a map of Michigan made out of Petoskey stone (a local, collectable, semi-precious stone). On the wall above my computer, I have a lithograph showing my University's original building. In my many years of working with students and members of the public, I've learned that almost anything (including bare walls) is capable of being interpreted as offensive by someone. Rather than letting that silence me, I try to show that I'm doing my best to be welcoming to all. ~ Marc A. Kaplan, Cleary University, November 14, 2005 I do not have academic tenure. I am an academic adviser in an administrative position. So, unlike a political science or English professor who may feel free to express all of her political and religious ideas with signs, symbols, and cartoons on doors and office walls, I think that I owe it to the students I advise and the faculty I work with to offer a more neutral atmosphere. Over the years, I have created an office space that communicates a sense of who I am by using items that are neither political nor religious in nature. When students see those items, they immediately know that this is a fun, friendly, caring, and safe place to be. Here are just some of the things I have in my office:
I've found that students, faculty, and other administrators gravitate to my office even when they don't have to see me on official business. I doubt that they would do that if I had what they might consider offensive material in my office. ~ Phyllis Mendenhall, Miami University (in Ohio), November 16, 2005 The Mentor is published by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies Available online at www.psu.edu/dus/mentor/ Privacy and Legal Statements | Copyright | © The Pennsylvania State University | All rights reserved | |
