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| Topic from April 2008 |
This month, the Advising Forum presents the twenty-second in a series of advising case studies. The first six case studies were published in the journal in MayOctober 2000, with two other six-part series published in 2002 and 2004.
Case study #22A lifting encounter
On a weekend visit to the mall, you catch sight of one of your advisees. Just as you start to approach her to say hello, you see her slip something into her pocket and leave the store unnoticed. Are you legally, morally, or ethically bound to report her? If she's convicted of shoplifting, even if it's a misdemeanor, she might be ineligible to obtain her teacher certification, something she's worked hard for and is close to obtaining. Is it worth losing a potentially good teacher, for example, over a stolen roll of mints? What if it's a more serious shoplifting offensea felony, for example? What would you do in this case, and why?
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| Readers' Responses |
I would walk up to her, greet her in a friendly way, and gently confront the problem, trying to convince her to go back to the store and return the item. If she agreed, I would watch her do it, then help her initiate professional counseling back on campus.
If she refused to take back the item, I would turn her in. Why? Because that could signal dangerously addictive behavior demanding firm intervention, even for someone who is not a prospective teacher.
~ Jan Haluska, professor of English, Southern Adventist University, April 4, 2008
As an adviser, I believe that one has the responsibility to address the situation, immediately if possible. This could provide for a unique learning experience for both the adviser and the student. If handled properly, with sincere care and concern, the possibility exists to strengthen the adviser-advisee relationship. Also, additional information may come to light, helping the adviser determine if this is routine behavior or a sign of other issues.
~ George Mikluscak, campus director, West Virginia Career Institute, April 18, 2008
The Mentor is published by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies
Available online at www.psu.edu/dus/mentor/
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