 |
|
|
| 
|
While of course it would be great to receive a bonus for a job well done, I could also see this creating a conflict of interest. As an adviser, I might be hesitant to give a student information I know they won't like or to be honest with a student about something if I'm afraid they will give me a bad evaluation. It would be human nature for advisers to try to “get on the good side” of students in order to earn a bonus rather than consistently doing our jobs which sometimes involves having to give a student “tough love.” Obviously academic advisers should always strive to provide great service to students but I think any evaluation that can lead to a bonus needs to come from the adviser's supervisor rather than students. Denise O'Grady, associate athletics director for academics, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, February 4, 2009 This is a tough one! Of course, there is a part of me that says YES YES YES—we should be rewarded because we work hard and deserve it! But, that assumes that we hear from students, especially those who have positive responses. It also assumes that we all have the same advising style, which we know is not the case. And there are times when we have to share hard information with students, information they may not want to hear, and should we worry about what we say because we are motivated by a possible bonus? Of course, we want to help our students, and many of us (me!) also want to have positive relationships with our students, but there are many other ways to determine who gets a bonus—I am not sure this is the best way! Kyle McCool, academic advisor, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, February 4, 2009 I'm all in favor of accountability. However, I find something wrong with giving bonuses for high evaluations. I think it would encourage people to tell students what they wanted to hear so the student would rate the adviser more favorably. I always hesitate to link rewards or punishments with simple satisfaction surveys or evaluations. What needs to be rewarded is hard work. Advisers who put in long hours, go above and beyond the regular duties, who help students to change and make informed decisions. If all that comes out in an evaluation, then yes, give a bonus. But tying it to such things as satisfaction will only further fuel the consumeristic mentality of higher education. Jose F. Rodriguez, assistant dean, Honors College, Florida International University, February 19, 2009 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 | |
