As readers will doubtlessly be aware, we’ve frequently partnered with our resident Ombudsman Amy Hartman to answer questions from readers across Sinclair’s network of campuses. Below is a special edition combining responses from this month and the last issue of The Clarion.
We asked students this month what has surprised them most this semester. Here’s what they had to say:
“The amount of people that are here for sure. I feel like other semesters were empty by comparison. People are more involved in things and are a lot more engaged. We have a lot of clubs and people are a lot more involved in activities this time around. We actually have our own club called the Sinclair African Student Association (SASA).If anyone is interested they should feel free to look us up.-Baba Sarr,
Photo Credit: JD Atayi
“Welcome back to your Ombuddy Corner!
We are now several weeks into the term. If you are taking classes on campus you may notice how busy things have become! This can feel overwhelming at times but remember that there are many offices and individuals who can help you when you feel lost.
Have you checked out the events that occur through Sinclair’s Student and Community Engagement Office? There are lots of ways to get involved in a club, organization, special workshops, or special events.”-Amy Hartman
Last month, we asked students what their classroom experiences were like. Below are a sampling of the responses we received:
Claire Pike,1st year, Psychology major: “This is my first year here so I am new to college. I feel uncomfortable asking questions when prompted in person by the professor and prefer to ask questions by email.”
Max Trimble, 2nd year, Visual Communications major, “In my own experience I’ve had some teachers react well and there are no bad questions. But I have also had some that visibly or audibly balk at my question.”
Kay Tillie, 2nd year, History major, “I’ve benefited greatly from the IEP program and greatly appreciate being able to take tests in a different room. Thanks to a strong support system and a good rapport with my professors I haven’t had any issues.”
Pictured here in front of Starbucks, Kay Tillie is enjoying a coffee break. Photo Credit: Ismael David Mujahid
“The college classroom can seem overwhelming at times. Perhaps we are not used to longer lectures or positions that may challenge ones we have held for a long time. If you are taking an online course, not being able to see your instructor or classmates, plus a longer wait time for responses, could be challenging for you.
Regardless, know that asking questions, no matter how big or how small, is a HUGE key to your success in the college classroom. You can start small with basic or occasional questions if new to the classroom. Instructors like to hear from their students, as the feedback helps them to know how students are retaining instruction, and it can also give them insight into knowing how to tweak or clarify certain points. Additionally, asking questions is part of your academic freedom in the classroom, and it is a wonderful way for you and your instructors to learn more about each other.
One word of caution: be careful about taking up too much time in a class session with too many questions. You want to be fair to your classmates and to your instructors. Ask yourself: Is this a question that will benefit my peers and myself? If so, ask away. If the answer is no, perhaps that question should be saved for a one-on-one conversation with your instructor or for a tutor or small study group.”-Amy Hartman
If you have any questions for Mrs. Hartman you’d like to share, feel free to email us at clarion.central@gmail.com or contact your Ombudsman directly by heading to Student Support Services in Building 10 to make an appointment.
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor