By Michael Rubinson
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Professors at the Camden County College Blackwood campus are divided on how to deal properly with disciplining students.
Many students believe their professors know exactly how to deal with most classroom issues; however, an annual meeting held Nov. 7 to discuss student discipline showed some professors are a little confused with some of CCC’s policies.
One instructor, who asked not to be identified, stated, “I am starting to see a rise in students who are 17 years old in my classes. First, they are extremely immature and rude, and second, if and when they cause a problem, how do I try to act swiftly yet correctly?”
After many professors nodded in agreement, Assistant to the Dean of Students Jackie Tenuto’s response came quickly, “We realize that with more 17-year old students attending our institution, we are going to have to revise certain policies, but for now you have to get the parents involved once the behavior steps over a certain line.”
Tenuto, whom professors must contact when serious student issues occur, was adamant professors can do a better job recognizing when students are having serious problems. “If you see something, don’t be afraid to report it. It doesn’t reflect your teaching abilities. We need to prevent things from going further. If they are acting strange in one room, chances are they are acting strange in another. There is an onion skin to these kids. There is much more beneath the surface.”
After responding to a few other professors’ statements, Tenuto began taking questions on in-class situations. As to the most common issues she sees in the classrooms, she said, “The most common reports are disruptive students, inappropriate language and respect issues, mostly just disruption in the class though.”
The last part of the meeting focused on the Civility Workshop that acts like a detention service for Camden County College. Many students who want to make up for their behavior lean toward this program because it isn’t as harsh as a suspension. However, if a student is signed up for this service and then skips out on it, their academic file has a hold placed on it and they are no longer able to register for classes. Most professors in the room didn’t know such a service existed.
As Tenuto was wrapping up, she offered one more piece of advice to the staff present: “You must remember that you are the faculty, YOU are in charge.”
Staff members attend the meeting about student discipline. By Michael Rubinson, CCC Journalism Program