It's an interesting idea as I have felt unprepared to truly help my advisees beyond a token amount of reassurance and guidance into the bewildering (and moving) targets for graduation at our institution. Certainly the additional cost per student (to pay for labor and oversight) is an obstacle for any academic institution with limited resources.It feels comforting to read that many of our students who "disappear" are not only the result of poor teaching quality, but instead are often the demands that are exerted on our student population. She does put in stark contrast the differences in how much "chaperoning" the students of wealth and social capital receive versus those (like ours) how are often trying to find their own way while balancing other demands.
Do you think that our students would benefit more from heightened flexibility (choosing own classes, can take breaks as needed) or greater restriction paired with oversight?
This is a great article with a lot of food for thought. I was really struck by difference in the amount of guidance and oversight the elite schools give their students versus what our students recieve. After reading this, I think I am leaning toward more restrictions and a lot more supervision.
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