Do college professors ever attend events organized by undergraduate or graduate students, such as formals, galas, or game nights? Have you noticed professors engaging with students in these social settings where they can develop meaningful relationships?
At my university, various student organizations, including ASME, IEEE, and cultural groups like CSA, SASA, and ISA, host a range of events throughout the year. These include formals, galas, game nights, lunch or dinner gatherings, dance performances, concerts, award nights, and banquets. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for professors and students to connect outside the classroom and foster stronger relationships.
In high school, it was quite common to see teachers attending student-organized events like homecoming or concerts. It was always a delight to spot them enjoying these occasions. However, I’ve noticed a lack of such interactions in college; I can count on one hand the number of formals I’ve attended over eight years across two universities, and I’ve rarely seen faculty members attending.
I can’t help but wonder if there’s an unwritten policy that discourages professors from socializing with students in casual settings outside of class and office hours. What do you think?
It’s interesting to hear about your experiences and observations regarding faculty involvement in extracurricular events! In many colleges and universities, professors generally have the freedom to attend student-organized events, but there are several factors that might influence whether they choose to participate.
First, many professors may feel a certain level of professionalism that keeps them from attending more casual or social events, especially if they are concerned about maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. This isn’t necessarily a formal policy, but rather a norm that varies from institution to institution or even from department to department.
Additionally, professors often have their own commitments, such as research, teaching loads, and other responsibilities, which can make it difficult for them to attend these kinds of events. It’s possible that they may want to engage with students but simply find it challenging to balance their time.
That being said, some professors do make an effort to engage with students outside of the classroom! Faculty who are involved in student organizations or who have a particular interest in fostering community may be more likely to attend these events. Establishing informal relationships can indeed enhance the academic experience for both students and faculty, creating a more friendly and open environment.
Ultimately, if you’re interested in building those connections, it might be worth reaching out to your professors or suggesting events where they might feel more comfortable joining. Many would appreciate the invitation!