Category Archives: Uncategorized

Almost immediately upon my start here at Harold Washington College, I was asked to welcome Secretary of State Jesse White to our college. I asked who had arranged the visit of this illustrious guest and was told Professor Caroline Shoenberger. Shortly after that, I was asked to welcome Marc Schulman, CEO of Eli’s Cheesecake, toContinue reading “Shining Star”

EducationNext just published an article that highlights the efficacy of lectures over class-based problem-solving time. From the article:  Contrary to contemporary pedagogical thinking, we find that students score higher on standardized tests in the subject in which their teachers spent more time on lecture-style presentations than in the subject in which the teacher devoted moreContinue reading “Anyone know what this is? Class? Anyone? Anyone?”

Spring break is here. The building is quiet. And while my schedule does not seem to have lightened, the mood is different and with so many faculty off to far-flung lands I find my own mind wandering to thoughts of travel.  Then I saw this post and my mind started racing. I am a sci-fiContinue reading “Quantum Leap”

I know Mayor Harold Washington’s birthday is April 15, but our students have chosen to observe it on the 14th. I write this post in his honor to coincide with our students’ observance. Mayor Washington is one of the reasons I chose to make Chicago my home, and why I am so proud to leadContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Mayor Washington”

Chicago Tribune reporter Lauren Viera has written a thoughtful review of the Shaila Christofferson exhibit in the President’s Gallery on the 11th floor. It has been a delight to see these sculptures each day as I come and go to the office. Check out the show before it closes April 15.

UPDATE to the post:If possible, it would be great to have our new mascot selected by Spirit Week, which begins April 25.  _________________________________________ On Thursday in my meeting with the Student Government Association leadership, I asked them to take the lead in selecting a new mascot for Harold Washington College. Some of our students haveContinue reading “UPDATE – Lions and Tigers and Bears . . .”

I participate in a lot of discussions lately about helping our students be “work ready” or “career ready.” We talk about training, mentoring, coaching, and in my opinion, the most effective avenue to workplace readiness, internships and jobs. So it was with some concern that I ready an Op-Ed piece in this past Sunday’s NewContinue reading “Serf Ready”

As important as it is, sometimes I just need to take a break from Reinventing. I relaxed this evening with a wonderful performance of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, put on by the Loop Players and directed by our own Professor Kathryn Nash.  I last saw the play 30 years ago, and the Loop Players’ productionContinue reading “A Doll’s House”

Hot on the heels of my post on coaching, I saw a PhiloDave recommendation regarding an MDRC study on student success at six community colleges. His post caught my eye because I am a huge fan of MDRC. I find their research scrupulous and relevant. Their work on Career and Technical Education formed the supportContinue reading “Opening Doors to Student Success”

In October, 2008, as a second-year graduate student at the University of Chicago, I was assigned a first-year student to mentor. I looked forward to mentoring Augustus, who was from Dominica in the Caribbean, and share the extensive knowledge I had gained about the school and the policy world. Would he ask about my experienceContinue reading “Study Finds Academic ‘Coaching’ Boosts Graduation Rates”