The Student-Teacher Line and Social Networks
I like to think I have a good rapport with my students, but, like many educators, I'm wary of crossing the student-teacher line. To me, there's appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior -- there's no gray area. That's why I have a hard-line policy against Facebook connections with students. It just doesn't seem right.Don't get me wrong: I genuinely like my students. I think they're smart and interesting and, when there's downtime inside or outside class, I enjoy speaking with them about their classes and projects. But anything beyond this seems improper, including virtual connections on a social networking site.
When these students graduate and move into the business world, that's a different story. I'll gladly add them to my list of contacts and I'm happy to exchange news on the industry, job listings and networking opportunities.
Am I being overly cautious? How do other educators handle this?
Comments:
I agree with you, Mac. I refuse all Facebook connections with students. In fact, I don't do much with Facebook at all. I keep my LinkedIn profile up-to-date and use it for as many of my professional contacts as possible. But there too, I refuse links with current students. I always tell them that after they graduate and get a job, I will be happy to link with them.
It's not snobbery but rather utility. I have direct contact with somewhere around 100 students a year. Only a few of them will become journalists. There's no utility for me keeping contact with a lawyer, an advertising executive, a screenwriter, or any of the other myriad paths they pursue.
Posted by: Mindy McAdams at May 22, 2007 11:45 AM
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