Friends
As instructors we have professional and moral values to uphold. Students are not friends or buddies and there should be a very clear line. Encouraging them in class and giving feedback and support are great, but handing out is inappropriate.
Hi Kimberly,
That's right! The instructor/student relationship should be strictly professional in nature. The line has to be drawn.
Patricia Scales
Yes, Kimberly, we have an ongoing debate about friending forming students on FB once they have graduated. We have an unwritten rule not to 'friend' them while they are students, but once they are graduated and licensed, they become our colleagues. I think that way we define a clear line between student and colleague. I have a colleague who believes her former students will always be her students. I believe that sets up a hierarchy in the profession that I am not comfortable with. I love to have students know they can always call on me as a resource, but I always let them know that as they become experts in their field that I may one day be calling on them.
Knowing I may some day be working in a clinical situation with one of my former students makes it important to have the clear delineation.
Hi Elena,
I agree! Once students graduate, it is okay to befriend them on FB. Graduates are great resources. You can even use graduates as guest speakers.
Patricia Scales
