Always maintain boundaries and never enter into a dual-relationship
You are not their friend, buddy or therapist and nor should be their employer, supervisor or subcontractor. I believe in religiously avoiding having any sort of dual-relationship with my students if humanly possible. I am their teacher and nothing more. Being in any type of employment or social situation with a student is undesirable as it creates the potential for a dynamic that "no good shall flow from"--avoid them altogether and you'll both be happier.
Example: A fellow professor hired a student (and their team) to paint her house. The professor was unhappy with their work. The student later claimed that the teacher retaliated by giving them a low grade in a class.
I do not completely agree with your way of thinking. We are teaching adults and sometimes they are not well adjusted and do not have anyone to turn to or are just unaware of resources available to them with outside issues. I agree that you should not be their buddy, friend, or therapist, but sometimes you should allow them to discuss issues from outside of the class in a confidential setting as it may be affecting their classwork and you may be able to help them see their situation from a different standpoint without offering advice but just by letting them talk through their issues. Also, if it is an issue of DV, sometimes they are afraid to talk to anyone else and you can guide them towards getting necessary outside help.
Hi Jodi,
Well said! It is fine to listen to students, and if they have concerns that are beyond your scope, you can refer them to the experts.
Patricia
I totally concur that educators are not their friend, therapist, etc. However, one can rechallenge their thoughts or follow through with guidance to meet with program chair, financial aid, counselor, or whatever channel or avenue that would support the issue. Within the academia institution (medical assistants, etc - votechnical), we often have students asking for medical advice on their or familys' behalf. We have a policy in place that eliminates this issue, advising to follow with their family physician. This has eliminated much of the dual-relationship that many students seek.
Hi Cathy,
I am on faculty with medical assistant instructors, and they get robbed of almost every break because students are constantly going to them about themselves, friends, or loved ones for medical help. I actually like your policy.
Patricia
