Pegasus Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 (edited) a communication from a student's parent AFTER the semester is past? To add context, I had this professor many years ago when I was attending that school in the same college department and he is now in charge of the entire freshman engineering program. My DD just finished her first semester there and, while continuing in the program that he heads, will not have him as a direct instructor going forward. I'm wondering if it is still inappropriate for me to provide some feedback on the huge changes in the freshman engineering program since I attended. My feedback would be almost completely positive/affirming. Maybe I should wait until DD is no longer in the freshman engineering program and has moved on to sophomore year? Or maybe it is just inappropriate for me, as a parent, to provide feedback at all! I'm willing to really hear if this is the case. Edited December 22, 2018 by Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 I think the fact that you are an alumna strengthens your case. It would be perfectly fine, IMO, if you, having been a student at that institution and now a parent of a current student, send a short comment (I would not write reams of commentary) on the program since you have the direct comparison. It might seem strange to me if a random parent weighed in on the structure of our program. I think, however, comments from parents about a positive experience their child had in a class would be welcome. I have occasionally had comments from parents who expressed their appreciation, and I value them. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 As a teacher I love hearing from former students. I still keep in touch with a professor of mine who enjoys hearing from her former students as well. As far as comments on the program I’d probably just go with a short version, like, Im impressed with the xyz dept. These days- isnt it cool I was there and now my child is enjoying the dept too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 Given that you are an alum, I think it would be fine, and even appreciated by the faculty member, to send a short note saying that you fondly remember your days there, are glad to see that he is still there, and that you appreciate that your child is now able to have an equally good experience. I think it is also appropriate to mention some positive changes you have seen in the program structure or some new, innovative methodologies that are being used that you are glad current students are being exposed to. I would limit any negative comments, especially since it sounds as if your child has only experienced one semester, and therefore does not have a context of the entire program structure in which to place any of those negative comments. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linders Posted December 25, 2018 Share Posted December 25, 2018 I would think the feedback would not only be appropriate but welcome. Hearing about your experience and your view of the enhancements could give the professor affirmation of the direction he/she is heading. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 25, 2018 Author Share Posted December 25, 2018 Thank you, everyone! I really appreciate the feedback. I'll let you know if I make contact! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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