I would like to know what in the heck is going on with research at the undergraduate level?! When did opinion count as substantive research? I am trying to understand if this is due to reading the papers, online communication, or something more going on in the educational system.

I've met with lots of students in the last two days--primarily students in lower division courses and by and large many do not know how to differentiate (yet) between opinion and doing research, then integrating the research into the paper. And, the next step would be analysis of the research, right?! Maybe I am venting and professors have been making this complaint for generations!

I feel for President Obama, as he's at that difficult point where he can do nothing right to different camps. The Tea Party and Coffee Party are not happy with him. The GOP is continuing their "Just Say No" campaign against him and the Democrats. There are conservative Democrats who are not completely supportive of the current Democratic Agenda.

I was just reading Dee Dee Myer's post on Politico (via Real Clear Politics) and was struck by how we need to remember that Clinton and Obama are heading markedly different administrations. And, that they are two different leaders. Yes, it would be useful if Obama could use some Clinton tactics, but would it be genuine? He's definitely less "professorial" than he was in years past.

OK. Office hours are about to start...already interrupted by a keen student. Reminded him that I had four minutes and needed them! More later.

It's been too long since the last post. March has been hectic. Besides the usual term stuff, the department also is in the process of hiring a new faculty member. This entails lots of work--job talks, lunches, dinners, and meeting with the candidates. The students here at UVIC are also very keen to participate. Many attended the job talks and then groups of undergrads and grad students met separately with the candidates!

It's also the part of the term when office hours and other consultations get busy. I've been thinking about ways to streamline consultations. Something needs to go up on our website that states that when you meet with the undergrad advisor you should come in hand with an unofficial transcript. So many of these consultations really require that students are prepared.

As far as regular office hours, coming with a pen and paper in hand = good. I sometimes have to remind students to write things down. I don't have any other thoughts on this...will blog about something else.