A Day In The Life Of A Communication Studies Professor At Mt San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, spends days on campus prepping for classes by reviewing the syllabus, planning activities, and preparing for potential issues, emphasizing the importance of always having "a plan B," while also dedicating time to student communication through emails, announcements, and both face-to-face and virtual office hours. Pandemic changes have led to hybrid formats; a professor's work includes looking "down the road" with advance planning in order to avoid the "scrambling" that occurs when one does not.
Communication, Teaching, Planning, Student Support, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
David Moss
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Mt. San Jacinto College
Utah Technical College, BYU, Cal, State, Long Beach
Speech Communication, Cal. State., Long Beach, M.A., Education, Capella University, Ph.D.
Communications
Education
Education
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Class Preparation: A significant portion of the day involves reviewing the class schedule, syllabus, and preparing exercises, activities, or speeches for each class, emphasizing the need for thorough planning.
2. Student Interaction: The professor spends time responding to student emails, addressing their questions about assignments or grades, and providing assistance with any challenges they may be facing.
3. Office Hours and Planning: The professor dedicates time to both face-to-face and online office hours to assist students and uses any free time during office hours to plan ahead for future classes and potential issues, highlighting the importance of proactive planning and having a backup plan.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a professor of communication studies look like?
My typical day depends on my class schedule. Right now, I go to campus two days a week. The pandemic has changed things, and many students prefer the online environment.
If I'm going to campus, I get up early because I don't like to be rushed. I aim to arrive around 7:30 or 8:00 AM.
Once I'm on campus, I review my class schedule and the syllabus for my first class. I go through it sequentially, checking what we have planned for the week and the day. I also consider what I want to share, like exercises, activities, speeches, or debates. I need to prep and plan for whatever is scheduled for that day.
This prep is my first priority. Secondary tasks are like housekeeping: checking emails and my calendar. I also respond to students, helping them with challenges they might have, such as questions about assignments or grades. I do this in the morning.
Then, I go to class and teach. I also have required office hours, five hours per week, which can be a mix of face-to-face and online. I usually allocate about an hour and a half for face-to-face meetings on campus days, and a couple of hours for virtual Zoom meetings.
I also use office hours to prep for any upcoming meetings. A professor always has to look ahead and plan. If you don't plan ahead, you'll be in trouble.
When I first started as a part-timer, I was always scrambling, making copies at the last minute. Over the years, I've learned to plan ahead. You also need to have a plan B.
If things don't work out properly, you need to know what your alternative plan is. These are some of the things I consider. That's a typical day.
If I'm at home, I get online and check on my students. I might post an announcement if students need to be reminded about a discussion board or an upcoming assignment. I'll let them know if they need help. I post announcements and send emails as needed.
A typical day involves going through these tasks, but it does change quite a bit.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/david-moss-ph-d-39171419, www1.msjc.edu/instructor/emoss/