Students Participate in Conversations with the Dean
Dean Michael Middleton hosted a Town Hall style conversation with students on June 10, 2020 along with members of the School of Education (SOE) staff in Clinical Experiences, Admissions, Academic and Student Affairs, and NYC Men Teach. Also present was Miesha Smith, the Director of Student Life at Hunter College.
Students were invited to submit questions to the Dean either before the event or during the conversation. Most of the student questions fell into three broader categories — understanding SOE, College and University response to the COVID-19 public health emergency; planning for the upcoming Fall semester; and the SOE and Hunter response to the current anti-racist demonstrations and protests across the country.
Dean Middleton informed the students that we are awaiting guidance from the state, University and College about the format for Fall semester learning and will be prepared to meet the needs of our students. He emphasized the importance of prompt and clear communication to all members of our community as more information becomes available. Student teaching and fieldwork placements are also of particular concern to students and the SOE alike, and Dean Middleton let the students know that our SOE staff and faculty are working with school partners and the University to determine solutions to support students with their clinical experiences. Students also expressed their desire to maintain and strengthen connections within the School community, in addition to learning about resources to support the mental and emotional well-being of our students, especially our Black students.
To affirm the School of Education value for the voices of students, staff, faculty, community partners, and all of those impacted by the work we do, Dean Middleton committed to hosting conversations each semester with students. Students were encouraged to participate in the school-wide Equity and Advocacy events and engage in programming offered throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.
The School of Education’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs will continue to host “Thriving in a Digital Environment” forums where students can connect and speak with staff about how to navigate the digital landscape we are currently experiencing. The next session will take place on July 8th and details are posted on our News and Events page. Please continue to visit our News and Events page for these and other sessions you might find useful.