UP employs outstanding faculty members, many of whom quickly sprang into action in March to move their courses online and continue UP’s mission during a global pandemic. We recently connected with Pamplin School of Business faculty Fr. Dan Parrish, C.S.C., Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, to hear what he learned from the spring semester, creative approaches he is taking to engage students in new ways, and advice for the fall semester.
What did you learn from moving everything online in the spring?
An aspect that sets UP apart from almost all other universities is the ways we build community. Our residence halls do a wonderful job of creating experiences for authentic community; likewise, we work hard in the classrooms, on the athletic courts and fields, and in clubs and activities across campus to foster a sense of community where each individual is honored and valued. Though I have always appreciated the depth and strength of community on The Bluff, its value was driven home to me in a new way when we moved online. There are so many ways that we build and strengthen relationships through our personal interactions with one another. My classes include a heavy focus on discussion and hearing from one another. Authentic communication and active listening are much more difficult in online instruction.
That having been said, we did find some fun ways to continue to draw near to each other. For instance, I created small groups in our online class meetings so that our project teams could keep working closely together. We also told a few stories and anecdotes—and even sang some songs together—to maintain those vital human connections.
Our current situation has forced faculty to be innovative and find new ways to engage students. How have you adjusted to and maximized teaching online?
This pandemic has been very stressful for us all, even keeping us from sleeping well at night. I felt much of the same weight of the situation as did my students, and I realized it was important to be especially pastorally present to them, in addition to working hard to provide excellent teaching. I made extra time in each class to check in with students and see how they were handling the circumstances. We shared stories of successes and we shared frustrations we were facing. I also regularly reminded students that I was praying for them and I invited them to share any prayer intentions that they would like me to focus on. Many students shared intentions, and I believe it brought them solace to know that I was praying for them specifically.
Throughout the semester, I try to bring in show-and-tell items when appropriate to spur creative thinking and keep our classes interesting and fresh. For our case study examining Taylor Guitars’ Ebony Project—in which Taylor is investing in Cameroon to provide a stable supply of instrument grade ebony for generations to come, all while providing better jobs and even food and medicine for local Cameroonian communities—I bring out my own Taylor guitar to show students how ebony is used in the instrument. I usually only strum a few bars for them and then move onto the case study. This pandemic semester my MBA students exuberantly asked me to play a song. At the end of class I gave in and sang a song for them. It became a weekly tradition to end class with a song, usually something relevant to the current news—I played songs by Kenny Rogers and Bill Withers in the days after they died this spring. Though the quality of the audio through the computer was very poor, students regularly shared how uplifting it was to have authentic interactions from a professor who really cared for them. The experience has inspired me to think even more creatively about my approach to the classroom and I will look for more such opportunities to include activities that deepen connections with students.
What tips do you have for students for fully maximizing their experience in the fall with the blend of in-person classes and remote instruction?
The first tip is simple—don’t try to multitask! No one can give full attention to more than one thing at a time. Turn off all other devices, go to a place where you are not distracted, and pay very close attention to what is happening in class, even though it is online. Of course, this is the same advice I give students in person—don’t text people when you are in class, because it distracts you and breaks your attention. Stay focused and engaged, and ask meaningful questions to ensure you are staying on track.
Second, though it is more difficult when we spend less time together, work hard to get to know your classmates and your professors. If your professor or those who sit near you don’t know your name by the second week of class, take responsibility for helping forge those relationships. Stop by to have a conversation with your professor on the way in or out of class; introduce yourself to those around you; join in group calls or texts and bring your whole self to the task. Relationships are vital to being fully functional in our communities, and everyone has to take responsibility for building these relationships.
Third, be an active participant in every class meeting, whether in person or online. Ask or answer at least one question every day to make sure you are thinking critically about the material. Finally, communicate well with professors and classmates alike. The less we are together, the harder it is to know how everyone is doing and to know if they are tracking where we are headed. Everyone needs to take responsibility for staying engaged and communicating that with those around them. This helps us maintain vital communities where everyone is valued, appreciated, and cared for.
Is there anything else you would like parents to know?
Without suffocating our students with constant check-ins, be aware of any signs of withdrawal. The isolation of the pandemic makes it difficult for us to know when people are struggling, especially since we don’t know students as well as their loved ones do. Parents are uniquely situated to know when their students may be struggling and can encourage them to reach out for assistance. I also think it is important for parents to discuss strategies for successful engagement in isolating times. Yes, we are all suffering through this. But in difficult times we also often find great opportunities for innovation and creativity. Don’t stop trying to find new and interesting ways to build community through meaningful relationships. Professors, classmates, and university staff are all available via phone, text, video, etc., and though it may take a bit more effort on all of our parts, we still need each other.
It is also vital that we make extra time for God. Especially when things are difficult or stressful, we can find great solace and peace in quiet mediation, in petitionary prayer, and in writing a list of things we are thankful for each day. God is always with us, but we can sometimes forget to slow down and be present to God, as we would to a best friend. And if you don’t know what other prayer to pray, use my favorite, “Come Holy Spirit!” Pray it once or pray it a hundred times in a row; it is the easiest and perhaps most effective prayer there is. Keep it always on your lips and near your heart: “Come Holy Spirit!”
Fr. Dan Parrish, C.S.C., Ph.D., is a 1995 graduate of UP, and serves as Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management in the Pamplin School of Business. He is also the Holy Cross Pastoral Resident in Lund Family Hall.