First Day of Classes: The Good News and the Bad News

So, it's the first day of classes and Pat was quite shocked and pleased to find that it did not take over 20 minutes to find a parking spot. However......although the process of getting into work and parking was shorter....Pat did nearly get hit by a bus that was swerving to avoid some student riding their bike down the middle of the road. It's a good news, bad news thing.

I supposed Pat could just be relieved overall that a parking place was secured and no one was flattened by a bus.

Getting Downstairs

Lost Students flock to Pat's office like moths to a flame. (please excuse the cheesy metaphor)

"Where is classroom number 027?!" They demand, out of breath.

Pat attempts to calm them with a soothing tone,

"027 would be downstairs," Pat attempts to get back to work but the stress of being lost has depleted the student's brain cells.

"How do I get downstairs?"

Really???

"Most people just walk down the stairs. They're right across the hall." Pat points in the general direction.

The student turns and rushes off a little bit embarrassed and a little bit wiser.

Would You Like an Appointment with that Attitude?

A student calls the department.
Pat answers politely and professionally.

"Yeah, I need to talk to (an adviser...let's call her....Amy.) Amy."

Pat attempts to save the student some time.
"Were you wanting to make an appointment with her?"

Without warning the student's attitude rises suddenly. Surprise- it's little miss nasty,
"No! I wanted to talk to her!"

Well....just excuse Pat. Pat doesn't bother to tell the student that that won't be possible today as Amy is out of the office,
"Let me transfer you," Pat says instead.

Pat watches the clock. Two minutes later the phone rings the familiar number and Pat smiles a little. Pat answers and finds that little miss nasty is sounding a little bit frustrated and lost, not having reached her adviser. Not so cocky now, is she?

"Yeah....I need to talk with Amy."

Pat smiles smugly. Pat knew the student would be back with a slightly changed attitude. Pat's voice suddenly becomes sugary sweet and dripping with sarcasm.
"Would you like to make an appointment?"

It's That Time of Year Again

Fall semester is approaching and, as such is the case, Pat is back and has much to write about. Please join in the adventures of fall semester..........

The beginning of the semester means about 10 things for Pat:
1. Parking lots and University streets are crawling with student pedestrians that do not read signs, pay no attention to traffic laws and oncoming traffic, and will walk out straight in front of you despite the fact that they can obviously hear and see you car. Good luck parking or moving in your vehicle whatsoever everyone!
2. Clueless freshman are wondering lost throughout all hallways and believe that everyone office on their way is one big map , filled with tour guides whose sole purpose is to lead and direct them to all of their classrooms and destinations.
3. Everyone is trying to meet with their adviser. They are always shocked when the said adviser is not available and never understand that everyone else is also trying to meet with the adviser.
4. Every student that walks into Pat's department is trying to register at the last minute....instead of 3-4 months ago.
5. Every student is an exception and has a special case or story.
6. Students don't understand the concept of a waiting list and are trying to thrust add cards in your hands, begging for signatures.
7. Every adviser is on anti-depressants....or needs to be.
8. Administrative Support professionals, campus wide are considering quitting.
9. The phones ring constantly at the worst possible moment and although you may have gone for an hour and a half without a phone call, the second that it starts ringing two or three calls will come through at once.
10.Students park in employee parking and employees circle 2-3 lots searching for spots and spearing under their breathe.