Often, caught up in the pomp and circumstances of academic life, I find that students are physically and emotionally distanced from their advisors.
They can be for a variety of reasons - from respect their advisor’s time to program structure.
I find that conferences afford an opportunity to step away from that pomp, circumstance, and structure & give students a chance to share with you what they really think.
To do so takes some planning - you have to construct a situation where a) students feel free to talk, b) where you feel free to talk, and c) where you can just have fun.
For me, buying students a meal works really well.
Usually, I try to take students out for a meal alone or in small groups for dinner.
It’s always in public place - and I don’t ask for reimbursement - so it’s strictly on the up & up.
Usually, I let the students pick a place & I pay.
I find over the course of the meal that I can learn far more about how they are doing, how the program is doing and what I need to be doing … than I could in a month of weekly meetings.
Students will share what they like, don’t like, and what works over an appetizer.
Students will drill into what they need help with over an entree.
Students will compliment each other (and maybe you) over dessert.
Rarely. Students will throw each under the bus during coffee.
Beyond the information gathering I find it makes me feel good to know students have one fun meal at a conference - which makes buying dinner worth it.
So take some time to plan your next conference meal with students from your programs. You will learn a lot & not regret it - not until the coffee!
Best of luck!
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