If you don’t know, I work at Georgetown University. Students began returning to campus on August 22 and things started to get busy again. In fact, this is the busiest time of the year as far as computer and network issues. So you get the idea that it was a little stressful.
Since we were busy, I opened up the office to assist those waiting. In walks a faculty member looking to borrow software. Behind him were 2 or 3 other people looking for assistance. To prevent data loss, the files we use are stored on a server and I was in the processes of logging into the computer and accessing the necessary files. Needless to day I needed to enter a password and user name 3 times to get to this point. So in the time waiting, being the multi-tasker I am, once I knew what the faculty member wanted, I assisted those behind him. He got very upset and said….can you help me! I mentioned that I was helping him and was being efficient by assisting others.
Throws down the faculty card…..well tried.
At this point I am a bit frustrated and he says…..”I am faculty!” Hmm..okay, perhaps a problem with me, but I don’t see a reason to treat people differently because of their affiliation with the University. Frankly, while I do believe that faculty help to build leaders of tomorrow, if it were not for the students, there would be no faculty! Those thoughts were to myself of course…..He then proceeds to hold up his proof of faculty status….his, you guessed it, American Express card! Hmm..which department does he work for? remind me not to take classes from him. Perhaps I would have a book from a totally different major on my book list! I mentioned to him that it was an American Express card and he quicky reached into his pocket and pulled out his GU card with “Faculty” on it…tossing it on the desk in front of me.
Faculty more important than the Students that pay the bills?
Needless to say, at 10:15 in the morning….it was not a very good start.