The Associated Students of Bakersfield College sponsored “Meet Your Professor Day” in the Fireside Room on Tuesday.
This event was organized to let teachers and students meet in an informal setting away from lectures, notes and tests.
From noon to 3 p.m., students were given the opportunity to talk with instructors one-on-one.
ASBC President Sumeet Batth explained why students chose to carry out such an event.
“One of the concerns that we saw was that not all students knew who their professors were,” she said. “If we got to meet them, then they might want to take his or her class.”
Another member of the ASBC, Terri Bracamonte, vice president of communications, played a key role in organizing “Meet Your Professor Day.”
“I took an idea that Sumeet had planned last year. I took the ball and made it happen,” said Bracamonte. “For our first ‘Meet Your Professor Day,’ it was great. The students that did come were fortunate to be able to ask some good questions about future professors and their teaching styles, and to get to know their personality.”
Manuel Gonzalez, director of EOP&S, said the event would help students plan for future classes.
“It gives the students a chance to meet some of the teachers on campus, and maybe even decide on who they want to take for the next semester. I think it’s a great idea,” he said.
The Fireside Room also was host to faculty who serve as division chairs here.
“It’s nice to come in and informally talk to students,” said Bill Dempke who serves as the chair of the Business and Public Administration Division.
Some professors and faculty said the event was beneficial.
“I’ve had three 10-minute conversations with different students. I think that’s that whole point of it, to relax and actually get to know your instructors and the instructors to know the students,” said speech professor Dr. Mark Staller.
Student Zucchinni Hubbard-Blanche said students can gain a more personal view of teachers.
“They can meet their instructors on a more personal level,” she said. “At Cal State, I’ve experienced you don’t really get to meet the instructors.”
At “Meet Your Professor Day” students and professors were treated to good conversation as well as tasty refreshments by the student body leaders.