Illaria Dana

Education Major

Alpha Chi Nu is hosting the second run of their Chit-Chat Program. Chit-Chat is a program that encourages students to ask one of their instructors out for coffee. Students selected are given cards for two free coffees. Coffee is provided free of cost by Sodexo.

Chit-Chat stands behind a greater issue: the connections between students and their professors. These relationships are professional by nature and by function. In order to effectively instruct and grade students, professors must remain neutral. Students model the professional relationship to arrive at class on time, complete their assignments thoughtfully, and treat their classmates and professors with respect.

As essential as these boundaries are, many students never feel connected to their professors. This harms their ability to achieve in the classroom. Professors will also benefit from having stronger relationships with their students. Relationships between professors and students will increase the receptivity of students to instruction.

By offering students in Academic Success courses and two FIGs classes this opportunity to meet with their professors, Alpha Chi Nu hopes to improve the experiences of both parties.

Students who participate are encouraged to complete a survey after. The survey is designed to gather student responses and measure the self-reported gains of students. If the program is successful, Chit-Chat can be continued for future students.