Just Explain It to Me!

Organizing University Events: When to Say No

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 11/28/2023 - 03:00 AM

So much can go wrong when organizing and executing university events. But there are some things within your control. Here’s a list of things you should avoid.

Little-Known Methods for Creating Co-Curricular Programming

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Wed, 07/05/2023 - 12:00 AM

Every department uses co-curricular programs to enhance the learning experience. Explore the little-known challenges of selecting visiting artists for exhibitions and working with students.

Developing the Gallery Schedule at a Catholic Women’s College

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 06/27/2023 - 12:00 AM

This post explains the curiosities, challenges and rewards of working with students at a women’s Catholic college as they develop their artistic voices in the 1990s.

Awkward Conversations With Art Students

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 06/13/2023 - 12:00 AM

Being on the faculty side of student-faculty interactions naturally puts conversations into a different perspective early in our careers. Are we ever really prepared for our students’ questions and frustrations?

Sister O’Kelley’s Tips for Teaching Nude Figure Drawing

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 06/06/2023 - 12:00 AM

What is it like to follow in the footsteps of a long-serving faculty member? How does your own undergraduate experience inform your teaching? So many things to ponder as you start your career.

Tales of a Lecturer and Director, Part 2: Power Tools Are Power

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 05/30/2023 - 12:00 AM

No job is really part-time; just the pay is part-time. How can one be everything to everyone and move through the ranks of academia?

Tales of a Lecturer and Director, Part 1: The Balls of St. Mary’s

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:00 AM

What is it like to be a young professional in academia ascending the ranks? Imagine interviewing for a position when you’re seven months pregnant.

Human Resources’ Code Words for Employee Departures

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 05/09/2023 - 03:00 AM

The phrases used in announcements about employee departures often seem vague and oh so cagey. What do they actually mean?

Tales of an Adjunct, Part 3: This Place Makes Me Ill

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 05/02/2023 - 03:00 AM

What are the challenges of starting a career teaching in higher ed? The things people say to adjuncts can be astonishing.

Tales of an Adjunct, Part 2: This Isn’t Notre Dame!

Kathy Johnson Bowles — Tue, 04/25/2023 - 03:00 AM

Adjuncts have always just wanted to do their jobs. How hard can it be?