TL;DR: My job involves much more than teaching classes. I divide my time across teaching, research, advising/program responsibilities, and service to the University. Understanding this helps you see why I may not be immediately available — and how best to reach me when you need support.
Students often see me in class or hear from me by email and understandably think that’s the main part of my work. In reality, my job is designed to balance multiple responsibilities. By knowing this, you’ll understand why I sometimes can’t reply instantly — and why some requests might take a bit more time.
I teach classes, prepare materials, develop assignments, meet with students, provide feedback, and continuously update course content. This is the most visible part of my work to students.
I conduct research, write papers, present at conferences, and lead projects through the center I direct. This work helps advance knowledge in our field and often directly informs what I teach.
I help oversee programs, guide curriculum decisions, and advise students on academic pathways. If you contact me for academic advising, please include your student ID to help me help you faster.
I serve on committees (I’m the president of the University Faculty Senate), review applications, help shape University policies, and support broader campus initiatives. While less visible to students, this work is essential to keeping the University running smoothly.
Teaching is a big part of my role, but it isn’t the only part. By understanding how my time is divided, you can better understand how to communicate with me effectively — and why patience and clarity are so valuable.