Academic-Related
What you wish you knew then, that you know
now as a faculty member:
The quarter system is tough -- it's hard to shoehorn a semester's worth of reading into ten weeks. This goes doubly for the summer term, which is only nine weeks. Be careful how you use your time -- you don't have a week or two to ramp up -- you've got to get students working quickly to get everything in.
What three steps do you take to prepare for
the school year?
In early July I flag the portions of my course website that need updating (course schedule, assignments -- anything with dates). I order my textbooks around that same time. In mid August I update my website. In mid September I contact my graduate and undergraduate TAs and start putting together an administrative teaching schedule (office hours, weekly meeting time). This works fairly easily since I tend to teach the same statistics course every fall term.
Most used campus resource and why:
Catalyst tools, mainly e-post. I create an online discussion group for my statistics courses, and the students love it. They can talk to one another, check answers, ask questions, make arrangements for study groups, etc.
Most practical advice for balancing teaching,
scholarship, research and life:
What has worked for me is to protect time for various activities. If you are writing, set a schedule for your writing. And let folks know that schedule. For example, you can let your students and colleagues know that you write from 9-11 every morning except Friday. Put a sign on your door. Try to stick to that schedule.
In and Around the Northwest
Favorite Northwest activity
or pastime:
Doing something in the drizzle! Coming here from New Mexico, I never thought I'd actually enjoy a bike ride in the drizzle, a run in the drizzle, gardening in the drizzle. Don't give up your favorite activities just because it's wet out -- the drizzle feels good on your face!
As far as outings go, we love to visit the beautiful parks here in Seattle -- Discovery Park, Volunteer Park (don't miss the Conservatory!), and Magnuson Park are our favorites.
Favorite weekend getaway:
Take the train to Portland. You're dropped off almost in the center of town, don't need a car, and can roam around a lovely city, famous for having been planned like many European cities with short distance downtown blocks, parks, plazas, vistas, and fountains.
Best family-friendly activity:
- Watching the Husky volleyball team.
- Playing in the fountain at Seattle Center.
- Going for a hike at Discovery Park.
- Going ice skating at Arena Ice Rink in Shoreline.
Best pet-friendly activity:
Dog run at Magnuson Park. Magnuson is fabulous in many ways, and this is one of them.
Favorite happy hour and/or restaurant:
Restaurants:
- Barking Dog (Phinney Ridge) has a fabulous selection of beers and ales.
- Taca del Mar is a wonderful alternative to other fast foods if you have kids.
- Tutta Bella pizzeria is a hit with the entire family.
Favorite place to get cheap eats:
Than Brothers Pho on the Ave. is a big small bowl of the best Vietnamese soup is less than $4. Use the jalapeno!
What do you recommend a newcomer to the area
must do and not miss:
The touristy things around here are really fun. Visit the Ballard Locks, go up the Space Needle. Ride a ferry.
Fun fact – my childhood aspiration
was to be……..
My childhoold aspiration was to get out of Texas!
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