Professors cohabitate with students in dorms

By Laila Meleigy	On-line Forty-Niner
March 5, 1997

Since the mid-80's, professors have lived on the Cal State Long Beach campus. They receive free room and board in exchange for providing 10 hours a week of free tutoring to students living on campus.

"It's a good program because it provides more academic depth to students," Glen Harding lecturer of civil engineering and dorm resident, said.

He said it is a beneficial service provided to students enabling them to have access to professors outside of regular office hours.

Harding said it is nice to have contact with students outside of the classroom and even become friends with them.

He said that faculty are receiving a good deal economically and the program gives students the chance to see professors as normal human beings.

"I enjoy helping students. The free room and board I get is a minor concern," Thomas Johnson, assistant professor of electrical engineering, said.

Johnson said the program is extremely beneficial to students because it is impossible to give adequate attention to a student in class.

"You try your best to explain a concept more than you could in class," Johnson said. "It's a good opportunity for students and faculty to interact."

Tony Wijte, assistant professor of biological science, said that since she is surrounded by young students, her youth will be easier to maintain.

"It keeps me young and I have no chance of slipping into old people habits," Wijte said.

Wijte also likes the program because she is close to work and in a safe environment.

She said she does not only provide help with students' studies, but also gives academic support and helps with academic counceling.

Professors get to meet students who are not in their field and those who they would otherwise never meet, Wijte said.

"I've experienced the campus from the eyes of a student," Kevin Kelley, assistant professor of animal physiology, said.

Kelley said that students get to see their professors wearing jeans and T- shirts which helps them shed barriers when encountering faculty.