Undecided - Faculty Profile - Joel Kauffman

Joel Kauffman
Humanities instructor, v.p. of Admissions
620-327-8279
joelk@hesston.edu

A.A., Hesston College, 1980
B.A., Fresno Pacific College, 1982
M.Ed., Wichita State University, 1993

What draws you to working with students who are undecided about their major?
I think it is partly my own experience as a student and trying to decide what to major in. It was both exciting as I thought about all the possibilities but overwhelming as well. I sometimes felt like I needed someone to help me sort some of it out. I enjoy being part of that process with the students I work with today.

What about teaching energizes you?
The challenge of making my subject matter come alive for students. For instance, getting students to connect with the American story. To help them understand that it is their story and that they have been profoundly shaped and continue to be shaped by ths story.

How has Hesston shaped you as a teacher?
In my interactions with students and colleagues over the years I have come to see myself as more of a classroom leader/facilitator rather than a specialist who has information to impart. We are all in this together and both teachers and students share the responsibilty for what happens in the classroom.

How will Hesston's general studies challenge students academically?
Because Hesston is a two year college, our focus is on general studies. It's what we do best. Our profs are excited about survey and introductory courses and work hard at integration across disciplinary lines.

What are the advantages undecided students find coming to Hesston?
Because we're a two year college, we don't put a lot of pressure on students to choose a major right away. Students can explore a variety of classes and experiences and engage in conversations with peers and faculty to aid in that quest.

What do high school students need to know about Hesston’s learning environment?
That they will be challenged academically and that the "classroom" at Hesston College extends beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom walls.