My question about the name was wrt the student and her classmates. Nobody wants to be known as a “faculty brat” or related to the professor. Freshmen are entitled to a certain anonymity.
In the same way, it might be uncomfortable for the parent. Not a matter of ethics, of course, but of comfort. It would really depend on the person.
I dunno. I’ve taught HS for 15 years and have had one of my own daughters in class and have known a several colleagues who have had their kids in class. Kids are generally smart and aren’t going to think some freshman is the “faculty brat” unless they actually act like the “faculty brat” Honestly college is probably easier than HS because you are basically just graded on a couple of exams and maybe a term paper or research project. Not a lot of daily-type homework and participation grades.
Honestly if the OP thinks there are issues of optics, it is easy enough to have a colleague grade her daughter’s exams and major projects. I think we are making a giant mountain out of a molehill and something like this certainly doesn’t merit sending the kid to a different school or asking her to pick a different major.
Now if the DAUGHTER doesn’t want to attend school where her mother teaches, that’s fine and a perfectly valid reason for the daughter to choose someplace else. KIds do need their freedom. But if the daughter is fine with it or likes the idea then I don’t see the issue.
And surely there is some sort of written or unwritten policy on the issue at this institution as this can’t be the first time they have faced it. Especially at colleges for which tuition wavers for children of faculty is part of the fringe benefits of the job, and a likely excuse they give for not paying higher salaries in the first place.
^ Yep. I mean, all of us went through HS and college. I knew kids who’s parents were faculty or staff. That fact had zero effect on my relationships with them. I don’t see why it would unless they were leveraging their parents for benefits that I didn’t get.
It has been really interesting reading everyone’s comments. My colleagues have reassured me that having my daughter in the same university is not a problem. I did get offers from my co-teachers to grade her papers if she decides to attend our college. I guess it is just the two of us who have to overcome the possible awkwardness of being in the same department. It would be much easier if she was in a different major.
We have looked at other SLAC’s but she wants to stay in the Northeast and within driving distance from us. Admittedly, it would not be easy to get a volunteer or clinical experience in my college. Which is why we are looking into Pitt or Case Western Reserve University. But we are pragmatic that we are unwilling to pay for full tuition just for this reason. My SLAC is really good at supporting and nurturing students to reach their potential so I am really hoping she would just decide to attend. I am not trying to push her- just impressing upon her how not having significant student debt is a blessing. Her oldest sibling attended Lehigh University on a scholarship, but still graduated with $60,000 student loans. So, she is aware that the cost of attendance is important in her decision. Her other sibling attends our state public university so she has some idea of the difference between attending a large public vs a smaller SLAC.
As much as I would like her to follow the pre-med path, a part of me is worried for her. On the other hand, I could guide her because I know the challenges she has to face if she decides on this path. It is a fine balance to be a parent, especially when one’s child is stubborn and independent in their ways. I just try to present the facts- and I will wait on her to decide.
I say go for it. She might have a new respect for you and what you do. Free is good especially in these crazy times. You just can’t be “Mom” in the class room. I think it can be a cool experience for the both of you, actually.
Have you considered LACs that offer merit aid, like Rhodes or Denison? Or some of the women’s colleges, if she is open to that?
I would create a list that includes the college where you teach. I would also have her apply to a variety of schools (some reaches, some fits and some easy ins). I would also have her explore beyond Bio. Seems like the kids we know are are going to med school ( granted only a handful) are doing unusual things. One took a path that added a masters in religion, another took a year off to volunteer for refugees and one took a policy degree and expresses an interest in public health. Certainly does seem to stand out more than a bio degree. I always tell my kids to have a plan B. If you stop after undergrad, what is that degree going to get you in the job market? There are some great degrees in related fields that she might enjoy. Might be too early to know yet.
I would not worry one bit about the small size of the dept you are in. Everyone in their right mind will realize that $ is a factor for most families. A close friend of mine has a kid going to the college where she works. The kid has lots of options, but none where the tuition is free and the college is in the top 30. Kid will use 529 funds for grad school. Win-win, if you ask me.
You are wise to factor in costs, but I don’t think I would totally limit options. There are just too many ways this could play out. Also, the 1480 would need to come up a lot to make a competitive applicant. Hopefully she has a great GPA and lots of EC’s which will make her a competitive candidate at many schools. Hopefully one of the small schools will like her application enough to offer her a good package.
My D would have been able to get $18,000 merit from Ohio State, full tuition (back then automatic but now competitive) from Temple and received full tuition from Pitt (instate).
In your case I would have her pick a few schools with good merit chances and the LAC where you work, and maybe a few financial and admission reaches that would be affordable with tuition exchange.
From what I understand tuition exchange is competitive.