<p>As an SMU former student, do remember that she was describing about 20% of the student population. There are a great many good students at SMU, and many don’t have money. Try the engineering school or organic chemistry and you’ll find plenty of real students. Don’t look for the Ashley’s in classes starting before 11:00am however. I don’t think you’ll find it all that different than many private colleges and universities that attract students with money.</p>
<p>crash, I have no affiliation w/ SMU or its students. I just do not agree w/ her approach.</p>
<p>bandit_TX - I don’t think most readers assumed SMU was crawling with “Ashleys” - at least, I wasn’t becayse Ashleys are everywhere - as are every other human stereotype…it’s just that she got their behaviors, dress, attitudes, and sense of entitlement down so well that they mirrored all other Ashleys matriculating on campuses throughout the US. She did a damn good job at painting a picture, one that many of us are all too familiar with. Whether you like the picture she painted or not, found it insensitive or timely…her writing style was engrossing and entertaining.</p>
<p>I seem to be in the minority here, but I thought she seemed sympathetic. As crash and others pointed out, the “Ashleys” she describes are generic enough to pass for students at any college; most of her entries are equally universal. Some of her remarks are scathing, but you’ll notice they’re directed at students who cheat, plagiarize, and cut class–blatant lack of respect, IMHO–but still feel entitled to an A. I don’t think that’s unwarranted. Contrast that with the following,
Personally, I think I would’ve liked her class.</p>
<p>I agree with both of you. I see another reality show coming :)</p>
<p>I, too, would have very much liked to take a class from her as I think she really cares about quality and nurtures students who genuinely make an effort to learn/ and or better their talents. However, I fear that at age eighteen or nineteen, I , too, was just another Jennifer or Ashley - self-absorbed, clueless, and scatty. It took four years of traisping around the world watching as our global neighbors barely eek out a living that changed me - forever. When I returned to college, more seasoned and compassionate, she would have been just the professor I would have hoped for.
The real lesson here is that Ashleys and Jennifers can change…</p>
<p>I just checked in on her for the first time in a while. Still writing some interesting things.</p>
<p>As a former student of the Phantom Professor, I think that it is horrible that Rita (sorry, professor Whillock) fired her. Professor Liner was one of the best professors in the Communications department, so I hope that she uses her talents and begins teaching at another university!! Not only did I learn how to write, but I enjoyed her teaching style as well. She is humorous and loves her job!! I was in some of the classes she writes about, and even in the postings that were removed, she does not say anything that is that bad! She can write her book now and say all the same things (and more) and not get fired for it!! I encourage her to keep writing!</p>