Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself—what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Arthur Reynolds

I began with UMUC on the recommendation of a colleague I knew in the Army. He spoke highly of it. I have been a full-time professor elsewhere, lawyer, Army Officer and health care administrator.

Frankly, with working adults, I usually weave the experiences of a full and varied life into my teaching, both for authenticity and to engage my audience. My parents came to America as impoverished immigrants; I never forget the influence a good education had upon their success here.

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Arthur Reynolds

I am approachable, flexible, dynamic and supportive to students despite their varied backgrounds. Students and their needs come first! Frankly, my many inept teachers have animated and informed my teaching as much as the few great ones. As an amateur historian, I often find succor and inspiration from prominent figures in many fields of endeavor.

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Arthur Reynolds

I employ humor to the greatest extent feasible and self-deprecation. Life is stressful even in the best of times; levity helps lighten the burden.

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Arthur Reynolds

Based on the many evaluations received, students appreciate my prompt and courteous reply to their emails, frequent activity in Web Tycho and a generosity of spirit and/or time in general. I take my work seriously but not usually myself, as the cliché goes. I abhor arrogance and conceit, and I imagine I project this to my students. The main point is to blend subject matter expertise with a healthy respect for the wisdom and insights our mature students can bring to the classroom.

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Arthur Reynolds

I teach both face-to-face and online. I enjoy both formats, albeit face-to-face is more stimulating in general.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Arthur Reynolds

My disciplines are both law and health care policy. My interests are of a long standing nature, but I have other interests which easily compete, such as history and music. I read and write constantly and attend professional meetings. This helps keep me current.

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are there any special challenges in teaching this subject matter online?  If yes, please explain what could be done to meet the challenges.

Arthur Reynolds

Health care law and policy are always in a state of flux (witness the recent reform legislation which is of historic proportions); I make it my business to keep up to date and also admit those areas where I need to gain more knowledge. I am not fearful of admitting, even to students, I don’t know all the answers….but at least I know how to seek out the answers.

I have found online teaching to be both rewarding and fairly user friendly, and I happen to teach Information Technology! Its vital online to maintain the proper tone and demeanor, which can be a tad restrictive, and of course one must always be sensible of one’s spelling, grammar, syntax and general mode of expression. A professor with sub-standard or even mediocre writing skills should not be teaching online unless their expertise is invaluable.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Arthur Reynolds

I would tell students to volunteer in professional organizations, gain internships even without pay, and be flexible about jobs and even relocation.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the college of choice for students?

Arthur Reynolds

UMUC is affordable and accredited and has a rich and varied curriculum. Many faculty are very experienced in their fields. As a retired Army Officer, I admire the special efforts of UMUC to reach our armed forces and indeed respect the heritage of UMUC as an early educator of our overseas soldiers.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the employer of choice for future faculty members?

Arthur Reynolds

For pure adjuncts trying to sharpen their resumes, get a foot in the door or simply ascertain if they can teach, without regard to compensation, UMUC is excellent. I have been blessed with wonderful and supportive Program Directors. They make all the difference!

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Arthur Reynolds

Understand and have genuine empathy for the multi-cultural working adult students of enormous demographic diversity and varying levels of academic preparation. Keep current in health care law and policy. Be supportive, especially of the aspirations of working women who balance home, family, and careers while at UMUC. For those who never taught before, I recommend regularly reading the Chronicle of Higher Education for its pedagogical insights.