Universities aren’t asking why students aren’t attending classes. I know lots of people will say “they got their tuition. They got their housing money. Their real estate partners are happy.” I think the leaders can’t process the value of care or of curiosity. It’s a business.

“How can we get you back into class?” may or may not be the same question as “Why aren’t you going to class?” Though “masking” and “the lack of masking” could also be the answer. So could “look, I’m fucking sick constantly.”

@dowellml Everyone keeps ignoring how exhausting the grind of continual stress is as well. Ongoing stress of living in a failing state and trying to succeed in a failing institution. Makes personal challenges exponentially worse.

@dowellml Anecdotally, I have also noticed that a lot more of my students are helping their parents or extended family members with childcare than Pre-covid. Would be curious how that has changed on a large scale.

@dowellml Make classes interesting and indispensable. Provide (if your university allows!) coronavirus safety. Take attendance even if you don't have an attendance policy because you need to file legally required reports for students on federal financial aid if they stop attending....

@dowellml ... Make sure they know that you are vested in their success. Remind them not to party to excess or use drugs.