This fall, I have a student who seems unfamiliar with showering and deodorant. I haven’t said anything, hoping that the issue is just a one-off and that it will resolve itself. However, we’re quickly approaching the end of my patience, and I’m not sure how to proceed.

Everyone has a deodorant malfunction from time to time. Obviously, no one is going to be personally identified, even in a private email. My best idea so far is a general class announcement via the LMS that it’s been brought to my attention that we may have a problem and for everyone to please double check their hygiene before coming to class.

Have any of you all ever had to deal with this? Any suggestions?

  • CaptObvious@literature.cafeOP
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    1 year ago

    Yeah, I’m not sure how specific to be. I am sure that this cannot continue for the rest of the semester.

    I used to teach in a department with a wider variety of cultures. It was sometimes an issue there, but student who had been here longer generally took them aside after the first day and had a talk about US expectations. Our student ombudsman was also a no-nonsense and direct person who could take care of the situation in a short conversation. I don’t have that skill.

    If the general announcement doesn’t work, I suppose I could always drag in the counselors. They seem to feel underutilized.