Gaming with students

[nakia]

I'm a new professor at a smaller university and have had a difficult time finding a gaming group since I've moved. I've recently discovered some of my students game and there is the possibility of gaming with these and other students at my university. I'm just wondering about any potential wierdness that could result from a professor gaming with students. I'm not terribly concerned, as none of these students would be enrolled in any of my classes. I'm thinking it's not much different than me getting involved in some pick up basketball games at the student rec center. I'd just like to get some other perspectives on the potential game dynamic. Thanks!

 

[Castellan]

I'd say that as long as everyone involved is comfortable, you're probably fine. I used to go over to a professor's house for dinner and had the benefit of one-on-one teaching, too (in advanced physics). I'd say that if you use your best judgement, you'll be fine.

Seeing that you're in the Rock Hill area (which isn't *super* close to Greenville) are you aware that there is a D&D Meetup group in Greenville? Try http://dnd.meetup.com/29. They've gone to a homebrew living campaign style of gaming, which isn't really my cup of tea, but you might find someone there who lives close enough that you could diversify your gaming.

 

[adwyn]

When I was a grad student teaching classes I routinely gamed with other students - just be sure to double check your schools policies on student/professor activities. Most seem to be pretty relaxed but its good to be sure.

Also insist on none of the people you play with taking any of your classes. In addition I would always play off campus - it adds an arms length that sometimes can help avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Alternatively if there is any sort of gaming club on campus just volunteer to be the faculty advisor.

 

[sjmiller]

Considering Prof. M.A.R. Barker, Ret., creator of the Empire of the Petal Throne game and the world of Tekumel did this for decades, I can't imagine there being a problem.

 

[WayneLigon]

I was in my Production Management teacher's game and in his class as well, though I was in the game long before I was in the class. I'd get a clear statement in writing about the university policy about professor/student mingling, preferably on university letterhead and signed (not just printed off the university web page or something).

If there are female university students in the game, I'd play in a public area like the library or, or an unused classroom in a travelled area with the doors open. I know one of our local colleges has an 'unwritten' policy that no male professor closes his office door if a female student is within. Sad, but true.

 

[nakia]

When I was a grad student teaching classes I routinely gamed with other students - just be sure to double check your schools policies on student/professor activities. Most seem to be pretty relaxed but its good to be sure.

Also insist on none of the people you play with taking any of your classes. In addition I would always play off campus - it adds an arms length that sometimes can help avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Alternatively if there is any sort of gaming club on campus just volunteer to be the faculty advisor.

There is no gaming club that I know of; I already checked on that.

So, you think gaming off campus (at my or a student's house/apartment) would be better than at an on campus spot? I was thinking the opposite.

 

[Aeson]

I don't see a problem with it. Go for it. Just make sure the students are not in your classes.

 

[nakia]

I'd say that as long as everyone involved is comfortable, you're probably fine. I used to go over to a professor's house for dinner and had the benefit of one-on-one teaching, too (in advanced physics). I'd say that if you use your best judgement, you'll be fine.

Seeing that you're in the Rock Hill area (which isn't *super* close to Greenville) are you aware that there is a D&D Meetup group in Greenville? Try http://dnd.meetup.com/29. They've gone to a homebrew living campaign style of gaming, which isn't really my cup of tea, but you might find someone there who lives close enough that you could diversify your gaming.

Thanks, Castellan. I will check out the Greenville meetup group. I tried the Charlotte one and it was a big bust. I went to two "meetups" and was the only one there.

I dig Greenville, btw. I did my undergrad at Furman.

 

[adwyn]

So, you think gaming off campus (at my or a student's house/apartment) would be better than at an on campus spot? I was thinking the opposite.

I'm neither a lawyer nor a professor, but do have plenty of experience with universities. One thing I've found is that they have more authority over what goes on on campus than off. An on campus game, even one with no official links, is still within your university's juristiction and thus has more potential impact on your job.

 

[Castellan]

Thanks, Castellan. I will check out the Greenville meetup group. I tried the Charlotte one and it was a big bust. I went to two "meetups" and was the only one there.

I dig Greenville, btw. I did my undergrad at Furman.

The Greenville Meetup group is one of the most active. Last time I went (a few months ago) there were about 30 people. There are often more people than there are DMs, and someone usually has to volunteer to run something for the extras. If anything, I'd call that a good problem to have.

They are a great group of people. I just wish I could get excited about a living xxx campaign...