Let us apply our highest ideals of thoughtfulness and craft to our courses-graduate and undergraduate. Second, let us ask our students to do creative work that stretches them to the far edge of their ability and that prepares them for a world in which success in every endeavor requires the full application of one's highest gifts. Third, let us hold our students to the highest standard of which they are capable. Taking teaching seriously is, more than anything else, taking our students seriously, and that requires taking their work seriously. Respond to their work and do not shirk the responsibility of giving a fair and true assessment of its quality.
Academic judgment is thine.
Fourth, let us treat our students not merely as learners but as people. As in every other relationship, we will get from our students a reflection of what we give them. In my view, a serious relationship with students requires a certain formality. To take students seriously is to treat them at arm's length. Some students become friends, but friendship is not the model of the teacher-student relationship.