Psychology professor resigns after one student’s hurtful evaluation

by Tara Knott & Hunter Patterson

 

 

Psychology professor Nickolas Werstein, Ph.D., 72, has studied the mind for his entire adult life.  However, nothing prepared him to deal with the the stress that followed shortly after opening the manila envelope that was sitting on his desk Friday morning.

 

As part of an exercise on differences in perception, Werstein had solicited feedback from his students for the first time in his 47-year teaching career.  Most of the comments were filled with compliments and adoration, save for one line at the bottom of the page:

 

“The class is so boring. Who does guy think he is? His name should be Mr. Boringstein.”

 

The scan-tron evaluations used a 1-5 rating system. The best rating a student could give was a one, however, the student that referred to Werstein as “Mr. Boringstein” gave the professor fours and fives on every question.

 

Werstein handed in his resignation later that day.

 

While the evaluation hurt Werstein’s feelings, the student, Chad Farmer, defended his judgment via his Facebook status.

 

“O…M…G…so freakin glad Worst-stein’s gone.  Srsly, one time we had class on the roof of the horticulture building n watchin the plants grow was more interesting.”

 

The class Farmer referred to in his status was a favorite of many of his fellow students, but Werstein couldn’t shake Farmer’s criticism from his mind.

 

“Chad really deserves better,” said Werstein, who specializes in the study of alternate realities. “It’s my responsibility to satisfy all 342 students in the class.”

 

The poor rating has left Werstein, a former Rhodes scholar, questioning his ability to teach at the higher level.

 

“Maybe I am just no good at my job,” said Dr. Werstein, a publisher of 45 books, including his NY Times bestseller, The Study of T.H.A.T.: Teaching, History, America and Travesty. “Geez, maybe I am a boring guy.”

 

Several students and faculty were shocked by Werstein’s decision. “Dr. Werstein was the best teacher I’ve ever had.  Once he brought in gourmet chocolates imported from Switzerland to teach us about the psychology of reward-based behavior.  He was the bomb,” said Jennifer Morganblumenthal.  “I seriously don’t understand why he’s leaving.”

 

Though Wernstein has attempted to contact Farmer multiple times via email and telephone, the former resident scholar at the University of Geneva has been unable to reach the student. Thus making him believe that Farmer is in serious condemnation of the professor.

 

Adam Forester, dean of Stanford psychology school, said he is concerned for what could happen to Werstein’s health if he is unable to reach Farmer. “Nickolas is a great friend and a wonderful colleague.  The only reason I can see for this kind of a breakdown is misfiring neurons in his brain - he must have some funky shooters in there or something.”

 

“I’m always stoned when he calls,” said Farmer, who maintains a steady 2.1 GPA. “I just let the machine get it. He sounds a lot more interesting when he is pleading for my attention rather than expecting me to just give him the time of day.”

 

However, upon hearing the news of Werstein’s resignation, Farmer was less than pleased.

 

“He better finish the class” he said. “I need to have these three credits so I can get into the business school. Ya know, because that is where all the honeys are. Know what I’m saying?”

 

The university is currently investigating the issues at hand. Stanford president Benjamin Krishnakov believes that it is top priority, too.

 

“Students are and will always be the most important thing at our university,” Krishnakov said. “While Werstein is a distinguished member of the faculty that knows over 20 ancient and modern languages, there is no excuse for his lectures boring the students such as Chad. Chad must be entertained at all costs.”