Mom's Day at work

The second Sunday of May has traditionally been the day when mothers are appreciated for all they do for their children, their families and society in general.\nAt a large university such as IU, moms play important roles as students, staff and faculty. Mothers balance the responsibilities of their administrative positions with the daily expectations of their children and spouses.\nBeing a mother while trying to carry out other roles in society has many advantages and disadvantages only mothers can truly understand. It's a balancing act that, at times, can be both frustrating and rewarding.\n"The issue of time is a problem, having enough time for both your children and students," Susan Keenan, a professor at the Kelly School of Business, said.\nShe also says her job as a professor at IU allows her the flexibility which she appreciates, allowing her to care for her younger children.\n"Being a parent helps you learn to say 'no' to students," she said. "I used it at the end of the semester when a student asked me to raise a grade from a B to an A."\nThis Sunday her plans include spending time with her kids and having a barbecue.\nPam Freeman, director of Student Ethics and Anti-Harassment Programs, the Associate Dean of Students, and mother of two, said being a parent of older children has helped her in her role as an administrator. \nShe said her two roles are "mutually compatible." \n"It's reinforcing now, rather then committing like it was when they were younger," Freeman said.\nFreeman said the role has changed over the years as her children get older and face different challenges and rewards.\nHaving her children go through the same things as other students of the same age helps her as she deals with other college-age students. \n"With one ready to graduate high school and the other finishing the junior year of college in another university, I can apply what I learn at work with my children, and I can apply what I know about my children with the students," she said.\nThis Mothers' Day weekend, she plans to make time for the whole family.\n"I'm going to spend time with all four of us together," she said.\nBill Head is a professor for the criminal justice department. His wife, Julie, is a professor at the Kelly School of Business. Together they have three children. \n"We are both working parents so we coordinate when things are going to happen and when they happen," he said.\nHead said having his children was the best thing that ever happened to he and his wife. \n"We share what happens at home with our classes, and what happens at class, at home," he said.\nTheir plans for this weekend include visiting their own mothers. \n"Both of our mothers are here in town, so the kids will get to see their mom and grandmoms," he said. "Julie does a great job making sure everything gets done. \n"Being college professors allows us flexibility in parenting and scheduling. We try and do everything we can as a family"