Louise Rehling

Dr. Rehling is a great teacher, but no, she's not going to treat you like her favorite nephew or niece. I am appalled at some of the venomous reviews posted here; having taken a class from Dr. Rehling, I can only conclude that these reviews say more about the reviewer than the reviewed.

You're there to learn, not be coddled. I took TPW 400 from her several years ago, and am reading these reviews because I may take some courses from her in the future. I will, in fact, choose Dr. Rehling over an unknown teacher because I found her tough, fair, and above all, instructive. Yes, her class was a lot of hard work, but I learned a lot, and that's what school is all about.

If, as some of the other reviewers say, she is tougher than average grade-wise, or more difficult to get along with, well, that's OK. Let me tell you, you need a tough teacher to prepare you to survive in the real world.

Rock on Dr. Lu!

Rheling is very enthusiastic and confidant in her knowledge and abilities of tech writing. She also has extremely high (Business corporation level) standards for herself and her students. Because of this, other students are often intimidated and frightened of her. Often when reviewing you paper (just like a boss in the tough corporate world) she is a bull dog and can/will rip your writing paper to pieces. As she has every right to do if you happened to forget or neglect to complete an assignment requirement. Those who are not tough skinned will be frightened of her critiques, and those who are not used to completing assignments down to the T will hate her for demanding that they do.

If you really bust your butt and show that you are trying your best, she will see that and be very understanding. But if you are lazy and do half-assed jobs than you don't belong in her class. Remember her goal is to make you a better writer, get you on the road to being a future Professional, and prepare you for the corporate world. It's tough love, but she's a lot more accommodating and nicer than some bosses out there and there is no chance of getting fired.

She may seem scary and intimidating at times but she really does care and will often push you to write better than you thought you ever could. And she does an apt job of preparing you for expectations and demands of life and work in the corp/business world of professionals and writers. And after all the sweat and tears of frustration (cause of the work load and assignment difficulty) when you finally pass her class, you will feel like you just survived Mt. Everest and back. Plus any other difficult class you take afterwards will seem easy and a breeze.

I will admit first of all that I happen to be Dr. Rehling's niece, just to put my bias in her favor up front. However, in spite of being a family member, I do think I can say some things about her objectively. I was a history major at SF State and never took one of her classes, so I can't say what she was like in class, but I can say one time I turned to her for help with advising during a particularly difficult semester for me, and I thought she seemed efficient, practical, and helpful in the way she dealt with my situation. Naturally she wanted to help me because she knows me personally, but I really had the impression she would be a great person to turn to for advising in general. I was honestly surprised to see a bunch of negative reviews of her classes. I can't say what she was like in class- however, I do feel I should say that it is not very polite, and indeed inappropriate, for any student to speculate about any professor's personal life, and I thought it very disrespectful that some of the other reviewers did so.

I go to school expecting to achieve the following goals:

* Learn about new subjects that I can apply to my job. * Produce quality work that I can include in my portfolio. * Work with instructors that understand the current demands of the industry.

Based on this criterion, I think that Lu is worthy of praise. It's her job to point out students' weaknesses, so they can improve their skills--it's her job to help the students at the bottom work their way to the middle or top. If Lu didn't expect each student to turn in quality work on time, participate in meaningful classroom discussions, and accept responsibility for their own actions, I'd give her an F. But she does expect those things from each student, which I appreciate. She's not there to hand-hold, but to facilitate. She gives you to tools to do a great job--but it's up to you to use those tools and create great portfolio pieces.

Lu provides students with a detailed course reader at the beginning of the semester that clearly outlines upcoming projects and due dates. If you don't follow the instructions in the course reader and from in-class discussions, she'll tell you where you can find the information to complete your tasks. She won't simply fix your problems for you--she'll have you do it yourself--much like the reality of a professional job.

I wish more instructors were like Lu. She brings integrity to the Technical and Professional Writing Program. And I feel that her instruction has helped me in my career.

Reading over the evaluations already logged, it it obvious most students have experienced the reality of this terribly disturbed instructor. Lu's abusive and demented behavior goes far beyond any bizarre notions that the reason she acts this way is because she wants students to learn. I have had instructors who are tough graders and expect much from their students. But these instructors, mostly, also had had some empathy and concern for their students, and did not get their jollies by demeaning people. Unfortunately, the same can not be said of Rehling. I have heard some awful stories about this women. She is incredibly vendictive, passive/aggressive, and cruel. My own experience with her is much the same. Many times I have been the target of her abusive and manic depressive personality. I can only wonder why she is even in the teaching profession. I feel sorry the most for her child. Good Lord, can you imagine what that kid is going through? Rehling gives ample evidence that there is more to teaching than just having technical expertise in a certain field. Teaching involves human beings, and the people who choose this field must be able to deal with them in a empathetic, thoughtful, and responsible fashion. Obviously, no one has ever told Rehling this.

I am absolutely astounded and dismayed at the level of pathetic, crybaby, vindictive hatred expressed by students in this forum. I know that most people interested in technical writing are those who have always excelled in english and other classes, so I expect that much of the hurt feelings and two-facedness I have witnessed among my peers originates not from Lu Rehling, but rather from people who are encountering their first real acedemic challenge ever. Dr. Rehling requires every student to do their very best, to follow her complete instructions explicitly, and be willing to set aside inappropriate emotional attachment to their work in favor of a willingness to learn from their mistakes.

Dr. Rehling teaches technical writing the way it should be taught, and I am very pleased to have her as an instructor and as a department advisor. Many students feel that if they treat their assignments like a creative writing project, and use correct english, that they can deviate or ignore the clearly laid out instructions. Dr. Rehling is quick to point out to students how unnacceptable this is.

Although I struggled at first, I was quite successful in her TPW400 class precisely because she did not allow me to do a second-rate job. Dr. Rehling gave candid comments on my work, indicated when I had not followed directions, and gave excellent advice on how to improve. I spoke up in class often, and when she disagreed with me, she said so clearly, but I never felt as though I had been personally attacked.

Basically, all too many of the students in this department are smart-alec wise-asses who are accustomed to getting A's in all their classes without really trying, and now they have finally encountered an instructor who demands that each student perform at their best, and improve consistently.

If you are considering taking TPW400, seriously examine your motivations and intentions. If you think you can be a professional writer, meaning that you can write copy for a corporation that will own your work, and does not care how good you think you are, only whether you have given them what they asked for, then go for it. But if you are actually a creative writer who just wants to go for the money of the technical writer, forget it. Dr. Rehling will ask you to divorce yourself from your work, and you must be willing to do that.

Also, you abolutely must follow instructions. You cannot just skim an assignment and then do what you want. If Lu has seven bullet points of things that must be included, and you only include six, you will not get a passing grade. Yes, this really is what it is like in the real world of professional writing! A software manual with just one important error is just as bad as no software manual at all, as far as your employer is concerned, and you had better be able to handle that concept.

I like Lu Rehling. I think that she is a nice person as well as a fabulous instructor. I think that if anyone decides not to take her classes solely due to negative reviews on this site, they are doing themselves a great disservice.

Lu's organization, experience, high standards, and, most importantly, the zeal with which she teaches far, far outweigh her interpersonal shortcomings. Not only does she present a solid block of material to learn in class, she has built a department that is a rich resource for its students. I've seen her tear into a student in class in a manner that surprised me for its lack of mercy; the student, however, was not only late, but completely unprepared for what we were doing that day. There are two sides to every interpersonal relationship, and I wonder what side the people blasting Lu presented. So many teachers are lazy and ineffectual, lacking the backbone to really push the students and to offer real criticism of their work. These students who are so offended by how Lu occasionally treats people are letting their sensitivity blind them to Lu's real value and her concrete contributions to the program. I recommend her if you're not afraid of being challenged; if you want to be coddled and stroked, go somewhere else.

Professor Rehling has an excellent understanding of Technical and Professional Writing. Her grasp of the content and her passion for the teaching grant her my rspect as a peer. Unfortuneatly, her teaching style and people skills are seriously lacking. She tends to plow through the content and any students who get in her way. She does understand, from student surveys, that she is not the best teacher. As a result, she randomly attempts to correct her own insensitivity. One moment she will be cold and detached, and the next she will be asking for suggestions for improvement of her teaching. Essentially, she comes across as a hard working corporate player: work first, people last.

I agree completely with the other remarks voiced by students about Lu Rehling. She is one sick, sad, pathetic specimen of human life. I can't believe any university would put her in the position she is in, much less award her tenure. Students should just attend another technical writing program. De Anza College has a program, so students should go there, if at all possible.

The person who wrote the previous review of Lu Rehling must be either Lu Rehling herself or her mother. I can't imagine how any person could actually meet and work with Lu Rehling and come away with such an interpretation of her. Just the other day I met a studentyes, another onewho had the misfortune of experiencing the TRUE Lu. Basically, the student described a situation where Lu lied right to her face, with the only intent being trying to create problems and more work in the student's life. My own experiences with her have been much of the same. As for her tenure, well, this is nothing more than a perfect commentary on how low education at both the State University level and California has sunk. California can do better, much better.

Lu is harsh yes, but she is energetic, organized, and dedicated to preparing her students for the real world. I have worked really hard in Lu's classes, and at times I have been upset with her comments. I confronted her and we were able to resolve the problems. She is not unapproachable, and I do not find her intimidating. I have learned so much about technical writing from Lu, I am amazed at myself. Yes Lu's classes are hard, they require a lot of hard and frustrating work, but that is worth it. I feel like more than any other group of college students I know, people who have taken Lu's classes are more skilled and more prepared to enter an exciting and rewarding career.

Everyone deserves a break sometimes. If you think Lu is snapping at you, then maybe give her a break and discuss your problems with her. She is really receptive to feedback and she is well aware of her brashness. She is trying very hard to overcome that. She has no malicious intent, that is the bottom line.

I would recommend taking any of Lu's classes. It is a great learning experience. You never get out of class early, but the syllabus is always very organized and helpful. Lu is always prepared for class, and keeps things on track. In my opinion that is what makes a great teacher.

Thanks Lu and congratulations on your tenure!!

I have to disagree with the negative reviews of Lu Rehling's performance as an instructor and as a department head. In my experience, yes, she can be harsh or brusque, but there is much beneath that eccentric exterior that redeems her, and I appreciate someone who doesn't hand me what I want on a silver platter. She is loyal and dedicated and meticulous and above all, energetic! I found her class to be absolutely the most organized and helpful class I've taken at State since my return to school in 1997. What I learned in that class, and the volume of work I accomplished because of her high expectations and her ability to communicate them, makes me proud. I have been more disappointed when having instructors who are not clear in their expectations, are wishy-washy in their opinions, or are solicitous to students. She is a professional. I live in the real world; I've seen "crazy," and I've seen "cruel" and Lu Rehling is neither of these things. My A minus reflects her choice as dept head to bring in Carolyn Ricketts to teach the required Professional Editing class. Ms. Ricketts could learn a lot from Lu about how to create an effective syllabus.

Even though I did learn a lot in her class, I have to agree with the bad reviews Lu Rehling has received so far. I don't know if she has a horrible personal life and takes it out on us, or if she just enjoys being rude to people. Whatever is going on with her, it is no excuse for her often irrational and mean-spirited behavior. The previous comments were right on the mark: her comments ARE indeed vague, and when you revise your assignments (to comply with her suggestions) for a better grade, she often still gives you the same grade, leaving you frustrated and unsatisfied. I think she knows a lot of people are intimidated by her, and I think she enjoys that. Maybe she has an inferiority complex, I don't know, I just can't wait to get the hell out of the program and graduate so I won't have to deal with her anymore! Too bad she's the only instructor for TPW 400, 600 & 695. I'd much rather deal with someone else.

As best, Louise Rehling needs a long vacation; at worst, Louise Rehling should be institutionalized.The atmosphere that fills the classroom when Louise Rehling teaches is extremely unnerving. When Louise attempts levity, a sort of forced, disconcerting laugher filters through the classroom, as if students are saying to themselves "I better laugh at this women's jokes or she might make trouble for me sometime in the future." It says much about this instructor in that every class where she is the instructor, this attitude pervades the classroom. This instructor has very little patience with students. Her feedback on class projects is often vague and biting. If you are in a class with Louise Rehling and an oral report is required, expect some harsh and pointed attacks from her while in front of the class, she seems to get a real thrill out of this.

I must completely disagree with the two previous reviews of Louise Rehling. In addition to TPW400, I have also taken several other classes with Dr. Rehling.

I found her to be incredibly helpful, going well out of her way for dedicated students. As an advisor, she is amazingly committed to her students' well being. It was my experience that she knew more than I knew about what classes I had taken and which ones I would need to fulfill all the requirements for graduation. She listened to my concerns and my future goals and guided me toward them.

The two previous reviewers evidently had taken only one course; consequently they were not completely familiar with Dr. Rehling's dedication to the TPW program and to the individual students.

People who plan to take a class with Dr. Rehling need to realize that she is committed to excellence and she expects that the students be committed as well. It is true that she requires a lot of work. It is true that, at first blush, her feedback may feel harsh. But if the student can put emotions on hold and LISTEN, they can learn and IMPROVE which is Dr. Rehling's passion.

For those who are not afraid of hard work, who do not have thin skins, who really wish to develop excellent writing and organizational skills, I heartily recommend her as an instructor and TPW as a major.

I would like to warn students about this instructor. It has been my experience, and the experience of other students that I spoke with, that Ms. Rehling likes to hold grudges. She is very vendictive, and remembers people who cross her in any way. I have been told experiences ranging from students who were denied graduation for petty reasons later found to be false, to Ms. Rehling bad-mouthing students at meetings, and to other students. She is up for tenure review, so any students who have had poor experiences with Ms. Rehling are urged to send a letter detailing them to Nancy McDermid, Dean of the College of Humanities.

I went into this course with great expectations, only to have them all dashed by Lu Rehling. I am most confused as to what ever motivated Ms. Rehling to become an instructor. Students entering a course taught by Lu Rehling should prepare themselves to experience the true meaning of "control freak". Any students who question Ms. Rehling's instructions or ideas are ruthlessly pounced upon and "put in their place". Classes taught by Ms. Rehling are not for the faint of heart. She is most brutal in her evaluations of student's projects and work. Even more disturbing is the feeling one gets during her evaluations of your work- that she enjoys demeaning people. Her presence in the Technical Writing program casts a dark cloud over an otherwise well taught curriculum.