Here are some comments that Professor Burgess has received from her students via letters, direct emails, carbon copies of emails sent to her superiors, or course evaluations.

I began compiling this list in the Summer of 2005, but haven't had a chance to update this page comprehensively since Fall of 2005. I have added a few student comments as I receive them. I have divided the comments by subject area. Note: I have removed student names and the course titles to keep the student's comments anonymous.

“I defiantly think that Professor Burgess made the class. She was very knowledgeable about the subject matter as well as many other subjects that were brought up in discussion. I very much enjoyed the way she ran the class to make everyone feel comfortable and able to discuss their feelings with ease. We were even able to make jokes and have some good laughs in a way that made learning fun. If needed any more classes that she is teaching, then I would defiantly take her again.” Spring 2006

“I think Professor Burgess is a wonderful teacher. She is very understandable as a professor, which is a rarity in a university so big. On the first day of class, Prof. Burgess gave you the assurance that she was here to help. She is very dedicated to helping her students excel in the course. She is a very intelligent woman and knows a lot about life. I especially liked how she shared her personal experiences with the class. The experiences were used to help link the material presented in class with everyday life. Like many other students, I was able to relate to Prof. Burgess on level aside from education. I think that if this class happens to be taught in the future that Prof. Burgess should be the one to teach the class. She is very knowledgeable about the topics discussed and her background as a lawyer is only a plus to what the students will be exposed to. As stated earlier, the course was well constructed and well taught.” Summer 2005

“The professor was awesome! She answered EVERY question I had about the material and was always available outside of class with assistance. She was knowledgeable about all aspects of the course material. She conveyed the material well and always made sure everyone was on the same page. The professor gave many chances to earn extra credit during the course making it difficult to attain a low grade.” Summer 2005

“I found Professor Burgess to be caring, enthused and genuine. I liked that there was so much emphasis placed on classroom interaction. I felt that my opinions, although challenged at times, were always respected. I also believe that every student in that class had an equal opportunity to learn a great deal about the subject matter. There always a conducive learning environment created by Professor Burgess’ engaging demeanor.” Spring 2006

“the professor was very understanding of her students, as a class and on an individual level. When in the class room atmosphere, Professor Burgess has control but in such a way that her students respect her not fear her. She is always open to questions, comments, and opinions, while always being aware of others feelings. Students do not feel dumb in her class after asking a question, they feel better.” Spring 2006

“Over all, great course and I hope to see you around in the future. The best of luck getting a permanent position here, or somewhere-you've earned it in my eyes.” Summer 2005

“PROF. BURGESS WAS A VERY ENERGETIC AND KNOWLEDGABLE PROF.WHO KNEW A LOT ABOUT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. SHE IS VERY ARTICULATE, DETAILED, AND PREPARED WHEN GIVING LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENTS, NOT TO MENTION CARING, AND KIND. HER AVAILABILITY TO HER STUDENTS WAS NEVERENDIN, YOU COULD CALL OR E-MAIL HER AND GET A PROMPT RESPONSE. THE CLASS AND THE LESSONS WERE WELL PREPARED AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND.” Spring 2006

“Kindness, understanding, and support are overwhelmingly evident qualities that Professor Burgess possesses. Her legal intellect is very well applied to the class when discussing the impact upon the individual citizen. I have truly enjoyed getting to know Professor Burgess as both a student and advisor of sorts.” Spring 2006

“I found Professor Burgess to be very knowledgeable and fair. Professor Burgess was very polite and acted in a professional manner. I wish to have her as a future instructor in my Law and Justice courses and I hope that she becomes a full time instructor so other college students can benefit from her lessons as I have. I felt that the she structured the course in an appropriate manner, not overwhelming us with too much work at one time.” Spring 2006

“I had Professor Burgess for [number] courses this summer. I have to tip my hat to her teaching skills. . . . Prof Burgess really cares about her students and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure her students are learning properly. She also does her best to set students up for future success, both academically and in the job market. If RU-C has any openings . . ., I'd have to say she's a top canidate for the position ” Summer 2005

“I give my praise to this course. It was very welcoming and comforting considering the topics discussed and I give that credit to the professor. In order for a class like this to work, there needs to be a very comfortable atmosphere and that is gained by the students trusting the professor.” Spring 2006

“Professor Hillary Burgess taught the * course and was a knowledgeable instructor. She was well informed on all subject matters related to the law. I felt very comfortable participating in class discussions, as Professor Burgess’ teaching style was collaborative. In addition, she interspersed her class lectures with her own personal stories such as the time when she meet Clarence Thomas. She was always accessible, even allowing students to contact her on the weekends with any questions related to a specific assignment.” Summer 2005

“Is willing to go the extra mile to ensure student success. If you pay attention to class, you will see how what she teaches ties in to the course.” Summer 2005

“I feel the professor was very knowledgeable about the subject matter discussed. I feel I learned from the professor about the topics we covered. The professor definitely made herself available inside and outside of the classroom. We knew we could call her anytime if we had a problem or if we needed to talk. She was very prompt with emailing and kept us extremely updated (in a good way). I feel the professor taught the material very well and definitely tried to help her students find a career path for them. She designated the first few extra credit assignments to help her students find a career and help them find what career(s) were best suited to them and vice versa. The professor was well organized and was ready to teach and discuss every class period.” Spring 2006

“Professor Burgess is a great instructor because she keeps the class interested in the topics we discussed. She is very knowledgeable in all the topics we discuss. She cares about her students inside and outside the classroom. This semester I had some health issues and she cared more about my health than my progress in her class.” Spring 2006

“I thought that Ms. Burgess was a very good professor. She was always ready for class, made herself available most of the time of the day, and helped the students in anyway possible. She also showed a lot of concern about her students and showed that she really did care about us. I feel that I really sis learned from her every time that I went to class.” Summer 2005

“I really liked Professor Burgess and her teaching style. She was very up beat and knowledgeable about the subject matter. She answered every question to the best of her ability and seemed very concerned about all of her students. She provided office hours, stayed after class to answer questions, gave us a number of e-mail addresses, and her phone number in case we needed to contact her. Professor Burgess was always prepared for class and structured her lessons in such a way that students could easily follow the material.” Summer 2005

“I felt that Professor Burgess was very knowledgeable in all the topics we discussed. Professor Burgess elaborated so well, that I never had a question about what we learned, because more then likely, she answered already!! I loved that we could sit and have a valid discussion related to the topic and understand what are peers were thinking. Everyone had their own point of you, which made it very interesting to have class discussions. Professor Burgess made us really think about how laws and rights are TRULY affecting someone at our age level. I learned so much about how even though laws appear to be enacted to help US Citizens, they may be hurting us, more then they are protecting us. Professor Burgess made herself readily available. Whenever I had a question, even if it weren’t related to school, I knew that all I had to do was e-mail and get a quick response or even better, she gave her cell phone number out to all her students and she actually answered!!!” Spring 2006

“A special thank you for teaching this course. You were understanding of my military obligations and I appreciate that as well. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, you can consider it done.” Summer 2005

“I believe that Professor Burgess was very informed on what she was teaching, as well as interested in the subject herself. Both of these things made it easier for us as students to learn the material from her. . . . she was clearly interested in both teaching in general, and the course information. Next, I believe that Professor Burgess did make herself readily available to us throughout the entire semester, both via office hours, email or telephone and gave each student the necessary time needed. . . . she encouraged us to call her if we had any questions or problems, which really made it nice. Speaking only for myself, I feel that if I had a problem that I think she may be able to help me with, I would definitely email or call her for it, even after the semester is over. She also advised us that it would be ok to contact her after the end of the semester if we needed anything, which again, really made the whole situation more comfortable. I believe that I would sign up for another course being taught by Professor Burgess in the future.” Summer 2005 “Prof. Burgess is a great professor. She displayed extensive knowledge not only in [course subject] but also the complete legal process involved in [course subject] cases. She was able to sufficiently answer any and all questions that were thrown her way. Prof. Burgess made herself available in a number of ways. She'd stay after class to assist students, provided her phone numbers for emergencies, and promptly answered all e-mails . . . Prof. Burgess also went the extra mile to tailor assignments structured toward each students career interests. In doing so she planned those assignments so that they were as equally balanced as possible and graded fairly. Prof. Burgess had a plethora of knowledge that she was able to put into layman's terms so that we could grasp what she was talking about. . . . Prof. Burgess was able to tie many different things into Prisoner's Rights, from many different angles.” Summer 2005

“FANTASTIC PROFESSOR. . . . You are very understanding, which is unusual for a College Profess. You take what we say into consideration and that is important. You are easy to stay in touch with outside of class, and you are very professional about keeping your students as your top priority. THANKS!!” Fall 2005

“She is the best professor I have had. She is so nice and will help you with anything you need. She makes herself available to all students. I learned more in that class then any other I have ever taken.” Fall 2005

“She helped me more than any professor ever did. I can honestly say I learned more in her class then any other college course I took. She is a very helpful, caring and smart professor.” Spring 2005

“Professor Burgess was an amazing teacher! All her assignments had relivence, and although she assigned a lot of reading, everything you read she clarified in class. As long as you do work, you will get an A. She assigns full credit/no credit, which definitely helps your grade. She always wants to help. I learned more here than in most of my classes.” Fall 2005

“I felt so lucky to have a Professor as great as Hillary Burgess. She was there for every one of her students twenty-four hours a day. She really made the transition into college a lot easier for me. I learned so much from the lesson plan and the way she taught.” Fall 2005

“Great Teacher! Always there to help you with everything and very understanding. She adjusted to the needs of the class and really wanted us to do our best!” Fall 2005

“One of the reasons I thought this course was a success was because the teacher knew what she was talking about. Is was clear she was well educated on everything she was teaching and not just teaching out of a book. Also, Professor Burgess was always willing to stay after class and make appointments for meeting. She even gave us her cell phone number. I defiantly [sic] became a better college student form having Proffesor Burgess as my teacher.” Fall 2005

“She is extremely organized and very easy to communicate with. She is understanding and I learned more about life lessons in working than anything else. I really take a lot away from her class…definitly take it!” Spring 2005

“I felt the professor was very knowledgeable and helpful. She was able to answer any questions the students had. I liked that the professor made herself available frequently to answer questions. Not only did she make herself available outside of class, but she told her students that they could call her at any time if they had questions. Being able to call the professor was very helpful for asking questions without writing emails back and forth.” Fall 2005

“I felt the professor did an excellent job in this course. . . . She gave us times to come see her and we could always email her with questions. She was always ready to help.” Fall 2005

“I found Professor Burgess to be a great teacher. She was very understanding and very human. She was easy to listen to and wasn’t afraid to laugh. Sometimes . . . In general, Professor Burgess was very helpful in her advice and made sure that everyone in the class had a good understanding of the material. She also made herself very available and was extremely forgiving of honest mistakes. ” Fall 2005

“I believe that the professor did an excellent job putting together the lessons.” Fall 2005

“I felt that the professor was very well educated in the subject at hand. . . . She offered many hours outside of class to help us with our work. Our professor did everything in her power to help us be successful in this course. She provided extra credit and extra time when needed and was always available if we needed guidance.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess made the course interesting and challenging.” Spring 2005.

“I thought you are very knowledgeable in this subject as well as others. You come across as a very educated person in all areas. I think you made the class comfortable. Personally I was not afraid to come to you or talk to you about anything as I am with one of my other professors.” Fall 2005

“she is very helpful and full of information, but teaches so that everyone can understand.and she is very funny which is something we all need in a class room setting.” Spring 2005

“I find her to be helpful, kind, generous, and extremely determined. Students who want a good grade can achieve that in Professor Burgess’ class. She works tirelessly to assure students they can attain an “A”. She provides office hours, as well as time spent in the cafeteria every week, where she will revise any assignment you ask her to revise. I visited her office hours several times, and I visited her in the cafeteria, as well. Her upbeat personality makes students want to come to class. Finally, Professor Burgess always tells a cute story in class and always laughs with a delightful laugh. Students know she tries to make her class more enjoyable with her digressions. Overall, I loved my professor for *, and I wish she taught *.” Fall 2005

“Dear Professor Burgess, I just really wanted to thank you for all your help this semester. . . . I'm going to miss you so much next semester, but hopefully I wil have one of your classes again.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess, I believe you are great professor. I loved how available you were and how much you were willing to work with us. You made me feel comfortable about contacting you if I had a problem because you encouraged emails and phone calls. You are actually the only professor I have this semester that I have ever emailed or gotten an email from. I couldn’t even tell you any of my other professors email addresses, let alone their phone numbers. You are very approachable and you make it easy to talk to you. I also loved the fact that when a lot of people’s grades were not so good, you gave as many opportunities for extra credit as you could. . . . you were very patient. You are always willing to help make things easier for us. . . . If I forgot when a professor said something was due, I had no way to find out, but with the assignment schedule online and everything else I could need right there with it, I had no excuse for not knowing something was due.” Fall 2005

“The professor herself more than accessible, by providing us with her cell phone number and telling us the exact times she was going to be on campus during the weekends.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess was very accommodating to her students. We could see Professor Burgess during her office hours, make an appointment, send her an email, or even call her on her cell phone if we needed help with assignments. We could also usually find her on Wednesdays and Sundays in the cafeteria. Professor Burgess made every effort to help her students by making herself available to answer questions and revise essays.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess is a fun educator. she always makes the class interesting with her stories about her life experience in relation to the class.” Spring 2005

“I think Professor Burgess was a good instructor for the course. I think that I learned as many useful skills as possible in one semester. She was very enthusiastic about the course and made herself available to the students as much as she could. She also gave many extra credit opportunities to the students.” Fall 2005

“very good teacher, very nice lady. and very friendly. i highly suggest taking one of her classes.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess taught *** very well. Her methods of teaching were very good, and I truly learned a lot from her. I found that reinforcing the book lessons in class was a very good way to teach, and Prof. Burgess always made her classes very interesting. I also found that her interactions with the students were very good. The professor also got her points across by taking students' essays and applying her lessons to them, as well as by giving us good examples from her life. All of the professor's teaching methods worked very well, and I certainly learned a lot.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess does a good job communicating her ideas to the class. I apprecciate her efforts to help students as much as possible. I think it's very admirable that she wants to see her students succeed and if it was not for her, I might not have passed the class.” Fall 2005

“From the first day of class, I knew Professor Burgess was going to be a good teacher. She is extremely personable and easy to contact regarding anything you need to know. She gave us a few email addresses and her personal cell phone number, which I used on numerous occasions. I felt that Professor Burgess was very knowledgeable about this subject area which made it a lot easier to learn from her. I feel that Professor Burgess did just about everything she could to help us learn, and to give us the opportunity to earn our goal grades. ” Fall 2005

” Having Professor Burgess made this course much easier for me. She was very approachable and made sure she let her students know they could come to her anytime with questions by giving us several ways to contact her. Her lessons were interesting as well as educational. ” Fall 2005

“Loves to help you with your essays and anything for that matter. Great teacher. Very nice.” Fall 2005

“She often involved class discussions as a learning tool, which is a tactic I like. . . . In addition, she maintained the class well and always explained assignments clearly. If there were any changes in assignments or new information that concerned the class, she notified us immediately.” Fall 2005

“Professor Burgess was a good teacher. She was understanding, easy to talk to, and personally, I felt comfortable coming to her for extra help. She spent time preparing directions for us on how to write each of our homework assignments as well as spending time after school helping us improve our essays. I also like that she introduced us to technology that most of us have never used before like the “WIKIS”. I feel that it made submitting papers easier and it gave us a chance to be more technologically savvy.” Fall 2005