I am a 39 yo student at a community college, taking pre requisites for the ADN (nursing) program. I have good grades, inspite of excess absences. I was docked 20 points for each late test, (3), and now the instructor says that she's going to drop me a letter grade too. Is this legal? I am paying for my education, have been an LPN for 8 years, am a single mother and currently work as an LPN.
2007-07-31 19:34:57 · 6 answers · asked by sexy mama 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
In college, it is generally "legal" and acceptable for an instructor/professor to do whatever it is they want to do when it comes to grades.
Generally speaking, attendance rules should be spelled out in the course syllabus and explained to all students. That said, in many classes, attendance is a requirement for grading at a very high percentage. Also, there are usually institutional rules about attendance. Missing a certain percentage can cost you your financial aid as well...
I have two bachelor's and a master's - I have been in classes where 3 absences = F and some where 1 absence = -1 letter grade. I'm in an MBA program now where 1 absence = -1 letter grade and 2 you may as well drop. Get two C's throughout the program and you've "failed out".
Not to be mean, this is intended to help you in your college career. Ask yourself very honestly, what does paying for your education, being an 8 year LPN, being a single mother, or working, have to do with this class? Aren't those just excuses/reasons for why you aren't able to attend class? Is it this professors's problem if you can't attend class or is it yours?
Now, don't think I'm picking at you because I'm not. You can not succeed in college (or as an RN) making excuses for why you can't do something. The single most common reason for failure to thrive in college is as simple as not going to class. G to class - pass, don't go to class, fail. Ok, not exactly as simple as that - but it makes big difference.
2007-07-31 19:53:03 · answer #1 · answered by CoachT 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It probably is legal--as long as it has been applied consistently and the rule was explain at the being of the course. However, I have seen students sue the college and professor when they did not receive a passing grade--you are paying money to learn--a contract is in place.
Consider talking to the professor and explain your situation --reason for being absences. Older students like yourself, have more responsibilities outside of class than students that going to school totally on loans or parent's "dime".
If the professor still wants to drop you a letter grade, consider talking to the department head or dean.
I know how difficult it is, attending college pass your 30's.
I wish you the best.
2007-07-31 20:00:52 · answer #2 · answered by oldcorps1947 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
39 years old and you want to sue over a grade because you didn't show up for class?
Not trying to be mean, but you need to grow up.
When I was in college, EVERY professor had the attendance policy clearly stated in the syllabus...it's your job to read it, thoroughly and not assume that it doesn't apply to you.
If you don't like the policy, then don't take the class.
Exams are to be taken on time, and the attendance policy is to be followed, and there are consequences to not following the instructions...you don't get a "pass" just because you are paying for school....everyone pays for school....what would you do if you came to work late all the time and didn't have requested assignments due for your boss? You wouldn't have a job!
College is a preparation for a career....and this is a great lesson of paying attention and accepting responsibility.
2007-07-31 23:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably. Would you criticize the instructor for dropping grades on first time students that don't know Jack? Maybe you could talk to instructor to explain your situation. However, If I were a patient, I wouldn't want someone with "excess absences" to be caring for me.
2007-07-31 19:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's legal, but it's a total jerk thing to do. At my old school, we had a class during 6th period which was pretty much study hall & in a way, it was like a second homeroom. My teacher had told one of her classes (who an old friend of mine just happened to be in) about some random student's grades & they were terrible & my old friend knew I had that teacher for study hall & knew I was failing a bit so she asked me if those were my grades & remarkably they were. I skipped that teacher's class for 2 weeks straight after that because I was so furious w/ her. I think my situation wasn't as bad as yours because your teacher actually targets you & tells YOUR class YOUR grades, so I think you should talk to him about this if he does this to you. Tell him it makes you very uncomfortable. However, I think he's using it as a method to get the student to try harder so they won't have to be embarassed next time.
2016-05-19 21:33:41 · answer #5 · answered by jill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very legal .....they give you a syballus that tells you the rules and what excepted of you....that is your contract by staying in the class you are rendering to it......thats the first thing all my professors have said......i figure out though to get to know the teachers and usually they are more likely to work with you....some people call it kissing up but it has helped me bunches trust me i should have failed a couple of classes but i went to the professors and they helped me out because they knew who I was....I had a professor who said to us that this is one of the only job where the employees (the professors) tell the employers (the students) what to do.....It sucks
2007-08-03 20:10:28 · answer #6 · answered by marsha e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋