Is my instructor out of line?

Question

I have a midterm to take today and my grandfather just died yesterday. I explained to my instructor what happened and that he died and asked if there could be other arrangements. She wouldn't let me make them and is making me take them today. If I don't, I get a zero on the midterm. Is she out of line? She said that life has its own obstacles which is true but hasn't she ever heard of the word, "EMERGENCY"? It's too late to do anything but afterwards, should I go to the head of the department? Making me do the test the day after a family member died seems unsympathic and insensitive. This is a difficult and bad time! I knew about the exam for a good while but I had no idea when he would die even though he's been sick for a while. This is like a family emergency and she act like she could care less!

Answer 1

I had a friend that was asked to see the death certificate--now that's out of line. If the funeral was the day you needed to take the exam, then I'd say she's out of line, but it's not, so I'd say to take it. Bring up the issue to your dean of students--much more powerful than the department chair. It's possible that while you may need to take the exam, the prof. might be more lenient. Or, the dean of students could force the prof to curve your test grade higher by a certain percentage. When my grandfather was sick, I asked a professor what would happen if he did pass away (he was close) in terms of my getting my work done and missing class and the response I got was, "you'd get a day for the funeral." So, depends on the school and the professor and your particular major and place within the major.

Answer 2

Your instructor may not see it as an emergency because (and I'm sorry for saying this) there's really nothing you can do at this point. It's not like if you hurry and get there you'll be able to save his life or talk to him. Your instructor has a point that life does have its obstacles...you're not always going to just be able to drop everything in your life when a death in the family occurs.

However, I agree that it is unsympathetic. As a college instructor, I would not force a student to take an exam the day after a close relative died. Even if the student was prepared for the exam, I would think that it would be very hard to concentrate on the material during the exam. (If a paper was due, that's a different matter, because that should have been finished sooner and I would still expect it to be turned in.)

I would suggest talking to the Department Head. If you don't have time to do that before your exam, take the exam and do your best, then go DIRECTLY from the exam to your Department Head's office and explain your situation. Tell him/her you would appreciate some understanding during a tough situation and that you would like a chance to take a different exam after the funeral.

Answer 3

This happens often. I would check with the school and find out what the official rules are on the subject of excused absences and make up tests. Many times, the death of a family member is a valid excuse to miss a test and you would be allowed to retake it later.

A sinister however, from my experience in college, the instructor is allowed to give you a different test. That way, you can't find someone who took the test and get the answers. The instructors I knew would make it the hardest possible test, sometimes full of very subjective essay questions that they can mark wrong no matter what answer you give. Also, some instructors are pretty much unfireable (at least for little offenses) and they will ignore rules like these completely. Also, some instructors will give you the test but you will find that your work for the rest of the year is always getting lower grades.

I would try to take the test if I were you. It sounds like an important test that could affect your grade for the semester. That is if this is possible. You may be out of town or something. However, if it is possible for you to take the test then I would suggest doing it. I know that is rough, but the instructor is probably holding the cards on this one. You can try to check out the rules though. Maybe you will get lucky and discover that your school works harder to help out students in your predicament.

Answer 4

I think that you should try to talk to her again and explain the situation. Some people may have lied to her in the past about a family member dying just to get out of taking the midterm.
If she still refuses then I would go talk to the head of the department.

Answer 5

I know the feeling. It happed to me twice. Once Freshemen year my Uncle (very close) died. I ended up getting Kicked out. I went back the next year after summer school. Then my senior year right befor finals my MOM died. They let me take the test two weeks later and walk but MY Officaial graduation date wasn't untill the end of August. Its tough man. Just do your best. If you want yes talk to the head of the department. See what the rules are. Many times its just for immediate family. IT is usually up to the teacher this one sounds like an ***!

Good Luck man

Answer 6

Taking an exam after your grandfather died should only be a problem if you dont know your subject. If you have enough time to go to the dean and complain you could also use that time to hit the books and study. You can always contest your grade later with the grades committee at your college. Just make sure you get emails and documents saying that she wouldnt give you time. But show up to your exam and take it regardless of your grade. If you are unhappy with the result then contest it, not before.

Answer 7

Bring a note from the funeral home and if she doesn't let you take the exam go to the department that is so insensitive thats your family.

Answer 8

Yeah thats not cool at all. My grandfather just passed also and all of my teachers understood as soon as i started to call. I would complain to the head if I were in your shoes. That really is insensitive.

Answer 9

I would try to take the test. I'm sorry for your lost and I do agree with you that she was out of line. However, if you don't decided to talk with the dean or another facility member, you need to go and take the test.**

Answer 10

dear distressed,
i am sorry for your lose. Yes your instructor was wrong. but you should have went to the dean of your college. They are the boss of your instructor and only they can grant a excuse from class. which you obviously needed. but be forwarned. they do check on this emergency. if you are found lying you would have failed the class.