Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Real Reality]

Forgive me. I thought I was following the policy.

Is this reality in a high quality university near you?
Today, a senior comes to my office that I have not seen for some time. He tells me his story about missing most of the second half of the term. ("I was sick, busy, busy, busy, busy, applying to graduate school, busy, busy, busy, etc.") I indicate to him that while he may make attempts to make-up the work, his quality of work and tests before his "busyness" was fairly poor. He also has some issues with the attendance policy of the university. He declares, "I am a graduating senior." He complains and storms out of the office. Who does he happen to meet a little later? The Dean. The Dean gives me a not-so-pleasant phone call. Guess what?

I had no idea he was such a kind, great, wonderful, excellent, inspirational student. I should have known his grade the first day I met him. And, that is it. I only needed to see him one time to determine his grade. It seems sometimes foreign professors are just so ignorant.

[Austin]

The sooner you understand and accept your role, the sooner you might find your position more satisfying.

Austin

[Sliver]

Is that "except" his role or "accept" his role?

[just because]

[SuperHero]

[Mr. Pink]

I would fail that "senior" for going above my head and not respecting my authority.

[indytrucks]

Ahhh, the last-year untouchables. It's the same at my uni. I have students who think that just because they are in their last year, they don't have to attend class, do assignments or show up for exams.

In such cases, when I tell them to enjoy their "F" and give my regards to the intersession teachers, the stunned looks, head scratching, downcast eyes, shuffling feet and lip pouts are priceless.

I fail students like that, regardless of what the head of the department or their advisor tells me. I've never had a problem with it.

[Real Reality]

Have any others ever faced "the last-year untouchables" and their support staff (faculty, administrators, or students that cry for them or help communicate--translate--in English)?

[Gord]

Are we talking about failing students who just weren't at class but know their stuff, or failing because they don't have the knowledge required for a pass?

[Austin]

Drop the ego and your "need" for your perceived authority to be "respected." Some places are a dog and pony show, and as I said, the sooner you figure that out, the better.

Know your role.

Austin

BTW, why does it trouble you that some people "play the game?" I wear the so-called "brown-nose" proudly, as it works for me.

[simulated stereo]

I try to stick with freshmen classes in order to avoid jerkoff seniors. So far I haven't had to deal with one.

[SuperHero]

[Austin]

I prefer exercising humility with my Korean counterparts and colleagues. False pride, pride, etc. is an ego driven beast that has no place in Korea if you want to live in harmony.

Austin

The fact that you are motivated by flattery (you apparently need your ego stroked) makes you a puppet to those like myself that do not require such affirming nonsense.

Validation?

[Mr. Pink]

[Austin]

I work in the public school system now, but I used to be employed at a private university for two years.

I disagree that respect is something that people should blindly give to others! Too many folks here fashion themselves as a "professor" when nothing could be further from the truth.

I have no trouble with you doing as you wish. My point was simply to state that people need to understand the actual dynamics of their environment, as it prevents a lot of headaches.

Please, by all means, continue to beat your head against "the wall"!

Austin