Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toadkillerdog]

I teach at a uni. I have an English Composition class that requires a writing portfolio for the Mid-Term. The final date to drop classes was 2 weeks ago.

2 students came to the mid-term and told me they had not done their portfolio (neither student has turned in any homework assignments either). Each wanted a one week extension. When I asked why they hadn't done the portfolio both replied that they were "busy". I gave both students a 1 day extension. Both missed the deadline and have not responded to my follow up e-mails

Now, both students want my permission to drop the class. Generally I am pretty lenient with my Ss. In this case I want to refuse the request. I think that by allowing them to drop my class that I am "rewarding" them for their irresponisible behaviour.

What would you do?

[discostu333]

Request blood money from both students for your loss of face.

[Louis VI]

[kprrok]

I'm sure the problem is that if they are allowed to drop the class, no negative marks show on their transcripts. If they aren't allowed to drop, they will have those black marks. Am I correct OP?

If this is the case, keep them in class, give them a 61% so that (if what others have told me about their unis is true) they get D-s and can't retake the course to replace the low score.

[WadRUG'naDoo]

Is letting them drop the class or not really up to you? I thought that would be some other department of the university. Like the registrar's or business office.

[Kwangjuchicken]

[oldtactics]

Kwangjuchicken, that means that they could do it through the registrar and have it listed as a withdrawal. If they do that now, it will be listed as a fail, unless the professor gives them permission to list it as a withdrawal.

OP, I say just let them go. If they've been this disinterested the whole time, I doubt they'll learn any lessons by you refusing to allow them to leave.

[RMNC]

Sorry, but the rules are the rules. They gotta grow up somehow.

[toadkillerdog]

Thanks for the replies everyone. As the instructor I do have the power to override the drop date and allow a student to drop the class up to the week after midterms (I have done this before in the case of a legitimate emergency).

I really have no problem cutting a student some slack when they have made some effort. I this case both students had the opportunity to get this taken care of and both failed to. I really do not think it is my responsibility to "make their problem go away." Allowing then to drop now will have no negative consequences for them in the future. They can simply take the course next semester (it is a required class).

The Uni is very supportive of its faculty and I know whatever I decide will be backed up. I have been told before by the chancellor and dean of academic affairs to wade through my class with a bloody axe if need be. (I should note that this is an international school and most likely these 2 student will be deported if they fail my class.)

Thanks again for the advise. Looks like 2 Fs are coming their way.

[liveinkorea316]

I teach university students and I have already had to allow some students to drop out of my classes. Some of them I had never seen before!

One student I actively encouraged to cancel before the final cut off date because she will almost certainly fail.

I don't presume to have a handle on whether a student is lazy, busy, nieve or just behind the 8 ball. My first position is to cut them some slack.

They might need to grow up but I remember when I was 20 years old. Getting a good deed from my professor might have been one thing that helped me to become the man I am.

Kicking people when they make a mistake is not the ONLY way to help them.

[Louis VI]

[Stan Rogers]

Allow them their constitutional right to an F.

[meagan8477]

[Milwaukiedave]

[jrwhite82]

Tough call. On one hand you hate being walked on and it is their fault to begin with. On the other as a teacher you always try to help your students in whatever way you can.

I'd let it slide and let them drop but tell them you will be extra vigilant on them next semester when they retake. And expect a lot of them in class. Then follow through on that threat.

Don't deport someone man. You could ruin their entire life over one English writing class.

The good karma could come back to you some day.

Edit: I should mention that I had a similar experience while teaching at a small university in the States. I had a number of adult immigrant students. They were on student visas tied to the school. A few of them regularly missed class because of work (illegal to work on their visa). They wanted me to excuse their absences. I told them we have night classes that you should attend on the days you miss class. You have until the start of next semester to adjust your personal schedule to accomodate your class schedule.

I guess all I'm saying is try not to ruin someone's life over your class if you can avoid it. Even if they are being irresponsible. It's not like they're harming you by not showing up to class and asking to withdraw late. 3 strikes and you're out. They only got two (not showing up and being late to withdraw).