NRW: need help - grad school issue UPDATE @ bottom.

-Warning: this is kinda long.
I need your help, I got an F for on of my classes. I emailed the teacher to find out why and his reply was thus:
'Midterm was 54 (16), Final was 64 (32), Paper was 10 Bonus was 5 = 63 F. Your paper 1 and 1/2 pages was unacceptable, but you still received 10/20. That is why you received an F. All students have the right to review their final examination, since the Midterm. was reviewed in class.'

I decided I wanted to meet with him to discuss my grade, this morning he wrote me an email stating that he would be in the office on wednesday, but that 'there is no room for discussion of your final grade unless there is a gross error in the grading of your final exam.'

I wrote, but haven't sent yet, the following:

I wanted to talk to you about this in person, but you have really left me no choice. In my honest opinion, I do not think that I deserved to have received an F for the course. F is a grade that is afforded by persons who do not even put in any effort towards the class. I had perfect attendence and participated in class. I understand the material, I just have test angsiety and have never done well on close notes, close book test. As for my 'unacceptable' paper, you were the one who approved the topic and I followed the guidelines for writing an article for the CPA Journal:
Manuscripts that express an opinion, perspective, or viewpoint about a matter of importance to CPAs--between 250 and 2,500 words. Direct, declarative statements Active voice Tight reasoning
These were taken from their website, and were highlighted on the guideline sheet I sumbitted with my paper. I understand that grading papers is subjective, not objective, but I feel that I should have receive more than just half the credit for that paper.

I took this course as an elective because I enjoyed your teaching style from a previous class. By failing me, you are forcing me to take another accounting elective aside from the full schedule I already have. I am a full time Graduate student, and I work full time. I would have to take a class either in the summer of 2007 or the following spring, which by then would nearly impossible for me to do, as I am moving out of New York State in July 2007. I may not be an A student, but I maintain a B average and have never failed a class in my life. By giving me an F for this course, you have pushed my GPA below 3.0, and if I am informed correctly, have put me on probation as a Graduate student.

Please reconsider my grade.
Thank you,

please tell me if this email is approprate.

ugh I hate professors!

I like the email - but they way he sounds i think you should talk to him face to face - but bring the email so you cover all your points. good luck!

---

Posted by thelilacone

-Warning: this is kinda long.
I need your help, I got an F for on of my classes. I emailed the teacher to find out why and his reply was thus:
'Midterm was 54 (16), Final was 64 (32), Paper was 10 Bonus was 5 = 63 F. Your paper 1 and 1/2 pages was unacceptable, but you still received 10/20. That is why you received an F. All students have the right to review their final examination, since the Midterm. was reviewed in class.'

I decided I wanted to meet with him to discuss my grade, this morning he wrote me an email stating that he would be in the office on wednesday, but that 'there is no room for discussion of your final grade unless there is a gross error in the grading of your final exam.'

I wrote, but haven't sent yet, the following:

I wanted to talk to you about this in person, but you have really left me no choice. In my honest opinion, I do not think that I deserved to have received an F for the course. F is a grade that is afforded by persons who do not even put in any effort towards the class. I had perfect attendence and participated in class. I understand the material, I just have test angsiety and have never done well on close notes, close book test. As for my 'unacceptable' paper, you were the one who approved the topic and I followed the guidelines for writing an article for the CPA Journal:
Manuscripts that express an opinion, perspective, or viewpoint about a matter of importance to CPAs--between 250 and 2,500 words. Direct, declarative statements Active voice Tight reasoning
These were taken from their website, and were highlighted on the guideline sheet I sumbitted with my paper. I understand that grading papers is subjective, not objective, but I feel that I should have receive more than just half the credit for that paper.

I took this course as an elective because I enjoyed your teaching style from a previous class. By failing me, you are forcing me to take another accounting elective aside from the full schedule I already have. I am a full time Graduate student, and I work full time. I would have to take a class either in the summer of 2007 or the following spring, which by then would nearly impossible for me to do, as I am moving out of New York State in July 2007. I may not be an A student, but I maintain a B average and have never failed a class in my life. By giving me an F for this course, you have pushed my GPA below 3.0, and if I am informed correctly, have put me on probation as a Graduate student.

Please reconsider my grade.
Thank you,

please tell me if this email is approprate.

---

IMO, he doesn't sound like the kind of guy who would be sympathetic about the second paragraph (the stuff about working full time, etc). It might backfire and annoy him more. I think you should concentrate on defending your paper and be more specific in pointing out what's good about it, and also how it demonstrates that you understood the materials. I also agree that you should see him in person if you can, even if you have to camp out in front of his office. Good luck!!!!

WOW! I'm sorry that your professor is so horrible! def talk to him face to face and if you don't get anywhere with him i would go to the dean, or possibly the head of the department!
Good Luck

After asking my FH, who said the email sounded very professional, I sent it. Now I'm waiting for a response.

I would love to go to the department head or the dean, but I have no idea what to say to them. The only thing I do know is to bring copies of all my correspondence with the teacher.

I am soooo sorry hun. I agree with the girl a few posts above me. He does not sound like one who will be sympathetic to your email. I would just leave it as you don't think the grade is fair and you would like the chance to raise the grade. If he responds no, I would go to your director chair or even pres of the school. This professor sound like he is on a major power trip!!

---

Posted by ZuzusPetals

OOps I didnt read all the way through ... I just saw that you sent it. No biggie!

---

I did spellcheck before I sent it.
He did reply no . Like I said before, I don't know what to say to the department chair. How do I approach this?

Oh and the teacher's response:
Your topic was approved, however the content provided was totally unacceptable for graduate work. This is clearly evidenced by the papers provided by your fellow students at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Unfortunately perfect attendance is not the determinant of a final grade. If you have test anxiety there are counselors available that may help. If the consular notifies the instructor, special arrangements may be made. Your performance on the midterm was an early warning signal, and you should have spoken to me at that time. I was available in my office from Monday through Thursday.
Again, all students have the right to review there final exam, and currently you have an appointment this Wednesday.

Like I have time to go to a counsler tell me what I already know, and all the teacher's office hours were when I was at work and could not get off.

When you failed the midterm, did you talk to him about it?

I think it is really difficult to fail a class in graduate school unless the professor really hates you.

---

Posted by Bridex100

When you failed the midterm, did you talk to him about it?

I think it is really difficult to fail a class in graduate school unless the professor really hates you.

---

I tried, but when I tried to make arrangements to see him outside of office hours he would not let me. He only stuck to his office hours and that's it.

So his last response cc the department chair and some other teacher at the school. So last night I decided the send the following email in response:

I did try to talk to you after the midterm, but you only made yourself available during your office hours, during which I was unable to make an appointment because of work, and I could not take time off from work. As for seeing a counselor, I don't need someone to tell me the same thing I knew since middle school, and no amount of counseling will help it go away, which I don't have time for to begin with. And test grades alone should not be the sole determinate if a student passes or fails a class.
By this time I was pissed.

This morning I find the following response in my inbox:
I will be in my office tomorrow from 1-3.
I guess he want to talk now.

Look - I know this isn't want you want to hear but
As a former professor I don't think your email is inappropriate.

You don't get a good grade for showing up. Nor can your professor know that you understand the material if you don't do well on the exams.

Though your professor should have been more available to you durring the semester you should have pushed the issues. If you have test anxiety, which can be helped, why did you not ask for a take home exam?

I think you should go talk to you professor -- not because he'll change your grade (which is rather unlikely) -- but to learn what not to do next time.

Also you need to know why you did so poorly on your paper. That is rather important.

---

Posted by thelilacone

So his last response cc the department chair and some other teacher at the school. So last night I decided the send the following email in response:

I did try to talk to you after the midterm, but you only made yourself available during your office hours, during which I was unable to make an appointment because of work, and I could not take time off from work. As for seeing a counselor, I don't need someone to tell me the same thing I knew since middle school, and no amount of counseling will help it go away, which I don't have time for to begin with. And test grades alone should not be the sole determinate if a student passes or fails a class.
By this time I was pissed.

This morning I find the following response in my inbox:
I will be in my office tomorrow from 1-3.
I guess he want to talk now.

---

Ugh profs!!

I think his point about the counselor was that if you met with one and he verified that you had test anxiety special accomodations would have been made.

That being said, the guy clearly is an @ss. Good luck with your meeting. I think your best case is his inflexible office hours and your attempt to meet with him. I hate profs like that!

WoW!!!! did you CC to the department chair as well!!! Good luck with him tomorrow!