My students know that I will generally take their side in most situations that pop up during the course of an academic year. For the last six years, I have helped my students through a variety of incredibly difficult personal issues (pregnancies, imprisonment, depression, loss of family members, serious illness...the list goes on and on). When bad things happen to you, it can feel like your world is ending, and school is usually something that goes on the "back burner" until all of your other issues get fixed. I will be the first person to tell you that you have to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Until you feel comfortable and solid in yourself, you're not going to be able to give as much concentration to your studies as they probably require.
That being said, if you are dealing with these issues, you have to be careful about how you approach your classroom conduct. You may be incurring a lot of absences or a lot of missed assignments. How you deal with these problems will be the determining factor in how quickly you bounce back (academically).
The number one thing you need to remember is to put yourself in the professor's place (scary wardrobe and all). If you had to miss several classes because of a death in the family, tell the professor that...but consider how YOU would react if someone was saying the same thing to you. Don't understand what I mean? Here are some examples of what students say to professors (with legitimate excuses!) and what the professors hear...and then some tips on navigating the situation to the best possible advantage.
Situation 1: You have missed several classes because your grandmother died, you are Jewish so you were required to sit Shiva. During your absences, you missed a quiz and two homework assignments. What Your Professor Hears: blah, blah, blah, dead grandma, blah, blah, blah, not prepared for quiz. Advisor Translation: You need to understand that, while your professor may WANT to be sympathetic to your situation, they have probably been "burned" before. One of my favorite English professors calls himself "the Grandma killer" because he has at least 5 students tell him that their grandmother died right before his final each semester. While we want to believe the best of our students, they often show us their worst. The Big Tip: Your very first step should be to e-mail the professor BEFORE you leave town. I know you're not going to be in the best mental state, but prepare one e-mail and copy each of your professors. Explain that you are going to be out of town for at least a week and will provide documentation when you return to school. It sounds vulgar to say it, but the more documentation you provide to your professors, the better off you are. If you have a copy of your grandmother's obituary or funeral program (the best bet is something that lists you as a surviving relative), you are far more likely to get an "excused" absence!
Situation 2: You have online labs to do for your Psychology class. You have completed each one, but none are showing up on your course Blackboard as having been completed. As a result, your grade for the course is dramatically lower than it should be. You decide to speak with professor about what is obviously a computer error. What Your Professor Hears: Hey, I waited until the last minute to complete my online lab (there is a time limit) and the system cut me off before I could submit--now I can't go back and re-do the lab! Advisor Translation: If your Psychology class is big enough for online labs (our PSYC 101 classes have several hundred students), your professor probably doesn't know your first name and so they don't know if you are a procrastinator or not. You are the only one who knows your study habits...what you need is PROOF! The Big Tip: When you do each one of those online labs, print the confirmation screen. This screen will be date and time stamped and will prove to your professor that the lab was completed in a timely fashion--so if there is any kind of computer error, you have evidence!
Situation 3: You are sick...not crazy, viral pneumonia-kind of sick, but you're sure not feeling good and you have the relative certainty that if you attend class, projectile vomiting will ensue. What Your Professor Hears: Well, they don't hear anything, do they? Because you don't show up to class, your professor assumes you're taking a "mental health day". You will probably tell them later that you were "really, really sick"--they're going to assume you were having a "really, really good time playing Halo." Advisor Translation: Seriously, I can't tell you how many times I've had students tell me they were sick. I once had a student e-mail me to tell me they were sick and then I spotted them outside my office enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Your professors have heard every excuse under the sun...and they've heard it over and over again. Stand out from the crowd (and don't stand out by telling them you have SARS...) The Big Tip: Even if you think you'll be better after a day in bed, for the love of God, go to your University Health Center! They can give you a note that says (if nothing else) "Student A was seen by our clinic on this date." Send a pre-emptive e-mail to your professor telling them that you are sick and will provide them with documentation when you return...but send the e-mail BEFORE you miss class.
Situation 4: You have a giant paper due for your English class and one of the following situations occurs: a) you are required to submit it to the course website electronically and the site goes down or, b) you have to submit a paper copy and you are out of paper or, c) you have to submit a paper copy and you are out of ink for your printer. What Your Professor Hears: I waited until the last minute to do my paper and I just couldn't get it done. Advisor Translation: Seriously, professors hear these excuses all the time. My colleague has actually given the first situation the nickname of "the Internet ate my homework." The Big Tip: I know this is going to start sounding repetitive, but how about a little documentation? If the course website is down, print the error screen that comes up. If you don't have paper or ink, why not e-mail your paper to the professor as an attachment with an apology?
We could go on and on with this, but I'm not writing a book here. If I have one educational philosophy it's this: cover your ass. If you have problems or issues, document everything so you don't get screwed over!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Walk With Purpose
As an undergraduate Theatre major at Hollins University, there were a few things that I was pretty much required to do. I was generally obligated to join the Hollins chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (the national Theatre fraternity/sorority/ambiguity...I went to an all girl's school--we didn't feel comfortable just calling something a "fraternity".) On a grander scale, I was responsible for wearing a lot of black clothing and talking loudly on a regular basis (it's nice to know that some things don't really change). But academically, few Theatre majors completed their degree without the obligatory internship at Roanoke, VA's Mill Mountain Theatre. Most of us worked in the scene shop, or we worked running crew for a production (some of us managed to do both)--but we all spent time at Mill Mountain...including my friend Lucia.
Now, Lucia got an internship working running crew for a production of All In the Timing (a collection of one-acts). Her primary responsibility was to move furniture in between scenes. I can remember very clearly Lucia coming back to the dorm one evening and being very frustrated with a note she received from her stage manager. When she went out onstage, Lucia needed to "walk with purpose". Lucia had no idea what that meant and we spent the next few weeks mocking that obscure note from the stage manager (Lucia determined the "purpose" with which she was to walk was that of mowing down anyone in her path--this created some very humorous scene changes).
I am older and wiser now. I know that walking with "purpose" simply means that you don't wander aimlessly all over the stage. You move quickly and directly from point A to point B.
I mention all of this because I see a lot of students who don't "walk with purpose" in their education. It's fine to take classes in things that interest you (even if they don't fulfill a degree requirement!) but you can't pursue your degree aimlessly. If you've "checked out" on your education, before you've really even started it, what is the point?
The same holds true in those dreaded general education classes. If you don't apply yourself to them and take advantage of the learning they afford you, then it will take you twice as long to learn basic concepts. What do I mean? I mean the students who wander aimlessly in their gen ed classes by doing the MINIMAL amount of work, by keeping their laptops open and playing on Facebook when they're in class, by making the assumption that they know EVERYTHING that the class has to teach them, rather than opening themselves to new possibilities. That's not walking with purpose.
Here's something else to consider: I've discussed before that many of my performing arts students are held to "professional" standards (Theatre students, Music students, I'm looking at you!) If it is your intent to have a PROFESSIONAL career in either of these fields, do you really and honestly believe that you are taking purposeful strides by behaving so poorly in ANY of your classes? Ask yourself if you would treat a professional director or conductor the way you have treated some of your professors? Most of you know (or should know) that you NEVER show up late for a rehearsal or a performance. You should be treating your classes the same way.
Above all, remember this. When you are in elementary, junior high, and high school, your education is a right. The state and the federal government mandate that each student (regardless of race or gender) has the right to an education. Once you get out of high school, any further education you acquire is a privilege. You must (unless you are lucky enough to get a full scholarship) pay for any education you receive. Wouldn't it be better to start treating your time in college as a privilege, rather than an obligation? You are the only person who can determine what to do with your life and the choices you make. I am simply suggesting that you walk through your educational journey with purpose and professionalism.
Now, Lucia got an internship working running crew for a production of All In the Timing (a collection of one-acts). Her primary responsibility was to move furniture in between scenes. I can remember very clearly Lucia coming back to the dorm one evening and being very frustrated with a note she received from her stage manager. When she went out onstage, Lucia needed to "walk with purpose". Lucia had no idea what that meant and we spent the next few weeks mocking that obscure note from the stage manager (Lucia determined the "purpose" with which she was to walk was that of mowing down anyone in her path--this created some very humorous scene changes).
I am older and wiser now. I know that walking with "purpose" simply means that you don't wander aimlessly all over the stage. You move quickly and directly from point A to point B.
I mention all of this because I see a lot of students who don't "walk with purpose" in their education. It's fine to take classes in things that interest you (even if they don't fulfill a degree requirement!) but you can't pursue your degree aimlessly. If you've "checked out" on your education, before you've really even started it, what is the point?
The same holds true in those dreaded general education classes. If you don't apply yourself to them and take advantage of the learning they afford you, then it will take you twice as long to learn basic concepts. What do I mean? I mean the students who wander aimlessly in their gen ed classes by doing the MINIMAL amount of work, by keeping their laptops open and playing on Facebook when they're in class, by making the assumption that they know EVERYTHING that the class has to teach them, rather than opening themselves to new possibilities. That's not walking with purpose.
Here's something else to consider: I've discussed before that many of my performing arts students are held to "professional" standards (Theatre students, Music students, I'm looking at you!) If it is your intent to have a PROFESSIONAL career in either of these fields, do you really and honestly believe that you are taking purposeful strides by behaving so poorly in ANY of your classes? Ask yourself if you would treat a professional director or conductor the way you have treated some of your professors? Most of you know (or should know) that you NEVER show up late for a rehearsal or a performance. You should be treating your classes the same way.
Above all, remember this. When you are in elementary, junior high, and high school, your education is a right. The state and the federal government mandate that each student (regardless of race or gender) has the right to an education. Once you get out of high school, any further education you acquire is a privilege. You must (unless you are lucky enough to get a full scholarship) pay for any education you receive. Wouldn't it be better to start treating your time in college as a privilege, rather than an obligation? You are the only person who can determine what to do with your life and the choices you make. I am simply suggesting that you walk through your educational journey with purpose and professionalism.
Friday, March 6, 2009
To Withdraw or Not to Withdraw...That is the Question
I can't tell you if it's "noble" or not, but this is a question that a lot of my students are facing right now...and it's an important question for me to try to help you with. Ultimately, every student has to decide for themselves if they are going to withdraw from a class, but I can give you some tips to navigate the withdrawing minefield.
Step 1: Gather Ye Information While Ye May. There is a finite amount of time to withdraw from classes. Each school will set a final date to withdraw from classes for a given semester...so find out that date!
Step 2: Gather Ye Grades. Did you receive a mid-term grade for your classes? Was that grade a D or an F? If no mid-term grade was posted, but you feel like your grade is on the poopy side, check out your Blackboard site for the class (if applicable).
Step 3: Readeth Ye Yon Syllabus. If you've taken 2 exams already, how many exams are left in the course? Your syllabus can tell you! Does your professor drop the lowest grade? The syllabus can tell you that too!
Step 4: Knoweth Ye Yon Professor's Mind. If your mind misgives about a class, have a conversation with the professor. Repeat after me, "My grade is currently a D...is there any way I can bring that up to a passing grade by the end of the semester?" Listen to what the professor says!
Step 5: Knoweth Thine Own Mind and Abilities. If your professor tells you that you would need to get an A on EVERY test from now until the end of the semester in order to bring up your grade, how practical is it for you to remain in the class?
Step 6: Knoweth Ye Thine Own Curriculum. Is the class you are withdrawing from required for your degree? By withdrawing, you will run the risk of falling behind in the completion of your degree. Are you willing to take summer classes to make up for the loss? Is this a "sequenced" class (meaning that you have to complete this class in order to go on to another class)? You will need to be EXTRA cautious about withdrawing from major classes and sequenced classes.
Step 7: Knoweth Ye Thine Own Transcript. Have you withdrawn from classes before? Are you currently on Academic Warning or Probation? These are all factors that can affect withdrawing. If you receive financial aid, you need to be cautious about how many classes you withdraw from or fail (this affects your "completion rate". The Federal Government requires that students complete 67% of the courses they sign up to take.)
Once you have completed these steps, run (do not walk, do not pass Go, do not collect $200) to your Advisor's office. Your advisor can talk you through your responses to each of these steps. Remember that you are making an INFORMED decision about your education. Withdrawing can be beneficial because a W on your transcript does not affect your gpa (a D or an F can SERIOUSLY affect your gpa!) But you need to be cautious and smart about the classes you withdraw from!
Step 1: Gather Ye Information While Ye May. There is a finite amount of time to withdraw from classes. Each school will set a final date to withdraw from classes for a given semester...so find out that date!
Step 2: Gather Ye Grades. Did you receive a mid-term grade for your classes? Was that grade a D or an F? If no mid-term grade was posted, but you feel like your grade is on the poopy side, check out your Blackboard site for the class (if applicable).
Step 3: Readeth Ye Yon Syllabus. If you've taken 2 exams already, how many exams are left in the course? Your syllabus can tell you! Does your professor drop the lowest grade? The syllabus can tell you that too!
Step 4: Knoweth Ye Yon Professor's Mind. If your mind misgives about a class, have a conversation with the professor. Repeat after me, "My grade is currently a D...is there any way I can bring that up to a passing grade by the end of the semester?" Listen to what the professor says!
Step 5: Knoweth Thine Own Mind and Abilities. If your professor tells you that you would need to get an A on EVERY test from now until the end of the semester in order to bring up your grade, how practical is it for you to remain in the class?
Step 6: Knoweth Ye Thine Own Curriculum. Is the class you are withdrawing from required for your degree? By withdrawing, you will run the risk of falling behind in the completion of your degree. Are you willing to take summer classes to make up for the loss? Is this a "sequenced" class (meaning that you have to complete this class in order to go on to another class)? You will need to be EXTRA cautious about withdrawing from major classes and sequenced classes.
Step 7: Knoweth Ye Thine Own Transcript. Have you withdrawn from classes before? Are you currently on Academic Warning or Probation? These are all factors that can affect withdrawing. If you receive financial aid, you need to be cautious about how many classes you withdraw from or fail (this affects your "completion rate". The Federal Government requires that students complete 67% of the courses they sign up to take.)
Once you have completed these steps, run (do not walk, do not pass Go, do not collect $200) to your Advisor's office. Your advisor can talk you through your responses to each of these steps. Remember that you are making an INFORMED decision about your education. Withdrawing can be beneficial because a W on your transcript does not affect your gpa (a D or an F can SERIOUSLY affect your gpa!) But you need to be cautious and smart about the classes you withdraw from!
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