Maybe getting a B in a class because of one absence. What should I do?

[pduckworth]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi guys. Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've kind of got myself stuck in a situation that I need to figure out before the semester ends (only three weeks left!). At my university, there is an optional 1 credit hour "Problem Solving" class that you can take along with Physics I and II. It's a small class of about 30 students that meets once a week with a TA for extra Physics help. Your grade is solely based on attendance unless you get an A in your Physics lecture, then you automatically get an A in the problem solving class.

I have had perfect attendance in the class except for one absence. Earlier this semester, I had salmonella poisoning and was in the hospital for a few days. Because of that, I missed a problem solving class. A syllabus was never distributed for the course, but I knew that there would be 12 attendance grades, and in my mind, I assumed that I'd have 11/12 = 92% = A. However, I just learned last Monday that if you miss even just one week, you automatically get a B (unless you have an A in lecture). Currently, I am barely scraping by with an A-.

I don't think that this is very fair, but I have no idea what to do. I already talked to the TA and he basically told me "tough luck". My professor for lecture oversees everything that the TA does, but I don't know if I even have an argument. Do any of you have any advice? I'd hate for another B to be on transcript because of something so small!

 

[aSagacious]

If you have documentation for your illness see if your TA will consider it. Otherwise, even in the worst case scenario you're only looking at a B in a 1 credit class. It will do almost nothing to your GPA.

 

[Northwesterly]

If you have documentation for your illness see if your TA will consider it. Otherwise, even in the worst case scenario you're only looking at a B in a 1 credit class. It will do almost nothing to your GPA.

This. And I would hope it'd be hard to spend a few days in the hospital without having some documentation.
Good luck, OP.

 

[pduckworth]

I know in the long run that a B in a one credit hour course won't look like a lot, but I already have a few other B's dragging down my GPA. I'm terrified of anymore, haha.

Do you guys think a hospital would be able to provide me documentation if I was there in September? I feel so silly asking for it in the middle of November.


This is all totally my fault for not getting it when I was there to begin with D:

 

[aSagacious]

Do you guys think a hospital would be able to provide me documentation if I was there in September? I feel so silly asking for it in the middle of November.

Sure. You'd contact the 'medical records' department (or the equivalent). All you'd need is a document describing your CC and the length of your stay. I think the TA will be understanding.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Sure. You'd contact the 'medical records' department (or the equivalent). All you'd need is a document describing your CC and the length of your stay. I think the TA will be understanding.

Indeed, but you need to stop freaking out over this situation. As noted, it is not a big deal at all. If your TA helps you out, great. If not, it won't hurt you.

 

[nvnme]

Sad to say, but I don't see how you're going to bounce back from this one.

 

[kkuhn]

Chill out, I got in with two C's and a bunch of B's!!!! yeaaahhhh

 

[chrissyxf]

Had a similar issue with physics this year. couldn't make up the session because it fell during some weird holiday break, etc. anyway, the TA wouldn't budge so I went and spoke to the professor and explained the situation. I also went with a way to make it up- writing up a page on the stuff that I had missed. I did the fake assignment, they gave me half credit for "attending" the missed session. I get that getting a B, even in a 1 credit course can be a bummer- but like others have said, it's also not the end of the world. And hey, an A- in physics is pretty good (my personal worst class!).

 

[myronnie]

Oh wow went back and reread your post..we have totally different professors.. My professor lets us miss 3 classes and still get a grade higher in the lecture. Obtain documentation and get on it man! I have Dr. Criss for problem solving and lecture..not sure who you have. But Good luck!

Also, always always always obtain syllabi from blackboard at the beginning of each semester and familiarize yourself with it. Nobody is expected to hand you the information person to person. We have so many professors that one professor's rule may not be the same for another.

 

[Neurosis]

it's just a B calm down. 🙄

 

[cyanide12345678]

Well first of all, a B in a 1 credit course is not a big deal at all. It will do NOTHING to your GPA.

Having said that, I think its more about the principle here. I don't think you deserve a B for not being present for that 1 day in class. Get your medical records. And just talk to the TA. And if he/she doesn't listen, then talk to the professor. Tell the professor that you attended every other class. The professor will be understanding of the issue. If not, sue the school 😉

 

[notbobtrustme]

Should start looking at Caribbean schools.

 

[eHombre]

If you have documentation for your illness see if your TA will consider it. Otherwise, even in the worst case scenario you're only looking at a B in a 1 credit class. It will do almost nothing to your GPA.

This is good advice, and as others have said, I wouldn't sweat it much either way. HOWEVER, if the TA is being recalcitrant, you should really be going over your TA's head to the course professor if you have a documented medical absence. The key here is documentation, of course.

 

[IlDestriero]

Take it like a man.
There's always DO.


.
.

If you were really an inpatient at the time, they can't hold that against you, though they may have you make up the "work" somehow.
It's one credit. Who cares. 3.99 here you come.