Microbio. Prof is insane.

[Yuyukachoo]

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I'm a freshman taking microbiology this semester, and the class itself is easy despite the professor's heavy accent and complete reliance on power point to teach the lectures. I've aced the first quiz and homework because it's all just common sense from Bio. 101. She gave out a take home exam last week and I used a blue pen in class to do all the easy questions and skipped the ones I didn't know. Later in the week I used a red pen to go in and fill out the ones I needed to check in the book for. Cut to this Monday, she asks me if I see anything wrong with my paper. I said that if I were her I'd probably be mad because of how messy it is. She then accuses me of having someone else fill in the red marks because they are bubbled differently than the blue ones. I was completely confused about it and couldn't even think of a defense for myself, so I just nodded while she told me that she had made copies of it for herself and blah blah.
I'm wondering what I should do about this. I don't know if I should write a letter to her or the department chair, or go and find out if any action is being taken against me. Thanks for any help. 😡

 

[Jolie South]

I would chill out and wait to see what happens.

Next time, as crazy as it sounds to you, just use the blue pen and try not to draw attention to yourself.

 

[PanicAttack]

She gave you a take-home exam and then got worried about people cheating?
You're right, that is insane.

 

[mdgator]

Okay, are you at UF? Because I had an EERILY similar experience with an insane microbio professor a couple of years ago.

 

[scowdeva]

I would suggest you tell her what happened...that it was your way of keeping track of the questions and answers. And seriously, she says that they are BUBBLED differently??? Just talk to her, kiss a lil @$$ to make her happy, and promise that you won't do anything like that again. If nothing else, it will make her feel superior and 'in charge', that you're apologizing for what color ink you chose to use, and then if you need help or anything later in the semester the odds of her holding a grudge will be much less than if you just say nothing.

I wouldn't suggest going above her to file a complaint, at least unless she is bringing charges of academic dishonesty about it. If you were to go to her supervisor without trying to talk to her first, it is guaranteed to make her your enemy, which can only work against you. Don't worry too much, I had my share of crazy profs who had some serious god complexes, but I just steered clear when I could and smiled and batted my eyelashes when I couldn't. Its sad, but it makes life a ton easier!

 

[186321]

I would chill out and wait to see what happens.

Next time, as crazy as it sounds to you, just use the blue pen and try not to draw attention to yourself.

No disrespect to Jolie South, but there is no way you let some worthless teacher attack your integrity without defending yourself. I would write her a personal letter as well as one to the department head. Be sure to stress how insulted you were and how you hold your honor and integrity with high regard. You are innocent, and you shouldn't let some insane woman walk around campus assuming you're a cheater. I would love to give that lowlife professor a piece of my mind...

 

[Jolie South]

No disrespect to Jolie South, but there is no way you let some worthless teacher attack your integrity without defending yourself. I would write her a personal letter as well as one to the department head. Be sure to stress how insulted you were and how you hold your honor and integrity with high regard. You are innocent, and you shouldn't let some insane woman walk around campus assuming you're a cheater. I would love to give that lowlife professor a piece of my mind...

Unless this woman were to report the OP for cheating, there is little to be gained by writing a letter. This woman's not going to change.

I've had some horrible professors before, and from what I understand if they have tenure, letters/comments don't change much unless something really unethical/against policy happens. Why make things more uncomfortable for yourself if there will be no effect?

You're free to believe otherwise.