Professor not allowing me to make up exam

[Magyarzorag]

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Exam is worth 15% of course grade. The exam was on proctor u, and is in a pre-req science course. I had logged into proctor u normally and did a system check, and my computer and internet connection passed the check. However, when it came to opening the proctor chat box, I got a blank box. Although a proctor was connected, I cannot communicate with the proctor as I cannot see the messages because the proctor chat box wasn't working. I was talking with customer service trying to resolve the issue, but by the time I finished, the exam's deadline had already passed.

My professor's policy is that she will allow makeups if it was proctor u's fault, but not if it is my fault or I had internet issues. She contacted proctor U and they said my internet connection was weak and I refused to communicate with the proctor. My internet connection passed their system check, and I was also taking the exam at my University Library. And I couldn't respond to the proctor cause the proctor's chat was blank.

Do you think I'm in the wrong or proctor U is in the wrong, or somewhere in the middle. I did everything under my control to make sure my computer met the requirements, including passing the system, check. The main issue is regarding why the chat box wouldn't pop up that will allow me to communicate with a proctor.

The highest grade I can get is a C+ without this exam. I feel like its ridiculous I would get a 0 for something out of my control. I would understand if I outright forgot about the exam, but they are punishing me as if I was cheating. Even if I cheated, at least I have a 20% chance of not getting caught and getting a grade. Here, I'm automatically awarded a 0.

Would it be wise to speak to the Dean? While the delay cannot be said to be exclusively proctor u's fault, it also cannot be on my part, or it was something that was completely out of my control as I made sure my computer passed the system.

 

[Moko]

Exam is worth 15% of course grade. The exam was on proctor u, and is in a pre-req science course. I had logged into proctor u normally and did a system check, and my computer and internet connection passed the check. However, when it came to opening the proctor chat box, I got a blank box. Although a proctor was connected, I cannot communicate with the proctor as I cannot see the messages because the proctor chat box wasn't working. I was talking with customer service trying to resolve the issue, but by the time I finished, the exam's deadline had already passed.

My professor's policy is that she will allow makeups if it was proctor u's fault, but not if it is my fault or I had internet issues. She contacted proctor U and they said my internet connection was weak and I refused to communicate with the proctor. My internet connection passed their system check, and I was also taking the exam at my University Library. And I couldn't respond to the proctor cause the proctor's chat was blank.

Do you think I'm in the wrong or proctor U is in the wrong, or somewhere in the middle. I did everything under my control to make sure my computer met the requirements, including passing the system, check. The main issue is regarding why the chat box wouldn't pop up that will allow me to communicate with a proctor.

The highest grade I can get is a C+ without this exam. I feel like its ridiculous I would get a 0 for something out of my control. I would understand if I outright forgot about the exam, but they are punishing me as if I was cheating. Even if I cheated, at least I have a 20% chance of not getting caught and getting a grade. Here, I'm automatically awarded a 0.

Would it be wise to speak to the Dean? While the delay cannot be said to be exclusively proctor u's fault, it also cannot be on my part, or it was something that was completely out of my control as I made sure my computer passed the system.

Why is a medical student (per your status) worrying about a pre-req class? 🤔

Regardless, it doesn't matter whether we think you're in the right or wrong. Your professor's opinion is what matters in this case. Do you have a college adviser, if so, you could try to run it by them. Sometimes a faculty-to-faculty email is more likely to elicit a desired response. However, if your professor is dead set on their decision, your most viable alternative would be to take a W and move on. Just my thoughts. Good luck

 

[Goro]

Exam is worth 15% of course grade. The exam was on proctor u, and is in a pre-req science course. I had logged into proctor u normally and did a system check, and my computer and internet connection passed the check. However, when it came to opening the proctor chat box, I got a blank box. Although a proctor was connected, I cannot communicate with the proctor as I cannot see the messages because the proctor chat box wasn't working. I was talking with customer service trying to resolve the issue, but by the time I finished, the exam's deadline had already passed.

My professor's policy is that she will allow makeups if it was proctor u's fault, but not if it is my fault or I had internet issues. She contacted proctor U and they said my internet connection was weak and I refused to communicate with the proctor. My internet connection passed their system check, and I was also taking the exam at my University Library. And I couldn't respond to the proctor cause the proctor's chat was blank.

Do you think I'm in the wrong or proctor U is in the wrong, or somewhere in the middle. I did everything under my control to make sure my computer met the requirements, including passing the system, check. The main issue is regarding why the chat box wouldn't pop up that will allow me to communicate with a proctor.

The highest grade I can get is a C+ without this exam. I feel like its ridiculous I would get a 0 for something out of my control. I would understand if I outright forgot about the exam, but they are punishing me as if I was cheating. Even if I cheated, at least I have a 20% chance of not getting caught and getting a grade. Here, I'm automatically awarded a 0.

Would it be wise to speak to the Dean? While the delay cannot be said to be exclusively proctor u's fault, it also cannot be on my part, or it was something that was completely out of my control as I made sure my computer passed the system.

What does the course syllabus say about make up exams?

 

[Magyarzorag]

@Goro
The syllabus states that if the error was on Proctor U's side, a makeup exam will be given. However, if the error was on the test takers, no makeup exam will be given. My internet and computer were fine according to proctor u's standard. However, I had difficulty connecting to a proctor and communicating with the proctor, although one was provided (Proctors chatbox came out blank on my computer after downloading chatbox multiple times). So both Proctor U provided a proctor, and I attempted to connect to the proctor, but I couldn't connect (wasn't the internets problem).

 

[Magyarzorag]

In any case, even if the problem was on my side, it was out of my control and a chance occurence. I did everything to make sure I had a working computer and took the exam at my library to ensure I had a good internet connection. Why I was unable to connect was not in my control or required technological skills beyond what I am responsible to have (making sure I have a working computer and good internet). Its analagous to missing an exam cause I got into a fender bender on my way to the exam.

 

[sparkysparkyboomman]

Knowing the type of person I am, I would contact a higher up.

Especially since you were connected to the school’s own internet.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Yeah, might not be a bad idea to talk to campus IT and see if they can help you backtrack the problem or get better documentation of whatever happened. You can frame it as I'd like to know what happened here to make sure it won't happen again next time or to anyone else. Hell it could've been something with the University's firewall.

I'd bet the library has some documentation of you being there to back your story.

 

[wholeheartedly]

also that company has some concerning reviews.

 

[Goro]

In any case, even if the problem was on my side, it was out of my control and a chance occurence. I did everything to make sure I had a working computer and took the exam at my library to ensure I had a good internet connection. Why I was unable to connect was not in my control or required technological skills beyond what I am responsible to have (making sure I have a working computer and good internet). Its analagous to missing an exam cause I got into a fender bender on my way to the exam.

Can you drop the course? If so, do it.

FYI, a W will be harmless