reallyy upset/crazy school situation

[WildlifeSaver]

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This is a long story, but I will try to make it as short as I can to make sense of all of this.

Last semester I took a math class, but could not complete the work for certain circumstances. I received a "I" (incomplete) for not finishing some little work. I missed the final and was given a deadline to complete it into next semester.

I was scheduled to take the test on a day (only have one day and one certain time unlike the normal way to put it in a center to take and have up to two weeks) with the math department, but again my circumstances lead me to not complete it at this time, which forced me to move the date back even longer once more. When the second time came, I could not make it and told them in advanced to make it a different day and again, this was due to my circumstance. To reschedule the exam, I went personally to the department to talk instead of the phone. I think things are better said in person then an email or phone. Before I was set to go in on my third time, the math department even reminded me the day before that I was coming and I said I would be there and set the time..Just everything. On the third time, I was all ready while going there and glad I was getting it over with, but I couldn't go because I was having a family issue that was more important. This time, I didn't contact them till 2 weeks after and they told me to contact the teacher and I failed because I didn't take it. I didn't contact them because I was going through things at the time and didn't think they would extend it, so I kind of gave up. Its funny that they told me I received a F, but when I call admissions to inquire about my record, I still have an incomplete AFTER ALL THAT TIME which past from when I was suppose to take it. So my next course of action was to do what they told me to do, which was to contact the teacher.

I wrote him a note and put it in his inbox on campus. I wrote him the day I was called. He called me on my phone one day when I was at work, so I did not receive it till later that day. His message he left told me that I could only contact him with any questions or concerns by calling the math department or by email. He told me he was putting it in the learning resource center and I had 2 weeks to take it which was plenty of time. To add to what he told me, he said the math department told him that I kept on delaying it and never took it when was supposed to. I choose to email him. I personally think, since I was having a problem, that contacting him directly by any means of communication was the best choice of action by then going through what he said she said deal. Besides I feel like it was between him and I since he makes the decisions while being my teacher as well. Also, contacting the math department wasn't doing me any good anyway, so why go back where the problem started?! Guess what the response I got from the teacher after that email was sent, NOTHING. One week goes by then another. No communication by him occurred. I choose to email again and the response I get was nothing.

A lot of time goes by so then, I email again and no response. After this no response, I immediately write a note and threw it in his inbox at school. I put it in there Thursday last week and today is Tuesday of this week. It's almost a full week later and I get nothing. I think it's very unfair that a teacher can't write you back after he said I could email him. Just in general if you are a teacher, don't you think you should respect your students like they respect you? It's not even about that, it's just the right thing to do and is professional.

Today, I call the math department to ask if I can speak to xx teacher. The lady that I have always talked to from the department asks if this is xx and I say yes. She tells me that I was suppose to take the test in the center and failed to meet the deadline. She says that I have failed the class and tells me why by throwing my irresponsibility in my face telling me how I had many opportunities and this was the last one. Long pause after she plays my father's role. I then ask her, so what is going on with the teacher and why hasn't he respond to me. She tells me, "he didn't respond to you because you failed to take the test before the deadline". This is the most annoying pathetic thing anyone could ever say. I say: "even if I wasn't allowed to take the test anymore, why does that give him the right not to ever talk to me even if I couldn't take or could or whatever". I say: I did! The entire conversation was her rudeness up to the point where I started throwing valid points out. She became quiet toned and listened to me more and yes I stayed sane and tried not to be angry or argue.

The math department and my math teacher knew what was going on with me and my issues. My teacher especially knew this throughout the semester. I have documentations of proof to why I missed all 2 chances to take it, however, I do not for the forth test, but do you think it is fair when I emailed him the day of the phone call that I needed an extra week because of my busy work schedule (2 jobs), school schedule (full time)and volunteer schedule (2 activities currently). I will honestly tell u there was no room to call out or be a mess up for my new volunteer things. I was back to back against the wall every day for 7 days straight. I know its my problem and maybe I should of done something differently and its my fault, but I think there is no reason for what happened did. I was criticized and belittled to the point where I think it was abusive to be honest. I told her I was at a xxx cc for 3 years and she is like what 2 times I repeated. I told her that I never had a teacher like this before in all my years.
Now, I am at a bad point because I could go to the teacher or make a appointment with the dean. I also do not know if I should get hardcore for this test because I bet they would only give me less then a week or a day if I have a chance.

Just to add b/c I forgot. The teacher was good in doing what he needed to do for his students. He went through the material. He taught by assigning students to the chalk board to do hw problems the entire class. Not the best way to do it, but it's just my opinion. You had to teach yourself if you wanted to survive. I asked him if we were going to review for the final and he said he was going to make a study guide, but never did. Instead the study guide was random book problems that were all messed up on the board from the students doing them. A lot of the time you couldn't even read the students writing nor were all of them corrected how to do them. He was supposed to give us part of our syllabus that had dates of what material with the time frames on it with hw assignments, but never did. He is an adjunct teacher as well. Over all, he was always at class and on time and tried. He made it fun at times when his students were joking around.

What would you guys do or how would you feel about this? Has this ever happened to anyone before?
I just feel like I have been accused of some murder and it sucks. I just want to get my grade for the class. 🙁
I am afraid to make this a big production with the dean and everyone.

 

[david594]

So you missed your 3rd reschedule date and waited 2 weeks beyond that to contact them about it? They then gave you a 2 week window(4th chance) to take it in, to which you responded by calling back asking for an extra week on top of that? And they never got back to you so you missed that window because you had 2 jobs and volunteer commitments?

 

[WildlifeSaver]

So you missed your 3rd reschedule date and waited 2 weeks beyond that to contact them about it? They then gave you a 2 week window(4th chance) to take it in, to which you responded by calling back asking for an extra week on top of that? And they never got back to you so you missed that window because you had 2 jobs and volunteer commitments?

No, you got it wrong. I did miss the 3rd one and it took 2 weeks for me to make a new time to take it. I had to miss the 3rd one. I had a crisis. I only had one day and one time I could take it. I shouldn't have been restricted in the first place when it should of went to the center (to take in whatever time the teacher gives you). The teacher was too lazy to bring it over there or think of it. Instead, I had to take it in the math office only when it was alright to this ladies time.
I do not wish to say my reasons. I know its sounds like bs on my side, but you can think what you want. I had work and school everyday back to back. I would work 16 hr shifts. All I needed was for him to read my email THAT HE SAID he would read if I needed anything. It wouldn't have been a big deal.

 

[Pandacinny]

At my school, they would have given me one chance on a specific day. If I missed it, I would have failed the test and the class. You missed four separate times. I'm not sure what the circumstances were on the first two, but "I work a lot" is NOT a valid reason to miss a test at most schools. Especially not if you've already missed it three times. At mine, documented medical issues or documented deaths in your immediate family got you out of a test, but nothing else did.

I'm sorry to say that, but it sounds like you're SOL. You might work on time management more - they don't have to give you two weeks to retake and sometimes, you just have to skip out on something else for school.

*Edit to Add* Teachers and schools can't be endlessly accommodating. Missing a test four separate times because you happened to have an issue for every single date over months of rescheduling is a little beyond what you could reasonably expect a school to work around. I say this as someone who worked and volunteered through school and has a family with MAJOR issues, so I kind of know where you're coming from.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

At my school, they would have given me one chance on a specific day. If I missed it, I would have failed the test and the class. You missed four separate times. I'm not sure what the circumstances were on the first two, but "I work a lot" is NOT a valid reason to miss a test at most schools. Especially not if you've already missed it three times. At mine, documented medical issues or documented deaths in your immediate family got you out of a test, but nothing else did.

I'm sorry to say that, but it sounds like you're SOL. You might work on time management more - they don't have to give you two weeks to retake and sometimes, you just have to skip out on something else for school.

*Edit to Add* Teachers and schools can't be endlessly accommodating. Missing a test four separate times because you happened to have an issue for every single date over months of rescheduling is a little beyond what you could reasonably expect a school to work around. I say this as someone who worked and volunteered through school and has a family with MAJOR issues, so I kind of know where you're coming from.

mine was the reason you mentioned and it was major

 

[DVMorBust]

So, is the frustration that you've still got it listed as Incomplete? Because that would be frustrating, especially if it were preventing a retake or something. Or if there was some school policy with incompletes and registering for other classes...

 

[Pandacinny]

Gotcha and I'm sorry to hear it sounds like you had a rough semester in general. I think right now, though, your only real option is to make sure the school has your transcript right and move on. It might be good to think of a shorter or more elegant way to phrase this to put it on your explanation statement when you apply to vet schools.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

So, is the frustration that you've still got it listed as Incomplete? Because that would be frustrating, especially if it were preventing a retake or something. Or if there was some school policy with incompletes and registering for other classes...

And the i don't care attitude reflects that the grade in fact was never changed. I know certain things in life do not get u a ticket out of things, but I didn't use it to have a longer time to take the exam like a lot of people bs.

 

[bunnity]

For most professors if you miss a test, you're lucky if you get to make it up. You make it up on their terms, when they say, where they say. It's not their job to reschedule your test four separate times and give you two weeks to take it. How are they supposed to get grades out to the class if the class hasn't all taken it? How can they ensure that the rest of your classmates aren't taking the test and then telling you what to study?

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but sometimes crisis or no crisis you have to just show up. If the problems were more important and imminent than the class, then they were more important than the class, and sometimes stuff just happens that way and your grades suffer. Vet school is four years long and odds are most people are going to go through some issue or crisis or family problem during that time. I don't think vet school professors are going to be re-scheduling tests over and over for someone - they will expect you to be there for tests pretty much no matter what, or if it's that big of a circumstance that you miss a test four times in a row, then you take a leave of absence and repeat the semester or something.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

Gotcha and I'm sorry to hear it sounds like you had a rough semester in general. I think right now, though, your only real option is to make sure the school has your transcript right and move on. It might be good to think of a shorter or more elegant way to phrase this to put it on your explanation statement when you apply to vet schools.

The sad part is, I care less about the grade and more about taking the next level math for transfer time.🙁 I should just give it up, but I think I have some valid points and maybe in a good mature manner, I have a chance?

 

[WildlifeSaver]

For most professors if you miss a test, you're lucky if you get to make it up. You make it up on their terms, when they say, where they say. It's not their job to reschedule your test four separate times and give you two weeks to take it. How are they supposed to get grades out to the class if the class hasn't all taken it? How can they ensure that the rest of your classmates aren't taking the test and then telling you what to study?

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but sometimes crisis or no crisis you have to just show up. If the problems were more important and imminent than the class, then they were more important than the class, and sometimes stuff just happens that way and your grades suffer. Vet school is four years long and odds are most people are going to go through some issue or crisis or family problem during that time. I don't think vet school professors are going to be re-scheduling tests over and over for someone - they will expect you to be there for tests pretty much no matter what, or if it's that big of a circumstance that you miss a test four times in a row, then you take a leave of absence and repeat the semester or something.

I know what you are saying and you are right about a lot of things you said. I got a "I" for the semester. I had all the way up to whenever the 2nd semester ended under what the teacher wanted to do. I wasn't even in contact with the teacher. Someone else took over. ehhh

 

[ri23]

This is a long story, but I will try to make it as short as I can to make sense of all of this.

Last semester I took a math class, but could not complete the work for certain circumstances. I received a "I" (incomplete) for not finishing some little work. I missed the final and was given a deadline to complete it into next semester.

I was scheduled to take the test on a day (only have one day and one certain time unlike the normal way to put it in a center to take and have up to two weeks) with the math department, but again my circumstances lead me to not complete it at this time, which forced me to move the date back even longer once more. When the second time came, I could not make it and told them in advanced to make it a different day and again, this was due to my circumstance. To reschedule the exam, I went personally to the department to talk instead of the phone. I think things are better said in person then an email or phone. Before I was set to go in on my third time, the math department even reminded me the day before that I was coming and I said I would be there and set the time..Just everything. On the third time, I was all ready while going there and glad I was getting it over with, but I couldn’t go because I was having a family issue that was more important. This time, I didn't contact them till 2 weeks after and they told me to contact the teacher and I failed because I didn’t take it. I didn't contact them because I was going through things at the time and didn't think they would extend it, so I kind of gave up. Its funny that they told me I received a F, but when I call admissions to inquire about my record, I still have an incomplete AFTER ALL THAT TIME which past from when I was suppose to take it. So my next course of action was to do what they told me to do, which was to contact the teacher.

I wrote him a note and put it in his inbox on campus. I wrote him the day I was called. He called me on my phone one day when I was at work, so I did not receive it till later that day. His message he left told me that I could only contact him with any questions or concerns by calling the math department or by email. He told me he was putting it in the learning resource center and I had 2 weeks to take it which was plenty of time. To add to what he told me, he said the math department told him that I kept on delaying it and never took it when was supposed to. I choose to email him. I personally think, since I was having a problem, that contacting him directly by any means of communication was the best choice of action by then going through what he said she said deal. Besides I feel like it was between him and I since he makes the decisions while being my teacher as well. Also, contacting the math department wasn’t doing me any good anyway, so why go back where the problem started?! Guess what the response I got from the teacher after that email was sent, NOTHING. One week goes by then another. No communication by him occurred. I choose to email again and the response I get was nothing.

A lot of time goes by so then, I email again and no response. After this no response, I immediately write a note and threw it in his inbox at school. I put it in there Thursday last week and today is Tuesday of this week. It’s almost a full week later and I get nothing. I think it’s very unfair that a teacher can’t write you back after he said I could email him. Just in general if you are a teacher, don’t you think you should respect your students like they respect you? It’s not even about that, it’s just the right thing to do and is professional.

Today, I call the math department to ask if I can speak to xx teacher. The lady that I have always talked to from the department asks if this is xx and I say yes. She tells me that I was suppose to take the test in the center and failed to meet the deadline. She says that I have failed the class and tells me why by throwing my irresponsibility in my face telling me how I had many opportunities and this was the last one. Long pause after she plays my father’s role. I then ask her, so what is going on with the teacher and why hasn’t he respond to me. She tells me, “he didn’t respond to you because you failed to take the test before the deadline”. This is the most annoying pathetic thing anyone could ever say. I say: “even if I wasn’t allowed to take the test anymore, why does that give him the right not to ever talk to me even if I couldn’t take or could or whatever”. I say: I did! The entire conversation was her rudeness up to the point where I started throwing valid points out. She became quiet toned and listened to me more and yes I stayed sane and tried not to be angry or argue.

The math department and my math teacher knew what was going on with me and my issues. My teacher especially knew this throughout the semester. I have documentations of proof to why I missed all 2 chances to take it, however, I do not for the forth test, but do you think it is fair when I emailed him the day of the phone call that I needed an extra week because of my busy work schedule (2 jobs), school schedule (full time)and volunteer schedule (2 activities currently). I will honestly tell u there was no room to call out or be a mess up for my new volunteer things. I was back to back against the wall every day for 7 days straight. I know its my problem and maybe I should of done something differently and its my fault, but I think there is no reason for what happened did. I was criticized and belittled to the point where I think it was abusive to be honest. I told her I was at a xxx cc for 3 years and she is like what 2 times I repeated. I told her that I never had a teacher like this before in all my years.
Now, I am at a bad point because I could go to the teacher or make a appointment with the dean. I also do not know if I should get hardcore for this test because I bet they would only give me less then a week or a day if I have a chance.

Just to add b/c I forgot. The teacher was good in doing what he needed to do for his students. He went through the material. He taught by assigning students to the chalk board to do hw problems the entire class. Not the best way to do it, but it’s just my opinion. You had to teach yourself if you wanted to survive. I asked him if we were going to review for the final and he said he was going to make a study guide, but never did. Instead the study guide was random book problems that were all messed up on the board from the students doing them. A lot of the time you couldn’t even read the students writing nor were all of them corrected how to do them. He was supposed to give us part of our syllabus that had dates of what material with the time frames on it with hw assignments, but never did. He is an adjunct teacher as well. Over all, he was always at class and on time and tried. He made it fun at times when his students were joking around.

What would you guys do or how would you feel about this? Has this ever happened to anyone before?
I just feel like I have been accused of some murder and it sucks. I just want to get my grade for the class. 🙁
I am afraid to make this a big production with the dean and everyone.

It sounds like the department, school and teacher were more than accommodating. While there are definitely extenuating circumstances, that is 5 times (the original date of the test and four make up dates) that you missed.

I obviously don't know the circumstances surrounding why you had to miss the original tests, but for the last one you said it was a work/volunteer issue. No school will allow you to put work or volunteer activities above your course requirements.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

It sounds like the department, school and teacher were more than accommodating. While there are definitely extenuating circumstances, that is 5 times (the original date of the test and four make up dates) that you missed.

I obviously don't know the circumstances surrounding why you had to miss the original tests, but for the last one you said it was a work/volunteer issue. No school will allow you to put work or volunteer activities above your course requirements.

They were not accommodating when I needed it. Yeah, I missed the last test because of work, school, vol, and other things. My stuff is sch 2 weeks out in advance. I would loose my job and look like a ass for my new actitities. I thought it would of been better to just talk to him. I needed time to readjust my sch or just loose my job I guess by not going or whatever? It wouldn't have been a big deal, but he just did whatever instead of talking to me first.

If he was communicating with me like he should have, none of this would of happened in the first place and the test would have been taken a long time ago. It would of been a simply ok this week and a ok I will take it. Instead, it wasn't like that at all. It would of been a negotiation instead of ok do this at xx. He would of been willing to, instead its my fault b/c he can't read emails. I am sorry I posted my life experience to share with some of you. I know some of you are trying to be helpful, but you have no idea at all. I am at fault, but again, I am not.

 

[ReadyBeVet]

I think that you need to cut your losses with this class. The professor and department were more than accommodating, giving you up to 4 times to reschedule and take the exam. It isn't their job to keep tabs on if you did the test or not. It was your responsibility to see to it that it got finished. Volunteering can be rescheduled, switch shifts at work, explain the situation to your boss. School comes first, and bosses usually understand this! It sounds like you wanted more time to push the exam back and study.

My dad had a heart attack the day before my Gen Chem I final. I was still required to attend the final... school policy. I went, took the exam, and went back to the hospital. 👎

 

[WildlifeSaver]

I think that you need to cut your losses with this class. The professor and department were more than accommodating, giving you up to 4 times to reschedule and take the exam. It isn't their job to keep tabs on if you did the test or not. It was your responsibility to see to it that it got finished. Volunteering can be rescheduled, switch shifts at work, explain the situation to your boss. School comes first, and bosses usually understand this! It sounds like you wanted more time to push the exam back and study.

My dad had a heart attack the day before my Gen Chem I final. I was still required to attend the final... school policy. I went, took the exam, and went back to the hospital. 👎

Are you aware the policy of a incomplete grade?

 

[sumstorm]

If he was communicating with me like he should have, none of this would of happened in the first place and the test would have been taken a long time ago.

It would of been a negotiation instead of ok do this at xx.

He would of been willing to, instead its my fault b/c he can't read emails.

I am sorry I posted my life experience to share with some of you. I know some of you are trying to be helpful, but you have no idea at all. I am at fault, but again, I am not.

So, you and he were on campus but you couldn't go talk to him in person or call him when he didn't respond to your email within 24 hours? It isn't your fault he didn't respond to your email...it is your fault that you kept not taking the exam, that you didn't make an intensive effort to contact the professor, and that you let multiple opportunities slip by you.

Last time I checked, professors aren't required to negotiate about test dates, grades, class requirements, etc with students. I realize I have been out of school for awhile, but I can't see this stuff happening at my school. If you missed an exam, you personally better have been admitted to the hospital. You MIGHT get a retake, but I promise it would have been 5x harder than the original.

I understand it is hard...I worked FT through college, was disowned by my parents, had one grandparents go through a heart attack and quad bypass and the other have liver cancer. I had a bad case of mono. I have had the experience of calling in sick to work, and just sucking up the consequences of doing so, to show up for my exams...and of having employers and family members who would rather I not be a college student.

So, time to move on. Accept that you aren't entitled to any more chances, deal with the grade, and move on. Either schedule a retake of the class, or figure out a brief way to say a set of issues came up that caused you to do poorly in the class.

What are you wanting us to say? That you deserve more opportunities than every other student we have known of? That your school/prof is terrible? That you have been wronged and abused? Even if we did all that, it won't resolve the issue for you.

 

[VAgirl]

Rather than reiterating what everyone else has said (which I agree with), I would add the following. Maturity is best demonstrated by taking responsibility for your actions. The school appears to have been more than accommodating (even if you don't believe they were, this is how it looks to an outsider). By continuing to blame the professor and the department for what happened, you come off quite poorly. I say this not to insult you, but as food for thought as you consider how you might discuss this in an explanation statement. The only way to handle a discussion of this incident would be to come to terms with the role that you personally played in the way that the events turned out. And then to figure out what you would do differently next time for a better outcome. You cannot change life, outside circumstances, or other people. You can only change the way you chose to handle a situation. That's part of taking responsibility and not perpetually blaming others for everything. Learning how to do that is, in my opinion, how you demonstrate maturity.

Also, I'd like to make one more point. I know I'm going to sound like I'm picking on you, but this is very relevant in my opinion. You said that you communicated a fair amount by email. I personally find your writing rather hard to follow (this is not the first time I've found your writing confusing, either). See the following example:

I am at fault, but again, I am not.

I have no idea what that sentence is trying to say. Even in context, it didn't make sense.

Again, not to pick on you. But perhaps to suggest that written communications (like email) might not be your strong suit. Perhaps you would have more success if you explored other means of communication, like an in-person meeting with a professor. Email is notorious for mis-communications and I wonder if that might not be exacerbated in your case. Just an observation.

 

[Willowhand]

I agree with what everyone has been saying, that the school has been very accommodating and has already given you more leeway than many would. I also understand how you're feeling, and how frustrating it can be to juggle school, family, and personal problems all at once. Many of us have been there, and it's never an easy situation to solve.

Among other incidents, there was one a time when I was taking a heavy courseload and I was permanently evacuated from my living area; many of my belongings were destroyed or confiscated -including all my notes and textbooks- all the money I had was about $5 in cash so I was mostly living off the vegetables from a community garden, and on top of all that someone in my immediate family was in a life-threatening situation. I had midterm exams to deal with at the time, and it felt like I was being asked to chose between my education, my family, or my sanity. I was simply furious at the time, but I realized that it was not a person or institution that I was angry with -simply the situation.

These things happen sometimes, and it can be infinitely frustrating and painful to deal with. In the end, I think you just have to decide what is most important to you, and do the best you can for the people and dreams you care about most. It will be difficult and exhausting at the time, but if you focus on the important things you will find that the losses you sustained along the way are not as significant as they appeared at the time. Release the frustration that you might have with yourself or the school, look into your heart, and do what you feel is right -even if it takes an "unfair" amount of pain and effort on your part. Good luck, and I hope everything works out well for you.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

So, you and he were on campus but you couldn't go talk to him in person or call him when he didn't respond to your email within 24 hours? It isn't your fault he didn't respond to your email...it is your fault that you kept not taking the exam, that you didn't make an intensive effort to contact the professor, and that you let multiple opportunities slip by you.

Last time I checked, professors aren't required to negotiate about test dates, grades, class requirements, etc with students. I realize I have been out of school for awhile, but I can't see this stuff happening at my school. If you missed an exam, you personally better have been admitted to the hospital. You MIGHT get a retake, but I promise it would have been 5x harder than the original.

I understand it is hard...I worked FT through college, was disowned by my parents, had one grandparents go through a heart attack and quad bypass and the other have liver cancer. I had a bad case of mono. I have had the experience of calling in sick to work, and just sucking up the consequences of doing so, to show up for my exams...and of having employers and family members who would rather I not be a college student.

So, time to move on. Accept that you aren't entitled to any more chances, deal with the grade, and move on. Either schedule a retake of the class, or figure out a brief way to say a set of issues came up that caused you to do poorly in the class.

What are you wanting us to say? That you deserve more opportunities than every other student we have known of? That your school/prof is terrible? That you have been wronged and abused? Even if we did all that, it won't resolve the issue for you.

I was on campus and thought about the idea. This professor, however, is not on school grounds. You are negotiated test dates when you receive a "I" and have to finish the work later into the next semester. By not taking the test right away I only hurt myself. Math doesn't stay in my head as long as other subjects do for me. I always have to practice a lot. Calling out of work for school is just as bad as to what I have done. I understand school is 10 times more important. I have called out once before because of the overwhelming school work.

I do understand where you are coming from when you are talking about your life experiences. I have not gone through everything you have in your life, but I had my lions share of it.

I just wanted to share my life situation to others or see if anyone has experienced a similar situation to talk about it. I am not seeking pity, nor am I entitled anything from my professor to take the examination.

You are absolutely right about my post not changing anything, but maybe it would for someone else in the future. Everything that happened is now in the past, so there is nothing I can do, but hope I can win the dean meeting or win over my professor. If I can't take the test, I will just have to retake the class and move on like everyone has.

I appreciate your wisdom. I always like reading what you have to say.

 

[No Imagination]

I didn't read everyone's responses, but read yours (OP) 3x, because I kinda had to to follow it.

I would at this point, noting the circumstances, write it up as an F, retake the class, and call it a bad time in your life.

If you have good grades, good exp., good work ethics, and pull an A on the retake of the class; then even an F will not sink your vet school chances.

However, if this is a regular thing, your other classes are suffering, and you just can't handle it right now; Perhaps you need to drop out for a year or two, get your life straightened out, and go back with a vengeance when you can get your head in the game, because right now it doesn't sound like it is.

 

[bakanoisha]

Yeah, I missed the last test because of work, school, vol, and other things

I can't imagine your work and volunteer department not understanding that you have a one time, very important issue to deal with at school. Did you even ask your employer/manager or the volunteer coordinator to accommodate you?

Prioritization is a necessity for success! When your long term goal is veterinary school, sometimes you need to prioritize the things that will make that happen (like school), and sacrifice the things that wont (like work). If that requires a little more debt, so be it. But, a little more debt sure beats failing to succeed in reaching a goal. I worked through school (15-30hrs/wk) on top of commuting 2-3hrs/day, and having a very strange family (e.g. people with gunshot wounds on the couch) so I have an idea of how this works and how it's a pain in the butt. But, the reality is that sacrifices must be made and prioritization has to occur in favor of your long term goals. And, another reality is that you CAN supplement your income with loan money to get you through difficult times.


More simply: school > work > volunteering (unless work prohibits you from volunteering).

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. And, I hope you reach your goals. I just think that you need to get your priorities in the right order.

However, if this is a regular thing, your other classes are suffering, and you just can't handle it right now; Perhaps you need to drop out for a year or two, get your life straightened out, and go back with a vengeance when you can get your head in the game, because right now it doesn't sound like it is.

^ Great advice there.

 

[Nexx]

If your school policy is anything like those form my former school(s), an incomplete grade is going to turn into an F after the following semester. Funny side note, is that is only for GPA calc purposes and you could technically still contact the teacher years later (assuming they still work there) to get the incomplete removed.

Yes you've made some poor choices/had some crappy events but give it one more try. There has to be a department head you can explain your circumstances to. Try finding out who that is and meeting with them and bring evidence as to why you had to miss the various exam dates (as best you can). If they will let you reschedule finally, or take the test at an exam centre then do your best not to miss it this time and get it done.

In University/College settings the only 'final' ruling is typically when you get a decision from the student government (or similar governing body). If it requires a little more work, it is certainly better not to get the I/F and waste $$ retaking the course whenever possible.

And speaking from experience, listening to one person's advice/opinion/decision at a university can screw you over in the end (long story...)

 

[Pandacinny]

"Calling out of work for school is just as bad as to what I have done. I understand school is 10 times more important. I have called out once before because of the overwhelming school work."

I think this is a logic fail here. As someone else said: think about what your goals are and prioritize. Also, if the school work is overwhelming, cut back on classes next semester for sure. Better not to get in over your head again.

You said in one response that you'd look like an ass if you missed volunteering for an exam. That is just not true, especially if the volunteering is shadowing a vet or working with an animal organization to improve your vet school app. The organization/vet you're working with needs to know you're in school and that, sometimes, you'll have to rearrange your schedule for exams. If you explain that up front and bring it up in a mature, straightforward fashion when it happens, most organizations will be totally accepting.

 

[slight365]

I had incompletes and one chance to take the exam. If I missed it, I failed.

One time I did miss the exam, and it was due to the school closing during a snowstorm. I was there, however, then came the call.

 

[JuniorJumper]

I am probably reiterating a lot of what others have said but I only read the first couple of posts...To me, it seems like you have priority issues. 2 jobs, 2 volunteer activities, and a full time student? Your first job being at a university is to be a student and then work and then volunteering, which means exams come before everything else.

I understand that a loss in the family/sickness can be really devastating. I just lost my father a week ago during final exams, but I stuck it out, took my finals, went home to handle all of the paperwork that comes with a death, and was back in town for work on Monday. If I had asked for bereavement for my finals, I would have had a time to make each of them up and that would have been that. I don't know what your particular situation is or was, but it sounds to me like you have some thinking to do...

 

[alliecat44]

I am probably reiterating a lot of what others have said but I only read the first couple of posts...To me, it seems like you have priority issues. 2 jobs, 2 volunteer activities, and a full time student? Your first job being at a university is to be a student and then work and then volunteering, which means exams come before everything else.

I understand that a loss in the family/sickness can be really devastating. I just lost my father a week ago during final exams, but I stuck it out, took my finals, went home to handle all of the paperwork that comes with a death, and was back in town for work on Monday. If I had asked for bereavement for my finals, I would have had a time to make each of them up and that would have been that. I don't know what your particular situation is or was, but it sounds to me like you have some thinking to do...

JuniorJumper, I am so so sorry...how devastating. I'm going through some pretty bad health stuff with my own father right now and we've officially started finals, and this is hard enough...I'm so sorry you lost your dad, and it sounds like the timing couldn't have been worse (not that anything makes it better).

Your SDN family is sending you big hugs!!!

 

[JuniorJumper]

JuniorJumper, I am so so sorry...how devastating. I'm going through some pretty bad health stuff with my own father right now and we've officially started finals, and this is hard enough...I'm so sorry you lost your dad, and it sounds like the timing couldn't have been worse (not that anything makes it better).

Your SDN family is sending you big hugs!!!

He always had good timing Thanks for the support, I hope everything turns out well with your father

 

[HopefulAg]

I just wanted to share my life situation to others or see if anyone has experienced a similar situation to talk about it. I am not seeking pity, nor am I entitled anything from my professor to take the examination.

I don't know that too many people are going to have a similar situation. At most colleges (actually, I can't think of one that works otherwise) you have 1 day, 1 hour (sometimes 2 hours for finals) to take a test (excluding take home tests). Then you get maybe one chance to take a make up if you have a university excused absence (such as death in the family, or you break your leg, get shot, or something like that), and if you miss that, you get a 0 for the exam, often failing the class.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

"Calling out of work for school is just as bad as to what I have done. I understand school is 10 times more important. I have called out once before because of the overwhelming school work."

I think this is a logic fail here. As someone else said: think about what your goals are and prioritize. Also, if the school work is overwhelming, cut back on classes next semester for sure. Better not to get in over your head again.

You said in one response that you'd look like an ass if you missed volunteering for an exam. That is just not true, especially if the volunteering is shadowing a vet or working with an animal organization to improve your vet school app. The organization/vet you're working with needs to know you're in school and that, sometimes, you'll have to rearrange your schedule for exams. If you explain that up front and bring it up in a mature, straightforward fashion when it happens, most organizations will be totally accepting.

Calling out of work to get school stuff done is immature and reflects you didn't manage your time correctly. Like I said, I have called out before for this reason. School is much more important though.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

double post

 

[WildlifeSaver]

delete double post. Sdn is acting weird

 

[AgtOrange]

My situation probably isn't all that similar to the OP's, but during the second quarter of my freshman year, I came down with a particularly nasty bug, and ended up hospitalized for the last 2 weeks of the quarter, including finals week. I rescheduled my three finals for the next week (spring break), but my "studying" was limited to trying to read chemistry, math and Latin in a hospital bed while getting morphine injections every two hours. Not conducive to information retention 🙂

I was supposed to be on bed rest for the duration of the next week (when I was supposed to take my finals), and I ended up making it to only one of the three finals (Latin). I theorized it would be better to do well on one final than crappy on all three. I sat down with an advisor and pled my case, and they allowed me to take a W in math and chemistry instead of an F. I retook the classes the next quarter and everything worked out fine.

I guess the moral of my story is - if you're in a situation that prevents you from meeting your academic requirements, address it with your school as soon as possible and take what they offer you. Sometimes, the situation is going to suck and your transcript is going to suffer because colleges have a very low tolerance for class conflicts, even legitimate ones. Their tolerance for two, three, or four class conflicts is nil. That's why the powers that be gave us the "explanation statement" on the VMCAS. Good luck!

 

[dyachei]

Calling out of work to get school stuff done is immature and reflects you didn't manage your time correctly. Like I said, I have called out before for this reason. School is much more important though.

It's only immature if its something that you should have been able to do on time that you put off - like you didn't do your homework on time so you call in to get extra time to do the homework you've had weeks to do. Nobody is going to think it's immature to make up a final due to illness/death in the family, and I would wager that most employers would be supportive. And that has nothing to do with time management, it has everything to do with bad circumstances.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

I can't imagine your work and volunteer department not understanding that you have a one time, very important issue to deal with at school. Did you even ask your employer/manager or the volunteer coordinator to accommodate you?

Prioritization is a necessity for success! When your long term goal is veterinary school, sometimes you need to prioritize the things that will make that happen (like school), and sacrifice the things that wont (like work). If that requires a little more debt, so be it. But, a little more debt sure beats failing to succeed in reaching a goal. I worked through school (15-30hrs/wk) on top of commuting 2-3hrs/day, and having a very strange family (e.g. people with gunshot wounds on the couch) so I have an idea of how this works and how it's a pain in the butt. But, the reality is that sacrifices must be made and prioritization has to occur in favor of your long term goals. And, another reality is that you CAN supplement your income with loan money to get you through difficult times.


More simply: school > work > volunteering (unless work prohibits you from volunteering).

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. And, I hope you reach your goals. I just think that you need to get your priorities in the right order.

^ Great advice there.

Maybe they would of understood, but like I said, it would of just been alright and no problem with the prof to give a few more days or a week, but he failed to read his email b/c he doesn't care. I tried to get a hold of him during the semester for extra help and he never read his emails after I told him I have been emailing him! Its not that he purposely says to himself, "oh I am going to screw over my students", but he is just not too much into this teacher thing from what I can tell.

I realize now, that I should of did everything to just take it in the time constraints I had do not deal with such bs. If I knew it was going to be this way, I would have taken it. This is the only time I could have legitilmatly taken it.

 

[alliecat44]

At this point, it might be better just to re-take the class. I'm like you and have difficulty retaining anything mathematical for very long. I made a mistake after failing orgo II the first time I took it to repeatedly take orgo II over and over (even though my school only offered it once a year, so there was a year in between) without re-taking orgo I. I was clueless about orgo and repeated a very bad mistake. (One reason it took me four app cycles to get in to vet school!)

Best of luck.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

It's only immature if its something that you should have been able to do on time that you put off - like you didn't do your homework on time so you call in to get extra time to do the homework you've had weeks to do. Nobody is going to think it's immature to make up a final due to illness/death in the family, and I would wager that most employers would be supportive. And that has nothing to do with time management, it has everything to do with bad circumstances.

In most peoples cases, they call out because they have to finish work or have too much on there plate. Employers do not care all the time. This is a circumstance that was bad. I never said MY CASE was due to time management.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

My situation probably isn't all that similar to the OP's, but during the second quarter of my freshman year, I came down with a particularly nasty bug, and ended up hospitalized for the last 2 weeks of the quarter, including finals week. I rescheduled my three finals for the next week (spring break), but my "studying" was limited to trying to read chemistry, math and Latin in a hospital bed while getting morphine injections every two hours. Not conducive to information retention 🙂

I was supposed to be on bed rest for the duration of the next week (when I was supposed to take my finals), and I ended up making it to only one of the three finals (Latin). I theorized it would be better to do well on one final than crappy on all three. I sat down with an advisor and pled my case, and they allowed me to take a W in math and chemistry instead of an F. I retook the classes the next quarter and everything worked out fine.

I guess the moral of my story is - if you're in a situation that prevents you from meeting your academic requirements, address it with your school as soon as possible and take what they offer you. Sometimes, the situation is going to suck and your transcript is going to suffer because colleges have a very low tolerance for class conflicts, even legitimate ones. Their tolerance for two, three, or four class conflicts is nil. That's why the powers that be gave us the "explanation statement" on the VMCAS. Good luck!

Trust me I know what you mean. I have been there before too. I remember one semester coming in with a infection (strep and flu with fever and ear aches) with also a break out of my skin. I could barely talk. I looked horrible. I didn't even tell the teacher I was sick on my last day of class, but I told myself I had to do it. I had a presentation and a final exam. I was sick as a dog. I didn't get the grade in the class that I should of b/c it was so hard to concentrate on my work while being sick and I really tried hard to focus and made several attempts to study.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

I can't imagine your work and volunteer department not understanding that you have a one time, very important issue to deal with at school. Did you even ask your employer/manager or the volunteer coordinator to accommodate you?

Prioritization is a necessity for success! When your long term goal is veterinary school, sometimes you need to prioritize the things that will make that happen (like school), and sacrifice the things that wont (like work). If that requires a little more debt, so be it. But, a little more debt sure beats failing to succeed in reaching a goal. I worked through school (15-30hrs/wk) on top of commuting 2-3hrs/day, and having a very strange family (e.g. people with gunshot wounds on the couch) so I have an idea of how this works and how it's a pain in the butt. But, the reality is that sacrifices must be made and prioritization has to occur in favor of your long term goals. And, another reality is that you CAN supplement your income with loan money to get you through difficult times.


More simply: school > work > volunteering (unless work prohibits you from volunteering).

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. And, I hope you reach your goals. I just think that you need to get your priorities in the right order.

^ Great advice there.

My volunteering(one of them) is just as important as school is to me right now. I just started it. This activity is also the reason I choose to not transfer yet or move. I did however, have the worst grades I have ever received in college last semester. I cut my semester down by 12 credits and I am doing just fine with As and Bs at the moment. Its a improvement. All my classes are 4 credits. I am worried this will really affect my chances some day, but I know if I do very well in a 4 year while also explaining the semester I will have a chance.

 

[No Imagination]

WildlifeSaver,

I understand what you are saying about Work>School - and I agree with you. For me (and I know a few others), I could not have gone to school without working. It was just impossible, so in those situations, Work definitely comes before school.

That said, please consider taking some time off if you can't handle both right now - there is just no sense in half ass'ing both, as in the end it will take you longer, be harder and less enjoyable to get to the finish line. Its a marathon not a sprint (unless you are really smart and financially independent (damn those 25 y/old veterinarians...).

 

[dyachei]

In most peoples cases, they call out because they have to finish work or have too much on there plate. Employers do not care all the time. This is a circumstance that was bad. I never said MY CASE was due to time management.

I didn't mean to imply that your case was due to time management. I just meant that in this case taking time off from work would probably have been met with support, not judgements like immaturity.

 

[slight365]

I think the OP needs to take responsibility for his/herself.

 

[DVMorBust]

I think this thread has gotten pretty pointless. It seems to have developed a cyclical "Well, the OP is irresponsible" "Well, I can't tell you what the circumstances were"...

It's totally fine to not tell everything about yourself on the internet, and I'm not asking for an explanation. Do we really need to have everyone on here belabor the point, though?

WildlifeSaver sounds like s/he's been through a lot this past semester, came on here to vent, and after the initial points were made there's nothing constructive happening...just accusations of irresponsibility and acknowledgements of having screwed up, and frustrations about the aspects s/he couldn't control.

WildlifeSaver - good luck moving forward, it sounds like you've learned your lesson and will be more proactive in the future. You have to screw up to grow up, and you'd think some of these posters had never learned this lesson the hard way.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

I think this thread has gotten pretty pointless. It seems to have developed a cyclical "Well, the OP is irresponsible" "Well, I can't tell you what the circumstances were"...

It's totally fine to not tell everything about yourself on the internet, and I'm not asking for an explanation. Do we really need to have everyone on here belabor the point, though?

WildlifeSaver sounds like s/he's been through a lot this past semester, came on here to vent, and after the initial points were made there's nothing constructive happening...just accusations of irresponsibility and acknowledgements of having screwed up, and frustrations about the aspects s/he couldn't control.

WildlifeSaver - good luck moving forward, it sounds like you've learned your lesson and will be more proactive in the future. You have to screw up to grow up, and you'd think some of these posters had never learned this lesson the hard way.

Yeah, I did learn my lesson and the entire situation really does suck. I know for sure I am not the only one who has ever made mistakes pertaining to school on this thread.

You are right about this forum getting out of the point. Thank you for giving constructive criticism with your wisdom. 🙂

I hope to walk away from this with a good view to help me in the future or give good advice to others.

 

[WildlifeSaver]

WildlifeSaver,

I understand what you are saying about Work>School - and I agree with you. For me (and I know a few others), I could not have gone to school without working. It was just impossible, so in those situations, Work definitely comes before school.

That said, please consider taking some time off if you can't handle both right now - there is just no sense in half ass'ing both, as in the end it will take you longer, be harder and less enjoyable to get to the finish line. Its a marathon not a sprint (unless you are really smart and financially independent (damn those 25 y/old veterinarians...).

I have to work and I have no choice like others. I think after having the summer off just working and doing activities is going to be a good thing for me. Next semester, I am going to even do better while uping my credits. I feel burned out right now and a break will do me good!

I am afraid I am going to be old when I get or ever get into vet school!
I guess being older is ok as long as I make it to the finish line?

 

[WildlifeSaver]

At this point, it might be better just to re-take the class. I'm like you and have difficulty retaining anything mathematical for very long. I made a mistake after failing orgo II the first time I took it to repeatedly take orgo II over and over (even though my school only offered it once a year, so there was a year in between) without re-taking orgo I. I was clueless about orgo and repeated a very bad mistake. (One reason it took me four app cycles to get in to vet school!)

Best of luck.

Ehh organic..I have to retake that class too now. I have a one semester gap with a summer too. Organics are only offered one time in a year at mine too. I am not sure if I still should wait a year to retake it or next semester. Oh well, I will figure it out.

 

[sumstorm]

Your first job being at a university is to be a student and then work and then volunteering, which means exams come before everything else.

I'm sorry about your father...empathize...during senior year in finals week while I was finishing my thesis, my fiance (to be married in 2 weeks) tried to die...his body started rejecting his transplants. It was hard, but I would talk to the doctors on the phone (I had the authority to make his medical decisions as he was comatose for part of the time) just before an exam, and again just after. I am sure my exams suffered, but he never would have wanted what he felt was a lifetime curse of his own (juv diabetes....when he was diagnosed as a child, his expected life time was shorter than reaching adulthood) to affect my future career.

I do strongly disagree that every student is a student first and an employee second. While I would have ditched work (I have quit jobs due to bosses demanding I work during a final exam) I have been in the unfortunate position of No Work = No School. Realisticly, the bills have to be paid somehow, and our country is not set up to provide education for individuals whose parents are unable or unwilling to provide assistance through college, especially for individuals under the magical age of 24. At this juncture in time, it may be even harder to walk away from work obligations due to the shortage of jobs. It is an intricate balancing act that working students must perform. Just as an employee who works multiple jobs must decide which one gets first pull at thier time, so must a student.

 

[dgm]

I would be hesitant to go to the dean to ask for another chance to take the test. If you do, your approach needs to be very well-thought-out, because there is a large risk of not only having your request denied, but also of changing his impression of you for the worse.

And I like to think there's nothing wrong with being older when you start vet school (that may have something to do with the fact that I'm 29 though... you be the judge)! You will get there sooner or later, just stick with it.

 

[Emio]

What would you guys do or how would you feel about this? Has this ever happened to anyone before?
I just feel like I have been accused of some murder and it sucks. I just want to get my grade for the class. 🙁

no, i have never had a professor or department reschedule an exam for me THREE TIMES, not showed up for any of them, waited two entire weeks to contact anybody about it, and was consequently upset with my grade of "Incomplete." they were astonishingly generous by not giving you an F after your first rescheduled absence. in fact, it shows serious character flaws that it is ok with you to expect an entire department to revolve around you, your schedule, and your whim. obviously, i do not mean your first absence of the actual exam; whatever your dire situation was, i'm sure it warranted an absence. but to drag that out an entire semester? all that shows is lack of responsibility.

you have not been accused of murder. you have been accused of not showing up for a rescheduled exam. THREE TIMES. and you are guilty of not showing up for an exam three times. again, you are extremely lucky you haven't already been given the F.

if you're still reading, i highly suggest some leisure reading to become more familiar with the english language. no one is perfect, but your errors make your already convoluted posts incredibly difficult to read.

dvmorbust: wildlifesaver's critics are invaluable at this point. no one (that i have seen) has been derogatory or unnecessarily harsh. this person's actions, at least as its been presented to us, are absolutely unwarranted. a drastic change is necessary to survive in life, let alone get into vet school. hopefully, this person will stick around and learn some things from people here. appeasement by simply stating that this thread is "pointless" and the lesson has been learned will get the OP nowhere.

best of luck to you wildlifesaver.

 

[DVMorBust]

dvmorbust: wildlifesaver's critics are invaluable at this point. no one (that i have seen) has been derogatory or unnecessarily harsh. this person's actions, at least as its been presented to us, are absolutely unwarranted. a drastic change is necessary to survive in life, let alone get into vet school. hopefully, this person will stick around and learn some things from people here. appeasement by simply stating that this thread is "pointless" and the lesson has been learned will get the OP nowhere.

I'm definitely not saying that nothing should be said, and not saying that anyone's been too harsh, just that it hit the point where no one was saying anything different. While I agree that a change is needed, I also think that either a. wildlifesaver has taken the advice/criticism to heart, or b. s/he hasn't, and no amount of repeating the same thing over and over will change that.

I've just found that pushing something once someone's gotten defensive is rarely helpful in actually solving the issue, unless you're quite close to the individual in question. Perhaps you've had a different experience - I just don't think continuous description of what went wrong is the way to approach it. So yes, I think the responses got pointless.