Withdraw from Class?

[dgroulx]

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Today I was late for Pharmacotherapy IV. My name was called for verbal defense before I got to class. I received a zero. Verbal defense is 30% of our grade. Because of the class size, I probably won't get called again.
It is now virtually impossible for me to make the minimum 77% to pass the class. Anything below 77% is a D or F.

If I withdraw, it will give me more time to focus on my other 7 classes. However, I don't want to withdraw until every chance is gone for me to pass. Withdrawing or making below 77% will force me to repeat the class. I will not be allowed to go on rotations until I pass and it won't be offered again until next fall. The last day to drop with a W is November 21st, so I still have a month to pull up my grade (if I get called on in class).

This truly sucks for me. I have A's in all my other classes. My long commute to school has finally killed me. Are other schools this harsh?

 

[ultracet]

we don't really have the opportunity to withdraw.....

did you go and talk to the professor?
extra credit?
papers? etc?

 

[nerdystar]

talk to the prof

 

[imperial frog]

In PTX 2 we get to drop the lowest verbal defense grade...is that an option in PTX 4 or are they just lulling us into a false sense of security?

 

[dgroulx]

In PTX 2 we get to drop the lowest verbal defense grade...is that an option in PTX 4 or are they just lulling us into a false sense of security?

PTX4 is way different than 2 & 3. There is no drop and they keep you in a high stress situation.

I have written to the professor in Gainesville to see what I can do. I talked to the person in charge of the class at the St Pete campus, but she basically said, "I'm sorry, but this is going to really hurt you".

In several classes, students have noticed a difference in grading between our campus and the other campuses. We all talk with each other. The consensus is that our instructors are more harsh. This preceptor is the same one who brought academic dishonesty charges against 2 lab groups, when they weren't cheating. They were told that they may get kicked out of school. Common sense from Gainesville prevailed and they are all still here.

I am hoping that the Gainesville professor will see my situation a little differently. I really don't want to take another year to finish school.

 

[lord999]

Gods! I never thought that UFl was so disturbingly strict. You kind of figure that a shake-and-bake school like mine and a hardcore school like yours in the end has to produce at least the same sort of minimum pharmacist?

Well, if you cannot even out the score, then withdraw. Taking an D/F for the class is not worth it. Unfortunately, this would net you another year of relatively light coursework.

Make sure that there is the W is not "Withdraw while Failing" or requires instructor approval. If your school requires a signature past a given point, then ABSOLUTELY make sure that you can get one for the neutral withdraw or withdraw during the period without a signature.

My alma mater did not give a damn if you attended. However, on exam time, they weren't going to cut you any slack for missing lecture ("Topics discussed in lecture are allowable examination subjects"...). Particularly with our pharmacology prof, it was a dumb idea to be late or absent.

Best of luck Dana! I hope it works out.

lord999

 

[bananaface]

Have you asked the instructor what the likelihood is that your name will be called again? You may be able to ferret out his/her intention ahead of time.

 

[OSURxgirl]

I would bypass all these professors and go straight to the dean. I understand that as professional students we are held to high standards, but being late ONE DAY to ONE CLASS should not have to equal losing ONE WHOLE YEAR! That's just crazy. Maybe something could be worked out. Would your professor being willing to let you give your defense to him in his office for half the points? If something like that could be worked out, you'd still be able to pass.

 

[Trancelucent1]

Hey Dana, that sucks...sorry to hear about that. Have you tried talking to the campus director about this. Maybe they can help you out or be a liason to the professor (Dr. Lopez?). They'll at least know that you're a good student and that it's an atypical situation.


P.S. How'd that quant exam go for you? Are you going to be the one person to get a 100? I, for one was completely lost!

 

[dgroulx]

Hey Dana, that sucks...sorry to hear about that. Have you tried talking to the campus director about this. Maybe they can help you out or be a liason to the professor (Dr. Lopez?). They'll at least know that you're a good student and that it's an atypical situation.


P.S. How'd that quant exam go for you? Are you going to be the one person to get a 100? I, for one was completely lost!

The problem at my school is the local preceptor. Dr. Munyer in Gainesville is my best shot. We don't have Dr. Lopez in year 3 (yeah!).

I think I did okay in quant, but I always think I do well on the assignments and sometimes I don't. I wish he'd post the grades.

 

[kellia]

Wow, Dana. I'm really sorry to hear of your troubles. I am a new 1PD at UF STP and am disappointed to hear of how harsh the preceptor was. Afterall, things happen. I agree with the other posters... Go directly to the dean. You don't want to do that drive for a whole extra year. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[lord999]

I actually wouldn't recommend you go to the dean first. I have a feeling that the dean would atter will be referred back to the course coordinator, who would be pissed about bypassing him or her in the chain of command. You need to get at least a "no" from the coordinator to go higher in the chain of command.

 

[dgroulx]

The professor finally got back to me today. He told me that he did not intend for a student to fail the class because of one unexcused absence, that the intent was to make it impossible to get an A. He also informed my preceptor of this. So, I will sit down with her today and discuss the situation.

Thanks for all the support.

 

[bananaface]

Whew! 🙂 That's way better than having to spend an extra year.

 

[dgroulx]

Whew! 🙂 That's way better than having to spend an extra year.

Thank God for the Gainesville professor.

My campus preceptor said she didn't have time to meet with me, so to make an appointment for next week. She knows I have a looonngg commute to school and I'm not required to be on campus much next week. I'm guessing that's the reason for the delay. She also said that she didn't "want" to meet with me, but if I had concerns to make an appointment next week.

I have plenty of concerns, but they are all with her. If she can't treat me fairly, then maybe I can put in for a campus transfer.

 

[Caverject]

Sounds like your preceptor is a real bitch....I am sorry you got to deal with that