We all get such requests/.excuses. I do not grant such requests because a) it would require me to make up a new exam for that student and each of the others requesting to take the exam a day, or days or one week late. b) while studying for that exam they are falling behind on their reading for the next exam. c) I don't want the job of verifying doctor's notes, hospital treatment records, etc. (My favorite was an emergency room report that gave the diagnosis as "meningitis of the throat" and the prognosis as "poor." Dr.'s orders were for a week of bed rest!) My syllabi say, "If you do miss an exam, you must contact me immediately. Make up exams are possible but they will not be given until the last 2 weeks of the semester. So you REALLY don't want to miss an exam for any but the most compelling reasons." In truth, I'm quite flexible about the time. I tell them you can take before finals week, during finals week, or even during semester break. I even give them the option to take it the first day of classes the following semester so they can have the entire break to study. Taking it so late is a built-in disincentive for missing an exam but if they're willing to put in the time studying, they should be able to do well. Ed Edward I. Pollak, Ph.D. Department of Psychology West Chester University of Pennsylvania http://home.comcast.net/~epollak <http://home.comcast.net/~epollak> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Husband, father, grandfather, biopsychologist, bluegrass fiddler and herpetoculturist...... in approximate order of importance. Subject: Am I special here? From: "William Scott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:24:39 -0500 X-Message-Number: 2
Do you get excuses like this or is it because I am identified as a clinical psychologist? This is an intro student, not an abnormal psych or clinical methods student (although I teach those courses and they mostly all know that I do). This kind of excuse seems to be more and more common for me. Should student performance (and evaluation) be dependent on appropriate medications? --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
