It seems to me that cannot stop the student from screaming but a "screaming match" takes at least 2 people and you can make certain that you don't allow yourself to get sucked in. You simply say "I could flunk you right now for plagiarism. I do not plan to do so at this point but the very next time I find that your work was copied from (or is otherwise too similar to that of) others you will receive a failing grade for the course. This issue is not open for debate." After she leaves, you right a description of what was said in the meeting and put it in your drawer for future use if necessary. You also need to write down the events (including witness names) preceding the last episode of plagiarism and, if possible, keep the evidence. Good luck. ------- Don wrote: "I am facing, and dreading, a confrontation with a rather volatile student > tomorrow, and I'd love to hear any advice you might have to prevent > an explosion... > > This student is very entitled, if not downright spoiled, has an extremely > low frustration tolerance, and is a bully. Her classmates have finally > come to me to ask me to stop demanding their homework to copy and turn > in as her own. I wish they'd stand up to her, but the buck must > ultimately > stop with me. > > Most recently this student took a students paper, copied it, and then > when I confronted her, lied to me and told me that she had worked with > that student, which he (the guy whose paper she grabbed) denies. > > How can I get the message across that her antics will no longer be > tolerated > in a way that won't cause a screaming match? Thanks in advance"
