Single Mothers College

There are many behaviors that can add to stress and conflict between students and their instructors. Sometimes these are well-intentioned mistakes that can breed a lot of discontent in instructors.

• Can my mom/dad/husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend call and talk to you about my grade?
  Reason to avoid: You’re in college and presumably you are an adult at this point. NO ONE should advocate for you except you, and on rare occasions a school advisor. Your instructor can not talk to anyone about your grade without your permission by federal law, however unless you have a significant illness no one but you should ever talk to your instructors about your grade, your class performance, or your relationship with each other.
• My computer/Blackboard/WebAssign/email/etc. weren’t working so I couldn’t turn in my test/assignment/etc.
  Reason to avoid: It is your job to make sure you have all the tools available to complete your classes and coursework on time and in the best manner possible. It is not your instructor’s responsibility to walk you through how to use your computer or software and it is not their problem if for some reason your equipment doesn’t work. Never blame your instructor for computer problems; it makes you look incompetent and immature. If you have problems with your computer or completely work on time, let your instructor know immediately and outline the steps you are taking to remedy the situation.
• I know more than you about this/You don’t deserve to be a professor.
  Reason to avoid: Not every instructor could serve as an understudy for Robin Williams in Dead Poet’s Society – get over it. The reality is that your instructors are here because they have something you don’t: knowledge, experience, wisdom, education, etc. You will never know exactly why a person was picked to teach a specific class, and therefore even if you think your professor is the biggest moronic buffoon to walk to the planet – keep your mouth shut. Not only is this statement rude and condescending, it won’t get you any friends or allies if you do decide to speak out against this professor (when the class is over of course!).
• I went to the school writing center/a proofreader/editor and they said my paper is perfect.

Reason to avoid: Your professor doesn’t care who said the paper was ‘perfect’, because they aren’t the ones grading the paper. If you don’t understand why something is wrong, schedule a meeting with your instructor and politely ask for constructive criticism.

• Asking for a change in grades because you “worked really hard”.
  Reason to avoid: Remember this as you move forward – grades are (most of the time) based on merit and you get what you work for and earn. The instances of instructors punishing students with bad grades simply because they don’t like them are more of an urban legend than reality – it’s just too easy to prove and therefore there’s too much legal liability. You’ll get what you earn – never, ever grade grub.

Next time… Negotiating and asking for help when you have a health problem