Academia amusement

I rarely post about work, but yesterday our front-line staff person was out sick so I was covering the reception area and phone, and I took a call from a student who called to say they 'some concerns' about a course they are taking from our department. I determined that it was an undergrad course and told them they should speak with the undergraduate director, as part of his job is dealing with student concerns about classes. The student strongly resisted that idea, said they wanted to remain anonymous, so I said they could tell me and I would pass along the information to the UGD. So, now I share that information with you!

• 1) yesterday they were having a 'whispering conversation' with another student during class and the professor called on them by name in front of the class and asked them to stop.


• 2) the professor takes attendance every class period.


• 3) the exams are too difficult because they involve essay questions instead of multiple choice.


• 4) the professor is not planning to give them any grades until the first part of November, which is a problem because they want to be able to drop the course if they are not doing well, and Oct. 31 is the drop deadline.

I dutifully typed up their "concerns" and submitted them to the UGD, but I have to admit I had a very hard time not laughing through the call. The only one of those concerns which has even a vague amount of legitimacy is that last one. On #2 I pointed out that it's a professor's right to take attendance as often as they like and that students are actually expected to be in class every time it meets. Go figure!! In addition, professors can give any kind of exam they want to, and in our department you're far more likely to get essay questions than multiple choice.