Jim wrote: "Both the dept. chair and I are not sure what exactly the girls wants, unless it is she wants a better grade in the class. By the way, the final exam is Monday. Did I also say she did not hand-in eight assignments? " It is for this very reason that I have it stated in my syllabus that (regardless of whether the final grade is calculated on a point-total or percentage basis) failure to complete all required work will result in a failing grade. The point total or percentage is irrelevant if the work is not finished. My experience is that since it is possible to complete some courses without finishing all the work, students automatically assume that my term papers or other written projects can be skipped. No matter how many times I state explicitly that this is not so, a certain number will inform me with great and genuine surprise (after receiving the F or generous INC I give them) that they expected to be able to get a C without doing the paper(s). In the world of work outside of college, you are not allowed to choose how much work to do when you hold a position of responsibility. It is my impression that it is exactly this kind of student, who thinks they are entitled to pass with minimum effort, who will give me grief unless I make it clear that all the work must be done. Nancy Melucci Long Beach City College Long Beach CA
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