I'm torn, as all of us seem to be, BUT I'm a big believer that a college degree has to be earned. My mantra is, "Everybody isn't college material." A "D" means below average. A student who has had, as Carol has described, a LOT of help, should be able to do better than a D. The earlier A's and B's sound suspicious. That apparent grade inflation adds to this problem. If earlier teachers hadn't caved, the school might not have gotten to this point. I love Gary Peterson's suggestion to give a cumulative exam. Make it a FAIR evaluation and if he/she can't even pass this second change, after all this effort, then sorry, but you don't get the degree.
If we start giving out college degrees based on personal sad stories...ayeee. Here's a possible suggestion: Does your college allow a student to "walk" if they're short a class or two? Many colleges allow this. That may help to make the poor mother feel better about her son. Beth Benoit Granite State College New Hampshire --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
