Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

There seems to actually be a never-ending list of FAQ’s, causing me to have started, restarted, but not finished this FAQ section several times over the last few years. :-) But I finally figured that having something here is better than nothing. So, this is no doubt incomplete, but hopefully helpful anyway....

Firstly, it is important to understand that many FAQ’s can be handled by simply referring to the grading policy sheet given out on the first day of class (and which can usually be found in the General Information section of my website). All of the information about grading, attendance, and missed test policies would be right there.

Secondly, one of the greatest sources of unnecessary questions that are already answered in either my grading policy or UCC’s, seems to come from 2 misunderstandings that can easily be cleared up. 1) I have about 150 students in a typical semester. What may seem like an innocent request for special treatment, requiring some extra time on my part... well multiply it by 150 and see if still seems reasonable. Why? That’s a good transition into #2. 2) It would be unfair to grant one student special treatment, and not offer the same to every other student. That is called favoritism or discrimination. I am professionally obligated to treat all students equally and in accordance with my course policies.

Carefully considering the above should answer most questions, but for the few that it may not....

1. Q: Your lab class is closed at 24 students. I really need to get in because (fill in the good reason of your choice). You can sign in just one more, right?

A: Absolutely not. Besides the fact that 24 is a pretty challenging number of students to begin with, the biology laboratories really have 24 microscopes, and 24 workstations, making the cap of 24 a firm one. There is no attending on "standby" either, as you would still be a 25^th student in the class. And, as stated in the introduction, if I allowed one person to attend on "standby" I’d have to let everyone else who asked do so too.

2. Q: Your lecture class is full, and I really need to get in because (fill in the good reason of your choice). You can sign in just one more, right? 

A: This one gets a "qualified no." Only our department chairperson has the authority to override a class size limit. He’s understandably less inclined to do so far in advance of the start of a semester, especially when there are other sections with open slots. Closer to the start of the semester, if all other sections are full or nearly so, exceptions are sometimes made. If this will put the section just 1 or 2 students over the limit, the chairperson and I would normally consider and discuss the situation, and may agree. 

3. Q: I read the grading policy info, but I have a really, really, really good reason for wanting special treatment. OK?

A: I put this in the FAQ’s because, despite everything I have said and written to explain why this would be wrong, including the introduction above, I really do still get asked this a lot. Again, no, and please reread the reasons in the first few paragraphs above. Fortunately, my polices are actually fairly generous, and not unduly harsh when it comes to penalties for missing class, etc. So missing only one exam or having a reasonable number of absences will usually have minimal consequences. Please try to understand that we all have choices, but there are consequences for these choices. If a student wants to register for a course, but also does something else that conflicts with class meetings, they must accept the consequences of doing so. Besides all the biology you will learn in my classes, learning that the rules apply equally to everyone, and that there are consequences for choices, are not bad lessons to learn either. (

4. Q: If I miss a class, how (besides the textbook) can I get the information I missed and be prepared for the next exam.

A: I have put many hours into developing my website so that it will serve as a good resource for students - whether they miss class or just want to better prepare for class. Summaries of my lectures and other info can be found in the "Courses" section. If it is lab work you have missed, in addition my website, check out the UCC ALC. They have some lab equipment (including a microscope and some of our slide collection) and free tutoring.

5. Q: I have not been doing well on the tests. What am I doing wrong?

A: This is a question that only you can answer specifically, as I am not there to see how you study, how long you study, etc. However, I do have a pretty detailed "Advice for Studying" section in my website in the same place you go to find lecture summaries. Please take advantage of that advice - it is advice offered after having over 10,000 students in my career.

6. Q: I am failing; can you sign this Late Withdrawal form so I will not get an F and lower my GPA?

A: Nope - this is exactly the kind of situation where I can’t grant a late W. It explains right on the form that a late W is for students who have encountered extraordinary obstacles to successful completion of the course. If you had a serious illness or other significant, verifiable situation beyond your control that prevented you from performing the course requirements for a substantial time period, you may qualify for either an Incomplete or late W. Bring in your documentation and I will certainly consider it. Click here for the page with the details of the late withdrawal policy.

BTW, please note that the last 2 FAQ's should not be taken to mean that most students do not do well in my courses. ( Many do quite well, but these issues do come up as it is true that students who have been successful in other courses sometimes have a tougher time in a science course. Consider that you probably have been doing book reports since 3rd grade, and have many years of K-12 experience that may help you in a Math, English, or literature course. Unfortunately the K-12 experience doesn't always prepare students as well for a college-level biology course.

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Anyway, I hope the above is helpful. If you have a question that is really not addressed either here or in the grading policy info, feel free to email me with it. Who knows, it might end up as FAQ number 7! (

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