Am i gigantic douche?

[DerKommisar]

I teach a few college courses. I have a lot of students each semester. Typically more than 120.

As you all know, students lie to their profs a lot.

I have a no make up test policy in my course. No exceptions. But, their lowest test grade can be replaced by their final exam.

So, even if a student has a legitimate excuse, death in the family, mono, I will still say, "bad beat", but I don't give make ups.

I don't think giving a makeup is fair because :

a.) I don't think I should have to do my job twice. If I have to give a make up test everyone someone has a hang nail, that's a lot of extra work for me to do. If you buy a basketball ticket and can't make it, they don't replay the game so you can watch it.

b.) If I've been holding steady with this policy all semester, I don't think its fair to make decisions on a case by case basis.

Thoughts?

[Shajen]

If they have a legitimate excuse, and can prove it, and you still don't allow them to make up the test, then yes, you're a grade A 100% certified Douche of the Highest Order.

Life happens man.

[Case Closed]

You're a complete douchebag man. How much of a percentage of the final grade are your tests? You know people can bring actual proof for someone going to a funeral right? Give the kids a break.

[Tennenbaum]

No exception for a serious illness, or a death in the family? Granted, I know kids lie a lot. But if it's legitimate...I'd feel even worse if say my Mom/Dad/Grandma died and I had the added stress of flunking an exam because I had to go to the funeral. Would you perhaps consider some extra credit or something in those cases, or no dice?

[Patrick Duffy]

Not as big as this guy...

But yeah, kinda.

Sidenote: If you do a google image search for "giant douche" the first two pictures that come up are Dick Butkus and John Elway. Look it up.

[pkr2k5]

imo, that is very douchelike (coming from the perspective of a college freshman). legitimate things happen man. granted, i agree, that a majority of missed tests do not have good reasons, but some do.

however, dropping their lowest test grade is such a boon to a student's grade that none of them should be complaining.

if their final exam grade is lower than their test grades, does it not count?

[tdarko]

Der,

I didn't read the post but I am going to say, "yes," b/c if you have to ask then you probably are.

[Gunny Highway]

I think your policy is perfectly fair. It's not like you're giving them a 0 and failing them.

[nyc999]

That's textbook douchebaggery.

So if a student is in a life-threatening car accident, he's screwed?

[costanza_g]

[ QUOTE ]
Der,

I didn't read the post but I am going to say, "yes," b/c if you have to ask then you probably are.

[/ QUOTE ]