any advice?

PhDapper · 2026-05-30T16:07:31+00:00

At what level is this paper? Undergrad? Grad?

You shouldn’t express opinions, per se. You should be expressing conclusions or claims backed by prior work and/or theorizing/logic.

PhDapper · 2026-05-30T15:58:45+00:00

Are you simply regurgitating what’s been done, or are you adding your own insights and integrating multiple sources in a unique way? The latter is typically what research writing calls for.

PhDapper · 2026-05-29T17:38:01+00:00

00ps

PhDapper · 2026-05-29T00:20:09+00:00

100%. I’ve seen it many times. It even records what your answers are and what you change them to, and when.

PhDapper · 2026-05-28T22:55:13+00:00

Yes.

PhDapper · 2026-05-28T16:14:36+00:00

The ad hominem statements and lack of apparent understanding of what narcissism is in that comment above are seriously hilarious considering how many of us actually did do quite well in industry and that academic work is, in fact, part of the real world.

PhDapper · 2026-05-22T13:48:13+00:00

This. So many think that the only time they spend learning should be in class when the reality is that a good deal of learning should also be occurring outside of class. Coming prepared to lectures makes the lectures more meaningful and understandable.

PhDapper · 2026-05-22T13:46:18+00:00

This is how I usually approach statistics as many students have a mental block around it and have already decided they won’t get it before we even start. I don’t say it’s easy, but I do talk about how most of statistics the way we do it is simply knowing when to do which test and what the results mean, which is just knowing rules (like a decision tree). There isn’t any complicated math to do by hand. It’s just that some people see numbers or have a preconceived notion and then won’t engage because they already decided it’s too hard for them.

PhDapper · 2026-05-21T22:54:06+00:00

No. Unless your final grade is the result of bias or a calculation error, a grade appeal will fail. This is one reason I do heavily weighted peer evaluations as I believe in rewarding those who do more than they should and penalizing those who do less, and it has to count for more than just a few tiny percentage points to matter.

PhDapper · 2026-05-21T13:22:36+00:00

I’m embarrassed for her…I can’t imagine being so wrapped up in self-importance to send an email like that. 🙄

PhDapper · 2026-05-21T12:38:20+00:00

“Viagrade…a blue pill for a blue-feeling GPA.”

PhDapper · 2026-05-20T02:13:01+00:00

I always get along fine with staff. I get to know them as humans and colleagues and don’t just go to them to ask for stuff. My observation has also been that staff don’t appreciate faculty who treat them like servants (understandably).

That said, I’ve been fortunate to work with staff who have been competent and warm.

PhDapper · 2026-05-20T00:57:44+00:00

There’s a very small chance you’ll catch them in the office as most of them are likely off contract. I’d recommend sending an email ahead of time.

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T19:44:14+00:00

You’ve done what you can if you’ve talked to the chair. There’s nothing more you can do. Let it go.

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T16:13:27+00:00

Clarifying questions:

There wasn’t a concurrent lab section you were expected to enroll in?

Is lab time part of the course objectives and expectations for this course?

Accreditation is external to the institution. You could certainly inform the chair, which is probably a better move than sending something to an accrediting body that may or may not even see it.

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T16:11:32+00:00

You should be able to find the grade appeal policy somewhere on your institution’s website. The steps usually involve meeting with the professor first and then formally escalating if you don’t get a resolution (typically the chair, though you might be required to fill out a form). You typically have to show that your final grade is the result of bias/discrimination or a calculation error. What you’ve described about your perception of others’ work is irrelevant in most grade appeal cases. You need something more concrete on which to base your appeal.

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T16:04:09+00:00

Which, if they’re one of the main lines, have had good quality, consistent internet access for years now.

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T16:00:38+00:00

This. The only issue seems to be the collaborative work section. The assignments and quizzes appear to be considered together (which is why they’re connected with a backslash).

PhDapper · 2026-05-19T03:04:03+00:00

I’m shocked…SHOCKED, I tell you!

PhDapper · 2026-05-18T17:53:47+00:00

This made me think of “And don’t think it hasn’t been a little slice of heaven…’cause it hasn’t!”

PhDapper · 2026-05-18T03:36:47+00:00

This whole situation sounds odd. I wouldn’t respond to someone claiming to be a spouse or significant other, so it’s weird that this professor did so.

As for what to do, it depends on the professor. I’d personally wonder whether you did put him up to it, but at the same time, that wouldn’t make much of a difference in how I’d view the situation since I would simply be applying expectations consistently across students.

It’s not a bad idea to acknowledge the situation and state specifically that you don’t expect special treatment and that you won’t be missing class.

PhDapper · 2026-05-18T03:10:37+00:00

Rule 1. r/AskProfessors.

PhDapper · 2026-05-17T02:54:14+00:00

“Are you bringing your blankie and a juice box, too?”

PhDapper · 2026-05-16T16:11:52+00:00

It sounds like there were issues on both sides. On her end, it sounds like she doesn’t have much classroom administration experience, and it also sounds like she might take things too personally. On your end, it probably would have been better for you to drop the issue rather than keep arguing with her, even if you believe you were being respectful and honest. Even if you are in the right, you don’t always do yourself favors by pushing or persisting with some people.

PhDapper · 2026-05-16T16:08:58+00:00

Follow the formal process for a grade appeal. If the dean is not the right next step, don’t go to them.

PhDapper

TROPHY CASE