Keeping It In Perspective

So my grades are in, just under the deadline. I managed to write meaningful comments for 43 separate research projects, plus grading for my other two classes. I came home, cracked a beer, started my attempt at red beans and rice, and generally prepared to celebrate just a little.

And then, three hours and 13 minutes after my grades were turned in, the first grade complaint arrived.

Ahhh, higher education: thank you for keeping my head in the right place.
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6 comments:

  1. ashDecember 15, 2008 at 8:10 PM

    13 minutes--shit, that has to be a new record. No more e-mail until you drink that beer (and maybe one of its comrades)!

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  2. AnonymousDecember 15, 2008 at 9:13 PM

    Ugh. I am so sorry on behalf of your inconsiderate student. This is the first semester where my students do not have a final on the last possible day of finals week. Those previous semesters, I used to force myself NOT to read student emails until significantly post-holiday. But this year... my grades are due Weds, which leaves more than a week until Christmas, so... I know I'll check. Grrrrrr... Maybe I'll get a Christmas miracle and everyone will be completely content with the grades they've earned (operative word = "earned." Why do students tend to think that we just toss around grades on whims?!).

    In any case... Did you already respond to this student? or are you holding off a bit? I hope you're enjoying your night and celebrating... give yourself at least a night. :)

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  3. SisyphusDecember 16, 2008 at 1:09 AM

    Damn! Those students.

    You'll need another beer after that red beans and rice, and maybe some dessert too. Then go to bed. Resist the urge to send an email flipping the student the bird. You'll have some more energy to deal with it in the morning.

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  4. Notorious Ph.D.December 18, 2008 at 5:49 PM

    13 minutes?!? Surely that's some sort of record.

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  5. Dr. CurmudgeonDecember 18, 2008 at 5:53 PM

    Actually, three hours and thirteen minutes.

    To the student's credit - and to keep this from sounding like "Rate Your Students" - I should note that the response to my e-mail (which was direct, simply supplying the student with a full run-down of their grades for the term - was polite, courteous, and respectful.

    And it was the only complaint I got this year, so maybe there's hope yet.

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  6. SamanthaDecember 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM

    I had one within the hour. The student was asking to be moved up to an A+.

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