In the past two weeks I've received at least 34 variations of the following:
Yo Prof Reaction,
I know that I am number 32 on your wait list, but can I please, please PLEASE get into your class next semester? My current prof, like, totally sucks, and I've heard that you are SUPER amazing. I know that I will only do well if I have you because you are, like, sooooo amazing. I can't possibly still take my other four perfect profs' classes if I'm not in your section. Please, is there anything I can do to get into your class? I hope that you will consider moving me ahead of the other students.
Thanks so much,
Undergrad
I've received such pleas via email. I've had messages left on my voicemail. The worst by far are the teary pleas made in person.
As a result, in the past two weeks, I've had to deliver at least 34 variations of the following:
Undergrad,
Thank you for your kind words. If I can find alternative schedules for you in < 1 minute then no, I do not believe your world will end if you do not have me as your professor next semester. Otherwise I would definitely move you ahead of the other 31 students ahead of you in line. I am not sure if your desire to take my class has more to do with your misconceived notion that I am easy or you are implying that none of my colleagues could possibly teach to the same amazing level that I do.
I recommend that you enroll in one of the many, many open seats in another section.
Best,
Dr. Reaction
Okay, so my email replies actually look something like this:
Undergrad,
Thank you for your kind words. As number 32 on the wait list, it is highly unlikely that you will get into the class. I suggest that you arrange your schedule to accommodate one of the other open sections of this course.
Best,
Dr. Reaction
Is it winter break yet?
5 comments:
Why do you even waste your time responding to irrelevant futile e-mails like that? Those little shittes need to learn that their failure to plan ahead is no one's problem but their own.
Because I am junior faculty, so I am expected to answer all emails.
Registration WEEK? If only ... now imagine registration month and a half, without a waiting list.
(I dearly wish our computer gurus could implement a waiting list, but since they almost completely broke -- the day before registration started -- an extremely good system that handles everything else, I won't ask.)
But then I also have zero authority to put kids in my class. I just send them to the Dean's office, who dearly wishes for an automated wait list.
If I did have that authority, I would insist on the authority to remove students I don't want in the class. Fair is fair, right?
PS -
Do the students know where they are on the wait list?
Can you compare your wait list with that of other profs?
Wow. No wait lists?
Students do not know where they are on the waitlist, but I can pull up the rosters for any class (including waitlist).
Because I am junior faculty, so I am expected to answer all emails.
Even student e-mails that are arise out of the student's complete failure to follow the proper procedures of your institution, and that are asking you to do things that you lack the authority to do?
Post a Comment