The Top Ten Things Instructors Do Not Want To Hear

 
1.    Do you do extra credit?  Check your syllabus.  Chances are good that if extra credit is not addressed on the syllabus, your instructor does not have a provision for it.  Extra means over and above the course requirements.  If you do what is required, you do not need extra credit.  Each student will be graded on the same criteria.

2.    I am over my limit for absences because I got sick/ fired/ arrested/ a flat tire.  Can't you just excuse this one because I have a very good excuse?  According to the CFCC catalogue, your body must be in your seat 80% of the time the class meets or you cannot receive a passing grade in the course.  The problem is not the last absence; it is the three weeks you missed before this absence.

3.    May I sit in on another class and make up time?  You cannot make up time because it is not a matter of putting in time.  It is a matter of participating in the class for which you are registered.

4.    You are not an English teacher.  / This is not an English class.  Why are you so fussy about writing skills?  While this is not an English class, it is a college level class and you are expected to express yourself at a college level.  If you are capable of doing so, do it.  If not, get help.  Do not turn in work that would be considered failing at the elementary school level and then complain that it is not given college credit.

5.    These test questions are tricky!  A tricky question, similar to a brainteaser, is designed to encourage you to put a wrong answer.  The questions are challenging and thorough.  If you think they are tricky, you did not study enough.

6.    I studied for hours for this exam.  / I worked for hours on this paper.  This grade is unfair.  I need at least a C in this class.  Your grades reflect my evaluation of your performance on assignments that are appropriate to the level and content of this course.  Grading you on the time spent would mean that someone who has a perfect product with little effort should receive a failing grade.  The fact that you worked for hours or are unhappy with your grade in no way indicates that my evaluation or the assignment are invalid.

7.    I missed class last week.  Did we do anything important?  This is insulting.  Of course, we did something important.  You are responsible for getting the missed information/ assignments from another student.  If you need to copy notes, do so outside of class.

8.    My printer messed up at the last minute; can I turn in my assignment late?  You are given ample time to finish your assignments even when accounting for printer problems.  The problem is not with your printer; it is with your "last-minute" mentality.

9.   My average is an F.  Can I still get a withdraw passing?  No.

10. This is not UNCW.  You are expecting too much.  In fact, this is UNCW.  Your college transfer classes are given identical credit to those taken at UNCW.  Our criteria must be equivalent.  Your advantages here are smaller classes, more individual attention, and lower tuition, not easier criteria.