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[t_r_b]

Students just refuse to ask their classmates what they missed. Aaargh! I need some advice! What isn't clear? What more should I do besides being more of a tough_ _ _?

My take on the situation is that the guidelines in your syllabus are too long and complicated. A more simply stated policy might be better: "Students who miss class, for any reason, are responsible for obtaining the notes for that day from a classmate. The instructor will not respond to requests from students to let them know what they missed when absent. Students who miss class for an extended period due to illness or personal emergency should contact the Dean of Students... [citing appropriate policy for medical incompletes, etc.]"

This policy might not cut down on the number of emails you receive, but it would relieve you of the obligation to reply.

Any thoughts on this approach?

[octoprof]

Students just refuse to ask their classmates what they missed. Aaargh! I need some advice! What isn't clear? What more should I do besides being more of a tough_ _ _?

My take on the situation is that the guidelines in your syllabus are too long and complicated. A more simply stated policy might be better: "Students who miss class, for any reason, are responsible for obtaining the notes for that day from a classmate. The instructor will not respond to requests from students to let them know what they missed when absent. Students who miss class for an extended period due to illness or personal emergency should contact the Dean of Students... [citing appropriate policy for medical incompletes, etc.]"

This policy might not cut down on the number of emails you receive, but it would relieve you of the obligation to reply.

Any thoughts on this approach?

I use this approach. My syllabus always says something like:

Absences. If you miss a class, you are responsible for mastering the missed information on your own.  Contact some classmates to find out what was covered and obtain notes. Read the text, study the day’s notes, and work the assigned exercises and problems.  Contact your professor for help only after you have done these things..

So, when students who have been absent ask for things they should be taking care of themselves, I remind them to read the absence policy in the syllabus.  That's as much response as they get to questions like "what was covered in class."

I always smile when reminding them to read the syllabus. Always.

[rowan1]

This just in from a student who was sitting next to me during the first act of the play we saw on Tuesday:

Professor Rowan,
 
In class on Tuesday afternoon when Professor Other Colleague was enlightening us all about the difference in experiences viewers would have when watching the play from different areas of the theatre, I did not think it would make as much of a difference as I encountered.  I really wanted to see for myself and was shocked when I moved seats at intermission.  I moved to the upper right corner of the theatre to an area of a few open seats.  I was shocked how different it was! I am looking forward to writing about it as well. 
 
I just thought I would let you know, and tell you I thought it was a really good production.  Hope you enjoyed it as well!
 
-Student who dissappeared at Intermission

Now, this would be all well and good except for the little fact that I saw this student and two other (not in my class) students leave the building at intermission, I had noticed the other two students earlier (seated in the upper right corner) because it is a small theatre, the audience is on 3 sides of the stage and fully visible, and these two goofballs were not behaving appropriately, and I was waiting to speak to them before intermission started.  They never came back, neither did little Miss Creative CYA!  Not sure what I am going to do on this one.  I think there will be a question in class about the second act that will appear in the form of a pop quiz.

Then there will be a long discussion.  I hate those.

[dillon]

I don't know much about your field, but I'd be very tempted at the next class to begin class with something like the following:

"Class, you remember how Professor soandso talked about different locations influencing the audience's perceptions.  One of your classmated emailed me that she actually put this to a test last week!"  I'd then ask particularly pointed questions about her perceptions about things that she missed.

I don't know that I'd actually do something like the above, but I sure would want to.

[gayle]

Now, this just in:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Check out my Facebook profile

Hi ccteach (used my first name, by the way),

I set up a Facebook profile with my pictures, videos and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.

Thanks,
Student
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Has anyone else been invited to be their student's "facebook friend"? I find this creepy!

The wording of the email sounds to me like they used the facebook find your friends function.  First the program searches for profiles matching the names and emails in your address book.  Then it asks you if you want to 'invite' the folks it couldn't find profiles for.  The student may have hit an 'invite all' button without filtering the list.

[rowan1]

I don't know much about your field, but I'd be very tempted at the next class to begin class with something like the following:

"Class, you remember how Professor soandso talked about different locations influencing the audience's perceptions.  One of your classmated emailed me that she actually put this to a test last week!"  I'd then ask particularly pointed questions about her perceptions about things that she missed.

I don't know that I'd actually do something like the above, but I sure would want to.

I love this idea!  Don't know if I can do it though.  WIll have to think about it.

[magistra]

She did not complete half of a required assignment, and then went out of her way to lie about it?  This is an academic honesty issue at many schools.  Put the fear of God (you) into her.

[conjugate]

I'd mention to professor OtherColleague that one of your students claimed to have put this precept to the test.  Then I'd bet Dr. Colleague says, "What?  When did I say that?  I don't remember bringing that up in class!"  Then both of you should throw the book at her.

[_touchedbyanoodle_]

Students just refuse to ask their classmates what they missed. Aaargh! I need some advice! What isn't clear? What more should I do besides being more of a tough_ _ _?

My take on the situation is that the guidelines in your syllabus are too long and complicated. A more simply stated policy might be better: "Students who miss class, for any reason, are responsible for obtaining the notes for that day from a classmate. The instructor will not respond to requests from students to let them know what they missed when absent. Students who miss class for an extended period due to illness or personal emergency should contact the Dean of Students... [citing appropriate policy for medical incompletes, etc.]"

This policy might not cut down on the number of emails you receive, but it would relieve you of the obligation to reply.

Any thoughts on this approach?

You can also create a handout that you give to students on the first day for the purpose of collecting contact information for at least three other students in the class. Of course, it has to be voluntary as to avoid FERPA violation, but it helps tremendously.

The form can be as simple as:

Name:
Phone:
E-mail:

[mended_drum]

She did not complete half of a required assignment, and then went out of her way to lie about it?  This is an academic honesty issue at many schools.  Put the fear of God (you) into her.

Indeed, I'd be perfectly honest and reply with, "I was at the performance you're referring to, had full view of the audience, including you and your friends.  The Honor Code explicitly states that lying to professors is an Honor Code violation.  Would you like to retract or modify your previous message?"

[ccteach]

Students just refuse to ask their classmates what they missed. Aaargh! I need some advice! What isn't clear? What more should I do besides being more of a tough_ _ _?

My take on the situation is that the guidelines in your syllabus are too long and complicated. A more simply stated policy might be better: "Students who miss class, for any reason, are responsible for obtaining the notes for that day from a classmate. The instructor will not respond to requests from students to let them know what they missed when absent. Students who miss class for an extended period due to illness or personal emergency should contact the Dean of Students... [citing appropriate policy for medical incompletes, etc.]"

This policy might not cut down on the number of emails you receive, but it would relieve you of the obligation to reply.

Any thoughts on this approach?

You can also create a handout that you give to students on the first day for the purpose of collecting contact information for at least three other students in the class. Of course, it has to be voluntary as to avoid FERPA violation, but it helps tremendously.

The form can be as simple as:

Name:
Phone:
E-mail:

Thank you for your thoughts and recommendations, touchedbyanoodle et al. I used to give an open-syllabus quiz. This was mentioned in another discussion recently. In that quiz, they could gather the names and contact info of others. I will keep FERPA in mind, but I will need to tell them that if they wish to not share contact info that they are on their own when it comes to absences.

I had 3 more students come to my office today who missed class! As mentioned by the raised bar, I try to remind them of the syllabus with a smile -- I will try harder!

By the way, I hope you're feeling well, touchedbyanoodle. You and wild rose are in my thoughts.

[copper]

I was advised by you last semester and I am having trouble picking out classes to take for a summer II session.  I wanted to meet with you because I am planning on taking them at a local community college in....

What makes this a favorite?  I have never done any advising at all.  This is the third student to claim a past advisor/advisee relationship with me.  I've been tempted to respond with "just how clueless are you?" but I direct them to the undergrad office to figure out who their advisor really is.

[elena]

Copper,  There may be an actual advisor on campus with a name similar to yours, and the students may simply be emailing the wrong person.  I think you should  just write back to the students and say you're not an advisor or that you don't think they meant to send the email to you -- ask them to double check contact info....something like that.

[atalanta]

Students just refuse to ask their classmates what they missed. Aaargh! I need some advice! What isn't clear? What more should I do besides being more of a tough_ _ _?

My take on the situation is that the guidelines in your syllabus are too long and complicated. A more simply stated policy might be better: "Students who miss class, for any reason, are responsible for obtaining the notes for that day from a classmate. The instructor will not respond to requests from students to let them know what they missed when absent. Students who miss class for an extended period due to illness or personal emergency should contact the Dean of Students... [citing appropriate policy for medical incompletes, etc.]"

This policy might not cut down on the number of emails you receive, but it would relieve you of the obligation to reply.

Any thoughts on this approach?

You can also create a handout that you give to students on the first day for the purpose of collecting contact information for at least three other students in the class. Of course, it has to be voluntary as to avoid FERPA violation, but it helps tremendously.

The form can be as simple as:

Name:
Phone:
E-mail:

touchedbyanoodle, I do something similar: On the first day of class, after going over the syllabus, I give the students 3 minutes to introduce themselves to their classmates. I tell them that each person should exchange contact info with at least two other classmates. If they already have friends in the class, they should find two other people to exchange info with. The class then explodes into a lively hubbub of conversation.

Afterward they all seem a little happier and energized. Then I tell them, "Keep those e-ail addresses and cell phone numbers handy! Those are your lifeline. If you ever need to borrow lecture notes, compare notes, or need some last minute help before the homework is due, you know whom to call!" The students like it, and it energizes the whole room right before I start the first lecture.

[simone1]

My best medical excuse email yet:

"Dear Professor, I am sorry I missed class. I have been having problems with my vagina."

Too Much Information!!!!!!!