Harrassed for missing only one course— we are allowed per the syllabi to miss 3 courses before grade reduction; this course was no different. I have never had an instructor harrass me that much— I was greatly upset by the actions as my mother was very ill during that semester. I ended up dropping the course due to lack of support from the professor and my mother's death during class.
The following semester I re-enrolled and attended an International Relations Course at Shippensburg University; during an essay writing assignment, I requested an office apt with the professor to seek ideas and suggestions on paper development as well as to be sure my paper was on track with the assignment.instead I was met with harrassment— the professor began attacking my ideas and thoughts saying he doubted I could interpret the readings correctly, that my ideas were vague and unsuportive and that my comments were ridiculous. He was very abrupt and nasty. I left the office in tears and reported the incident to an administrator who had to calm me down and encourage me to go back and attend class that evening. I filed a formal complaint but the instructor was not penalized. I finally received a brief apology from him but the experience marked me and left me feeling ridiculed and my self-esteem and intellectual abilities demeaned. I received a B on the paper— which was graded by a TA.
Third and final semester at Shippensburg University— nightmare!!!
I was enrolled in another English lit course— taught by a female professor— the professor was abrupt and rude & seeking opportunities to demean and attack verbally. During one occassion she made a nasty comment about not bringing my book to class— I had in fact brought with me a print out of the chapters we were to read— and showed it to her. She said oh well students can bring in what they want - however i did not appreciate her jumping to conclusions that I had not taken measures to do my work. The final straw came when I sought assistance on my essay; I had been sick and missed the class before hand, and was not sleeping due to student parties railing through 300am in the morning— I was on medications due to lack of sleep and because of stress, and had had state police at my doorstep on more than one occassion due to theft, attempted break ins, and loud parties which effected my ability to function. So i asked the instructor for assistance— she read my paper, said it was ok and to make the changes she requested.
I do so, and turned in the paper. 3 days later I receive a letter telling me to come into her office with the English Dept Chair to discuss plagiarism and academic dishonesty!!! I have never had an academic charge EVER against me— though i did forget my works cited page and given the stress i was placed under am sure my paper was not complete &and that i missed important aspects. However to receive this while enduring so much previous harrassment from professors coupled with the continued issues off campus was too much. The issues off campus also included a threat against my life at Britton Court for calling police to stop parties; which led to the students arrest and to my becoming a Witness for the Commonwealth of Pa and having to receive protection in a hotel for 2 days from a local church due to undue stress and hardship after the threat. State police adivsed me to leave the area for my own safety.
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