Denise Jackson v. Professor Ronnie Smith Complaint

Denise Jackson v. Professor Ronnie Smith

Complaint

Denise Jackson, a student at our school, recently filed a complaint with this committee regarding her experience in a course taken with Professor Ronnie Smith in the English Department. According to Ms. Jackson, she appeared on the day of the final examination prepared to take the test. However, when Ms. Jackson at the appropriate testing site at the time the exam was supposed to be administered, there was no one in the classroom.

Ms. Jackson then explained that she learned from another student from this class that the issue had been put to a vote in class, and that the class had approved the change in time. She also learned from this student that Professor Smith had printed out a notice that informed students of the time change. This notice had been distributed to class members two weeks prior to the exam, according to the student. Ms. Jackson, however, claims that she never saw this printed notice.

In an attempt to resolve this matter, Ms. Jackson went to see Professor Smith to see about making up the exam. Professor Smith refused this request on the basis that Ms. Jackson did not have appropriate proof in the form of a written excuse that would allow her to be given a second chance. Because of this, Ms. Jackson received a zero on the final exam. As a result, Ms. Jackson was unable to achieve a passing grade of "C" in the course.

Response to Complaint

Professor Smith responded to the complaint made by Ms. Jackson by explaining that Ms. Jackson's absences during the term were excessive. As proof of this, he presented a roster that indicated that Ms. Jackson had been absent from class on more than ten occasions. Professor Smith also indicated that Mr. Jackson had failed to submit two major assignments, and that she made no attempt to make up this work until the last week of class.

Regarding the examination date, Professor Smith stated that he had given the class ample notice of the change. First, he polled the class to ensure that the time change was acceptable. Next, he made sure they were informed of the change in a timely manner by providing written documents to them during a class meeting two weeks prior to the exam. Professor Smith provided a copy of this memorandum as proof. He further explained that on the date that the notice was distributed, Ms. Jackson was absent from class, which is why she was unaware of the time change. Finally, because of her failure to submit the two major assignments due earlier in the term, as well as her failure to show up for the examination, her grade in the class was below passing. Even if she had been allowed to make up the examination, Professor Smith explained that Ms. Jackson would not have been able to make a passing grade.