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I think there are some issues that could/should be discussed. I have
witnessed many of the incidents described, except I have not witnessed
them compressed into one institution nor compressed into a time period
of a couple years. However, after teaching at the college level for 26
years (at one institution), having "survived" seven deans, having taught
as an adjunct at several other institutions within reasonable driving
distance, etc., I can say that I have pretty much observed or even been
involved in many of the incidents described.
* * Changing Grades * *
* * Too Easy Grading * *
I once taught a "science course" in a master of education program at
another institution. After accepting the job, I got a phone call from
the department chair of the education department of that institution.
He said something like this. "I just want to make sure you understand
that you are not allowed to give any exams or any homework. All
students who attend your classes are to be given grades of A. It is our
policy that in-service teachers working on a masters degrees have enough
things to worry about, and we don't want to jeopardize the enrollment in
our masters program. If you do not agree with this, turn down the job
now."
* * Prerequisites * *
Before computers, making sure everyone in class had the proper
prerequisites was the job of the student's advisor. There was no way
the registrar could check this for all students. We did have lots of
students who "slipped in." With the advent of computerized
registration, the computer will not allow a student to enroll in the
course unless the student shows a passing grade in all prerequisite
courses. The only way for a student to get around this is to obtain a
signed waiver from the professor of the course. Not even the dean or
department chair can force me to accept a student without the
prerequisites.