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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m sorry OP. I also have a kid who just needs to pass Senior capstone with a C- or higher to graduate in May and it’s a nail biter. Partly the professors, but, to be fair, also partly my kid having ADHD and being a poor judge of how long assignments will take.  SMH

Agree with PPs your kid is almost certainly stuck with this professor and this class and can’t go round it at this point. So, they have to suck it up and go through. But, it’s getting close to midterms at most schools, so it’s a good time to touch base with the professor and get things nailed down in writing without seeming adversarial.

I’m a lawyer, so I always believe in getting it in writing. So, in addition to office hours, maybe an email along these lines:

Dear Professor X: I want to touch base with you during midterms about my progress in your class this semester. I am really enjoying the subject matter and have learned so much. But, I am also finding your class to be challenging (which I know if the goal of a senior thesis class). So, I wanted to take this opportunity to confirm I am making satisfactory progress towards passing your class so I can graduate in May.

I believe I have completed X, Y and Z assignments within the deadlines and have passed X and Y.  I know you are still grading S. And, after reviewing the syllabus, I know that I need to do A, B and C to satisfactorily complete this class.  Is this correct?

Because this class has definitely been challenging me, I also wanted to see if there are any areas where you believe my work needs improvement. I appreciate any suggestions/advice you are able to provide in areas where you believe I could use improvement.

Thank you for offering such an interesting class and for taking the time to touch base with me on my progress— your student.

If they don’t hear back, wait 10 days to two weeks and send a followup email.  It’s nice if they get constructive device. But the goal should be to get confirmation that they are on track to pass. And, if they aren’t, to nil down why that is.

Also realize— yes a tenured professor has a lot of latitude and probably does have the ability flunk your kid— Orr the entire class. And if it’s just your kid, the college is unlikely to care much or have much sympathy. But if this is a widespread problem and an issue every year, it likely is being monitored behind the scenes.

The college might not care if one kid in the major fails ‘‘tis class and doesn’t graduate on time. But, it does care about its 4 and 6 year graduation rates— if only because they must be reported to USNWR and the DOE / common data set.  If more than 1 or 2 students who have decent academic track records routinely can’t graduate because they fail this one class 2nd semester senior year,  the college will care. If only because it hurts their numbers. And if kids stop declaring majors in this area because of the reputation of kids not being able to graduate on time due to senior capstone/thesis, the department will care, because fewer majors means professors and classes will be cut.

So, if this is truly a majority of the class issue, and not a your kid issue, there is a strong likelihood that your kid is being hazed and will ultimately get a passing grade. And the professor is just getting their jollies jerking kids around.  Because if, say, half of the professor’s class become ineligible to graduate based solely on that class, year over year, it isnt  just an issue for the kids (and not the professor, because tenure).  It become a department issue (they can’t get kids though the major on the timeline they should) and a college issue (fewer kids graduate on time, which is reported in the data to DOE and rankings entities.

So, if your kid really is in the same crappy position as most of the class, it may be stressful, but realistically, the will probably squeak through in the end. Not how your kid wants to spend their last semester. But, strength in numbers.  That said, have them try— politely— to get their midterm status nailed down in writing.

And next time, believe it when multiple kids are saying a professor is unreasonable or unfair. Nd try to work around that class.

Good luck!

[/quote]

I know this was well meaning, but it tacitly questions the prof and wouldn't make rhe student look competent. It's also way too long. The student should know what they submitted,  where they stand on that and what is left. Do not waste professor 's time asking what you should already know. Yes, keep the part about finding it challenging. Ask for advice on how yo better understand graded work and whether you can revise. Ask for guidance preparing for work yo come. Ask about her research (a good meaty question,  not a cheap survey that smells of kissing up).[/quote]

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