Personal Circumstances
How do you handle the student who has had a life change during your course and is having a difficult time coping? I have a student whe had a baby a month ago and has not turned in work on time since. I suspect that she may be dealing with the "blues" but at what point to I end taking her late work?
Colleen
Jeanine,
Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing you can do if you have exhausted all of the resources both supportive and legal for a student. I am always sad when I have a student in this situation but I feel comforted by the fact I know I have done all that I can to help someone like her be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have the same question as Colleen, though my student keeps reintroducing herself to a domestic violence situation which continually interferes with her education. She has been referred to student services and has had a number of other support systems offered. What else can I do? This student is motivated when emotionally healthy and the abuser is absent from her life.
I approach this situation by assuring the student that school is not real life, and that sometimes real life gets in the way. When it does, I try to convince the student that it is OK to deal with life first, and to try to deal with school after a life crisis has passed. They just need to know that you understand, as the instructor, what it means to juggle home, family, work and school and that even those who are the best at doing so sometime falter a little. A reality check is OK, from time to time.
Hi Lakithia,
Thanks for sharing the example of how we instructors have to be flexible. By being flexible this student was able to handle a personal situation while still continuing with her education. This was a result of understanding on your part and the officials in your school. I know this made a real impact on your other students.
Gary
I feel that instructors should be flexible to students when they have experienced a life changing event. I once had a student whose child was in a bicycle accident and the child ruptured her spleen. She needed immediate surgery. I spoke with my superiors and they agree to give this particular student a little extra time with turning in the assignment. The student passes with a B out of the course.
I understand, from experience, the difficulty in staying on task and focused on the job at hand (epecially with a newborn). I believe as soon as you are made aware of the situation would be a good time to refer the student to the student services department to discuss the available options/accommodations.
Hi Colleen,
At the time her educational pathway is being compromised. Accommodations can be made for a certain amount of time but there comes a time when the student is no longer accessing the needed content nor completing the required work. This is when the student may need to be counseled to step out for a bit and then come back when life is somewhat smoother.
Gary
