Need Advice

celery · Jun 27, 2007

Maybe you could just tell them it's not fair. Good luck! I hope it works out for you.

MB37 · Jun 27, 2007

At the 4 hour meeting we had yesterday, quite a few of us pointed out that it wasn't fair to change the program once we've accepted and started classes, and possibly turned down admission elsewhere based on our expected graduation date. It's the only ABSN program in Tampa, and when I agreed that my DH could take his job's transfer out here, it was based solely on the fact that I could go to this particular program. The problem is that the administration is starting to think it's "not fair" to us to make us take so many classes next summer, and I just want the chance to see if I can do it. Anyone else have any success in dealing with anything like this?

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 27, 2007

I think you would be most likely to get what you want if you can show that you can see the other point of view. If you could come across as, "While I understand your concerns and appreciate your willingness to make appropriate adjustments to the program, I hope you can understand that some of us need the accelerated pace and chose this particular program because of that pace. If you decide to change the program for future cohorts -- or even provide a slower option for people who would like to choose that now -- those of us who need the accelerated pace need an option consistent with the program we originally signed up for, one that allows us to graduate on time."

Such a delicate approach opens the door for 2 solutions to the current problems -- not just one. The school can look for 1 solution for those students for whom this accelerated program is not working -- and a 2nd solution for people like you. Also, be willing to compromise a little and make a few changes in exchange for getting the key thing that you need.

It sounds as if the school is trying to handle this difficult situation very well. They realize that they may have made mistakes in the planning of this new program and now need to try to fix things -- and that will mean some changes. But they are being honest with you and are seeking input from the students as they try to work through a difficult situation. That's all you can ask and it's more than some schools would do. If you show your appreciation of their efforts to include student input and a willingness to make a few compromises ... they will be most likely to try to help you guys graduate on schedule even if it means extra effort and expense on their part.

Good luck

MB37 · Jun 27, 2007

Thanks! If I wind up going to this meeting I want to make sure I have something diplomatic to say instead of just sounding PO'd. I agree, and I think the best possible solution would be if they could possible lengthen the summer semester. Allowing a few students to transfer from the accelerated to the regular program if space permits would also be a nice option for some people instead of making them reapply and start from scratch. And who knows, I'm doing well in semester I, but once semester III starts maybe I'll get overwhelmed too and wish I had one of these options. Appreciate the response!

GratefulHeart · Jun 27, 2007

I think you would be most likely to get what you want if you can show that you can see the other point of view. If you could come across as, "While I understand your concerns and appreciate your willingness to make appropriate adjustments to the program, I hope you can understand that some of us need the accelerated pace and chose this particular program because of that pace. If you decide to change the program for future cohorts -- or even provide a slower option for people who would like to choose that now -- those of us who need the accelerated pace need an option consistent with the program we originally signed up for, one that allows us to graduate on time."
Such a delicate approach opens the door for 2 solutions to the current problems -- not just one. The school can look for 1 solution for those students for whom this accelerated program is not working -- and a 2nd solution for people like you. Also, be willing to compromise a little and make a few changes in exchange for getting the key thing that you need.
It sounds as if the school is trying to handle this difficult situation very well. They realize that they may have made mistakes in the planning of this new program and now need to try to fix things -- and that will mean some changes. But they are being honest with you and are seeking input from the students as they try to work through a difficult situation. That's all you can ask and it's more than some schools would do. If you show your appreciation of their efforts to include student input and a willingness to make a few compromises ... they will be most likely to try to help you guys graduate on schedule even if it means extra effort and expense on their part.
Good luck

Great advice! I too would ask for them to provide an option for students in your cohort who want to finish on time as originally planned - because so many of you had to plan for this financially, etc., and a delay may create problems of failure from the program on the back end of the program...students having to drop out because their funds have dried up due to the unexpected prolonged course.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jun 27, 2007

I would just watch the use of the word "fair". I can't tell you how many times I have heard people burned because someone likes to throw it back in their face that life is not fair. I personally cringe every time I hear someone use it as I expect a retort to that effect.

I think you've got some very good advice here and requesting 2 alternatives might be the best suggestion for this situation.

I wish you well!!

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 28, 2007

I would just watch the use of the word "fair". I can't tell you how many times I have heard people burned because someone likes to throw it back in their face that life is not fair. I personally cringe every time I hear someone use it as I expect a retort to that effect.
I think you've got some very good advice here and requesting 2 alternatives might be the best suggestion for this situation.
I wish you well!!

I strongly agree about the use of the word "fair." Using it sounds like an accusation and that makes people defensive. "Fair" for one person doesn't always equate with what is "most fair" for the most people. A complex balancing act of needs and wants is often needed -- and someone whining or pouting about what is fairness to him or her as an individual usually does that person more harm than good.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jun 28, 2007

Something else that comes to mind that's been pointed out in other threads about changes to programs -- if you have the original course catalog that points out the terms of your enrollment and expectations, then you should have a legally binding agreement with the college at the time you registered for your expectations of the program. I would try to track down a copy of that catalog and see if it contains the information that you understood to be your and their obligation at the time you enrolled.

Again, I wish you good luck!

celery · Jun 28, 2007

I had another thought. Probably more insightful than my other post. It is an analogy based completely in truth.

I used to work with my brother, mowing lawns. It was his real business, for me...just making a little money while I was in school.

Anyways, I was relegated to operating the weed-whacker, or weed -eater, whatever you might choose to call it. I would walk around the customers' lawn trimming the grass and weeds. You know which 'weeds' got 'whacked'? Not all of them. Just the tallest of them.

MB37 · Jun 28, 2007

Yeah, I'm glad that they called this meeting and asked for our input, and I'm glad that we're invited to come share our opinions with the whole committee. I don't think they want to screw anyone over, just to hopefully decide on something that will be board-approved and graduate the most people in the shortest amount of time. I agree that you wouldn't want to offer a program that only 10% will graduate from, but 95% might not be a realistic goal either. Thanks guys!