Appealing a grade

LunaTunaPineapple · May 13, 2016

Hello, I'm really sorry about your situation. It sucks when things like this happen, especially when you're so close, but I must say there are a few things you may have to consider. From what I've read thus far, you were 1.4 points away from passing, meaning your grades were already low enough to jeopardize your position in the program. Most syllabi state that things within are subject to change, allowing professors to make changes where needed. I totally understand that there could be a number of reasons why you weren't able to pull the grades you needed to pass and it's frustrating. If your professor changed the grading scale mid-way through the semester, it's still your responsibility as the student to take a step back and say "okay, this is where I stand and this is my plan of action to achieve a passing grade". Lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on the admin and professors part. I do wish you the best of luck with your appeal, but as the PPs mentioned, that's a case you probably won't win. Life's rough, but keep your head up!

2bNurseDR.T · May 13, 2016

I just received word that I failed one of my classes by 1.4 points. Very disheartening. I guess what bothers me most about this is that at the start of the program, we were given the weighted percentages of our grades. The grades were 60% - tests, 30% - final, and 10% assignments. Half-way through the year, at semester break, our instructor changed our grading to 60% - tests, 35% - final and 5% assignments. Had the breakdown been left the same as when the program started, I would have passed and then some. Also, our instructor indicated she was "trending" some of the grades. What this means in her class is - if at least half of the students got the same answer wrong, they get points back. However, those of us who answered that particular question correct don't get anything. I guess another instructor trends grades as well, but her thoughts are if everyone misses the same question, she feels she didn't cover the material well enough for anyone to understand. Therefore, she gives points back to everyone. I'm not sure I agree with some getting points back and some not. It just doesn't seem right. I am considering an appeal of my grade. Opinions?

Firstly, I'm sorry you failed your class. I believe "trending" is normal for most nursing programs. The reason you don't get points back if you've gotten it correct already is because that wouldn't be fair to other students that missed the question. If you got points back, let's say on a 50 question exam and you made a 100 and another student made a 98. Well of the teacher gave 2 points to everyone including those who got the question correct already, you'd make a 102 and the other student could only get a 100. Pretty much you'd be getting 2 free points for no reason. At least that is how I understand it to be.

As far as the professor changing the weighted percentages, go to your syllabus for the class and see if the professor states "the syllabus is subject to change at any time". If it's not in there, it may be in the student handbook. I know a lot of schools allow professor's to do this. Is it fair? No not at all. Will appealing it make a difference? Maybe, it's worth a shot anyways and you have nothing to lose. Best of luck to you, hope it all works out!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 13, 2016

Is this an accredited school? Is it a commercial for profit school? I am curious.

Many teachers will trend. I've never heard that specific term, but often if most of our class missed a question our instructor would look at what we chose and the question itself and if it was a valid point we had, we would often get the point back. Maybe it was because the book said one thing, and our instructor might have said a different thing in class. It's honestly not uncommon.

You have obviously been doing poorly on testing throughout the semester. Have you met with your instructor to understand why you have been doing poorly? You should be focusing on the material, not going through NCLEX books. You are being tested on the material taught. Not once in nursing school did I use a NCLEX review book to study. I'm using them now for NCLEX, but in school, I would see how my instructor tested. Some tested from the book, some from their power points, some did a little of both.

When I did poorly on a test, and I had a few, I met with my instructor and we went over each question. They helped me to understand where I was off in my thinking and where I needed to focus. It really was beneficial. I just don't see where you have a legitimate appeal. But you are right, you have nothing to lose. Does your school have a limit on appeals?

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · May 14, 2016

I am considering filing an appeal because at this point I don't really see that I have anything to lose.

Not necessarily. You could end up with a target on your back. When you appeal, make sure to be extremely calm, respectful, etc., so that you don't find yourself in the position of winning the battle but losing the war.

Good luck.

Tacocat, ADN, RN · May 14, 2018

Super hope that camera isn't going to be anywhere near your clinical site.

Tacocat, ADN, RN · Jun 4, 2018

It goes everywhere I go when I'm in the nursing facility. classes, lab, clinical at other hospitals, etc.
The days of he said she said especially with an instructor of 20 years are over. She can scribble down
what she wants and how she wants it and it's okay. You can't beat video.

Do you not know what HIPAA is? Because that's an absolute violation. You use video from your clinical sites to "prove a point" and they can absolutely destroy you for that alone, and it would be 100% deserved. When that happens (not if), you can kiss your career goodbye; your school WILL disclose it to whatever hospital or facility it's occurred at.

And frankly if I were a patient and a student was videoing his care of me I'd sue the **** out of the student, the school, and the hospital.

Tacocat, ADN, RN · Jun 4, 2018

There's nothing to disagree about. What you're proposing is unethical and illegal. That's not an opinion, that's fact.

How can you use illegally obtained video footage of patient care to "prove your point" when SHOWING said footage is literal evidence that you have done something unethical and s*****y?

When you start involving patients at clinical sites and hospitals, this no longer becomes a dispute between yourself and the faculty at your school. It involves people who have nothing to do with your personal feud. And if you just consider them collateral damage in your quest to prove how "right" you are, you should absolutely not be a nurse because you have zero consideration or respect for the patients YOU are meant to serve.

Tacocat, ADN, RN · Jun 4, 2018

We agree to disagree sammy. I try to do things right and by the book....then came nursing. What these 'teachers' have taught me is do what you have to do. Nursing school doesn't teach anything about honesty, integrity, etc. It's about git 'er done at all costs! So sitting here now...I'd like to think I'm an honest guy but I've learned to do what my instructors do and that's justify my actions and if all else fails just lie. Lie about anything you have to to clear the smoke. Don't get caught lying though...as a student you're just a liar as an instructor it's the gray area default tab (instructors never lie).

In literally every one of your posts you sound bitter and misogynistic. As a future nurse, that makes you arrogant at best...dangerous at worst. What is it about nursing that appeals to you, if the entire process of BECOMING a nurse is so hateful for you?