Why are teachers allowed to cancel classes? While most students rejoice upon reading a sign stating, "Class has been cancelled today," posted to the door of the classroom, I think there is a much bigger issue at play. Without falling into the "I pay 40k a year and therefore deserve X" category, I find it to be a major sign of disrespect to the students and to the University when teachers cancel classes. Family emergencies aside, professors, I believe, should not be allowed to simply decide that class should not meet on a particular day.
In almost any other profession, not showing up for a meeting or for an entire day without giving their co-workers or clients proper notice, and a reschedule would result in automatic discipline (lost pay or demotion). Imagine if a pharmacist decided not to show up to work one day and simply left a note on the counter announcing the day off; the outcry from customers would be overwhelming. Why does this rule not apply to professors?
If a professor asks me to take his/her class seriously, then I expect the same from them. Cancelling class with a simple note on the door without offering to reschedule it or temporarily offering more office hours for the lost time is a big slap in my face. We, as students, should demand more from our professors. Next time a teacher cancels class (again, family/health emergencies aside), I urge you to demand an answer.
---Sean Tierney
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1 comments:
Better yet, keep a log of these cancelled classes and the offending prof, and report same to every member of the administration, including their department heads. Betcha the Board of Trustees will not look kindly upon repeated behavior of this nature.
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