I just hate everything

timewellwasted93

Can I just vent about my stupid fucking college for a bit? This college screws everyone over at some point, and just likes to fuck with me. This really takes the fucking cake though.

I'm supposed to graduate this semester. Yay! I'm so happy and excited. Well college has decided FUCK YOU, NO.

Here's the background. I only need 7 credits for graduation. Four of those will come from a required physics 2 course, and then I'm taking entomology for an elective position I need to fill (creepy and awesome all at the same time).

I pay my tuition in chunks throughout the semester. However, I can't sign up for the next semester until I owe less than $200. Reasonable, works out, and better than having loans. I usually end up on a waitlist, but I've never been denied a single class I want (if I get on the waitlist, of course). I've even gotten in to multiple closed classes because profs in my department know how sucky the schedule for science classes can be.

The general rule for waitlisted people is that a prof can take 10% extra. So if its a class of 20, prof will take 2 people. This is how it's been for EVERY SINGLE CLASS I'VE TAKEN.

So, fucking physics. I hate physics. I put it off as long as possible because it just sucks. And our physics department sucks. But it is required for every science major to have physics 1 and 2 in order to graduate (even exercise science has to do it). I sign up for class, sitting pretty at waitlist position 2 in my lab section. The class has 50 students, with labs of 25 each, so each lab should take 2 extra students (3 if they're feeling kind).

Thursday (first day of this class), professor tells me to check with him on Tuesday (today) about getting off the waitlist, cause people always drop after the first class. I'm confused. They always add the waitlist day one. I watched my position on the waitlist like a fucking hawk. NO ONE DROPPED. 

I go talk to professor today after class. I let him know I'm a senior (they tend to give seniors priority), I'm number two on the list, yadda yadda. He says don't worry, you should be fine. Got an e-mail a little while ago. GUESS WHO DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT?

Yeah. Fuck them. They're only taking the first person on the waitlist because the lab instructor doesn't want to "overload" the lab. Professor actually said "try again next year." Dick.

I e-mailed the lab instructor McFuckFace outlining why I'm on the waitlist, that I need this class now, and iterated how I'm a good student, got an A in physics 1 lab, don't skip, never late, work hard, like I'm a fucking angel just accept me (all true except I may have been cast out of heaven a while back). I practically begged.

I haven't heard anything back. I just e-mailed the head of the physics department, plus my advisor. I can't switch to another physics class because there's only one other and it interferes with my work schedule, and my other class. 

I'm just so livid. I want to fucking graduate. I don't want to take one class this semester, then one next semester. That's a waste of my fucking time.

wandajune6

Is there any way you can take it online? Maybe even through another school and transfer it in?

That's stupid.

Hugs!

JCbride2015

Hugs! Hopefully the dept head and your advisor can do something for you.

timewellwasted93

wandajune6 said:

Is there any way you can take it online? Maybe even through another school and transfer it in?

That's stupid.

Hugs!

I wish, but it requires lab, so no online class will work. And we have to take our last 20 credits at our college.

Also, the last 60 credits must be at our college or we forfeit graduating with honors. Not that they didn't just fuck with the honors system too, so I don't even know if I qualify for that anymore.

missdelilah

Hugs!  After all the universities I've studied at, I can completely sympathize.  Hopefully your advisor or the department head can sort you out quickly.

timewellwasted93

I'm agonizing over the fact that it's been about a half hour since I e-mailed the world, and no one has gotten back to me. Some departments close at 4, some at 5. I'm thinking wine, chocolate, and Netflix tonight. Or now. Now could be a better idea.

Also, lab starts tomorrow morning. I'm just fucking going if no one answers me. I don't even have access to the manual because waitlists aren't approved to see the class's Blackboard. It won't be my fault I'm not prepared.

Add/drop ends Friday too. I hope someone drops by then. It would solve all my problems.

levioosa

I have all of the feels for you right now.  I graduated in May, but need 3 classes for my pre-reqs to a Master's program.  So I applied as a continuing student.  They lost my file, then when I went in to sort it out they had me registered as a traditional English undergrad.  What?!  That's not even close! Then today I get an email telling me I need to attend the mandatory chapel services (which is ridiculous because I already graduated from that university and I'm not sacrificing 20 hours of my work week to drive two hours to school for chapel), the teacher hasn't put up the assignments online for the class that started yesterday, and Amazon isn't shipping my book until three weeks into the course and even Pearson is sold out of its own text book.  On top of it, it's my least favorite class in the world, chemistry, and I am so not down to be stressing this much over it so soon. 

I nearly lost my shit in May when they told me I was short a class that they had already approved from another college to graduate.  

All the feels to you.  All the hugs.  Fuck physics.  I hope the head of the program can sort it out for you.  

Edit: Because words and thoughts were not following each other in a logical way.  

raissyrais

That's so stupid! You're so close!

timewellwasted93

Time2strtliving said:

I have all of the feels for you right now.  I graduated in May, but need 3 classes for my pre-reqs to a Master's program.  So I applied as a continuing student.  They lost my file, then when I went in to sort it out they had me registered as a traditional English undergrad.  What?!  That's not even close! Then today I get an email telling me I need to attend the mandatory chapel services (which is ridiculous because I already graduated from that university and I'm not sacrificing 20 hours of my work week to drive two hours to school for chapel), the teacher hasn't put up the assignments online for the class that started yesterday, and Amazon isn't shipping my book until three weeks into the course and even Pearson is sold out of its own text book.  On top of it, it's my least favorite class in the world, chemistry, and I am so not down to be stressing this much over it so soon. 

I nearly lost my shit in May when they told me I was short a class that they had already approved from another college to graduate.  

All the feels to you.  All the hugs.  Fuck physics.  I hope the head of the program can sort it out for you.  

Edit: Because words and thoughts were not following each other in a logical way.  

SITB

Do all colleges fuck people over? I mean seriously.

I'm going to tell you my favorite story about how incompetent this school is.

I took classes here as a senior in high school. Went to another college (which was way too expensive and I didn't want crazy loans) so I came back. Both times I started, I had to send my immunization records.

3 semesters after the transfer back, I get a notice that my immunization records are incomplete, so I can't sign up for classes. They have these records online (for each student to sign in to their personal profile for the medical center of course).

I go look at my records. They have a list of the shots I have, and a list of the shots I need. The shots I needed were also listed on the shots I had. WTF?

But I still had to get my records from my doctor again. So I bring them in again, and go on my merry way.

I had my advising meeting a few weeks later, and adviser let's me know I have an immunizations hold. I ALREADY TOOK CARE OF THAT.

I had to go back to the health center, tell them I turned in my records (for a third time) a few weeks ago, and the hold was still there. They took it off right then, but seriously.

It's like jumping through hoops with these assholes.

KatieinBkln

OP, I feel for you! I will also tell you to take a breath, have a margarita, and wait till tomorrow for answers to come in. If you feel like standing outside the classroom door staring daggers at the freshmen who are taking this course and have a ton of time, I won't blame you. Hell, regale them with horror stories about how horrible it is and how much better off they'll be taking it later, once they've gotten their feet wet. I will say, though, that you're not likely to get a lot of sympathy from the profs/advisers if you show that you're flustered. From their perspective, you've had 7 other semesters to take this class and you put it off (I'm not saying you don't have good reasons! But they get this kind of "Holy shit I'm down to the wire and now I need YOU to fix it!" stuff all the time). If and when you do need to follow up, just keep it real chill and make sure you let them know that you're well aware they're doing you the favor. (This is arguable in real life, where a university is supposed to make things a little easier, rather than harder, but on an interpersonal level I think it'll help!). Good luck! ETA: TK be all like, "Paragraphs are for losers!"

steph861

Ugh, I'm sorry you're going through this. Checking off the graduation requirements in the last year can be sucky.

On a lighter note, about three years after I graduated I got some emails saying that classes I was enrolled in (and completed) had been cancelled. Obviously they hadn't been, and it was just a computer glitch, but it was kind of funny. YOU CAN'T TAKE BACK MY DEGREE NOW, SUCKERS.

timewellwasted93

KatieinBkln said:

OP, I feel for you! I will also tell you to take a breath, have a margarita, and wait till tomorrow for answers to come in. If you feel like standing outside the classroom door staring daggers at the freshmen who are taking this course and have a ton of time, I won't blame you. Hell, regale them with horror stories about how horrible it is and how much better off they'll be taking it later, once they've gotten their feet wet. I will say, though, that you're not likely to get a lot of sympathy from the profs/advisers if you show that you're flustered. From their perspective, you've had 7 other semesters to take this class and you put it off (I'm not saying you don't have good reasons! But they get this kind of "Holy shit I'm down to the wire and now I need YOU to fix it!" stuff all the time). If and when you do need to follow up, just keep it real chill and make sure you let them know that you're well aware they're doing you the favor. (This is arguable in real life, where a university is supposed to make things a little easier, rather than harder, but on an interpersonal level I think it'll help!). Good luck! ETA: TK be all like, "Paragraphs are for losers!"

Stupid box again

I know I put it off so long, but half the time it was because physics one was full (it's fulfills a gened for the rest of the students at my school), or it didn't fit with my schedule for the other classes. I wound up taking that last fall. I could have taken this one last semester, but the offering for biology was super awesome and I took four 400 level bio classes instead and loved every minute of it. Now I'm kicking myself, but those classes filled all my concentration electives so I thought I was doing the right thing, you know?

Don't worry, I didn't tell the head of physics to fix my problem. I asked him for any advice and help he had to offer. That way, it wasn't like I was demanding, just wanting someone to guide me to a possible solution since I couldn't find any.

Though I may be hoping he tells my prof to just let this poor chick in for fuck's sake. It's one student, and you technically have room.

Also, I'm going to lab tomorrow because if I miss one lab, I fail the course. And if one person drops by Friday, I can still join the class so I don't want to automatically be told I failed.

KatieinBkln

timewellwasted93 said: KatieinBkln said: OP, I feel for you! I will also tell you to take a breath, have a margarita, and wait till tomorrow for answers to come in. If you feel like standing outside the classroom door staring daggers at the freshmen who are taking this course and have a ton of time, I won't blame you. Hell, regale them with horror stories about how horrible it is and how much better off they'll be taking it later, once they've gotten their feet wet. I will say, though, that you're not likely to get a lot of sympathy from the profs/advisers if you show that you're flustered. From their perspective, you've had 7 other semesters to take this class and you put it off (I'm not saying you don't have good reasons! But they get this kind of "Holy shit I'm down to the wire and now I need YOU to fix it!" stuff all the time). If and when you do need to follow up, just keep it real chill and make sure you let them know that you're well aware they're doing you the favor. (This is arguable in real life, where a university is supposed to make things a little easier, rather than harder, but on an interpersonal level I think it'll help!). Good luck! ETA: TK be all like, "Paragraphs are for losers!"
Stupid box again
I know I put it off so long, but half the time it was because physics one was full (it's fulfills a gened for the rest of the students at my school), or it didn't fit with my schedule for the other classes. I wound up taking that last fall. I could have taken this one last semester, but the offering for biology was super awesome and I took four 400 level bio classes instead and loved every minute of it. Now I'm kicking myself, but those classes filled all my concentration electives so I thought I was doing the right thing, you know?
Don't worry, I didn't tell the head of physics to fix my problem. I asked him for any advice and help he had to offer. That way, it wasn't like I was demanding, just wanting someone to guide me to a possible solution since I couldn't find any.
Though I may be hoping he tells my prof to just let this poor chick in for fuck's sake. It's one student, and you technically have room.
Also, I'm going to lab tomorrow because if I miss one lab, I fail the course. And if one person drops by Friday, I can still join the class so I don't want to automatically be told I failed.




Ugh, what a shitshow. Sounds like you're going about it the right way, and that your hands were pretty well tied earlier. Have fun at that lab! If anyone says "wow, this is hard" you should totally encourage them in that line of thinking. "You're right. SO hard. I would drop the course if I could...(wink wink nudge nudge)." 

There were many downsides to attending a large university, but I have to say that I am really grateful looking back that I never had trouble getting into a course for lack of space. 

ETA: sweet baby Jesu, there were paragraphs and boxes, I swear!

KnightsNurse

Sounds like all the horror stories that spring from my school. UCF=U Can't Finish. Good luck, OP. I feel your pain.

wrigleyville

Good luck. I think going to lab is a great idea, for all the reasons you mentioned. Some students go to the first day of class, decide there's no way they can hack it (for whatever reason) and drop. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

timewellwasted93

KatieinBkln said:

timewellwasted93 said:

KatieinBkln said:

OP, I feel for you! I will also tell you to take a breath, have a margarita, and wait till tomorrow for answers to come in. If you feel like standing outside the classroom door staring daggers at the freshmen who are taking this course and have a ton of time, I won't blame you. Hell, regale them with horror stories about how horrible it is and how much better off they'll be taking it later, once they've gotten their feet wet. I will say, though, that you're not likely to get a lot of sympathy from the profs/advisers if you show that you're flustered. From their perspective, you've had 7 other semesters to take this class and you put it off (I'm not saying you don't have good reasons! But they get this kind of "Holy shit I'm down to the wire and now I need YOU to fix it!" stuff all the time). If and when you do need to follow up, just keep it real chill and make sure you let them know that you're well aware they're doing you the favor. (This is arguable in real life, where a university is supposed to make things a little easier, rather than harder, but on an interpersonal level I think it'll help!). Good luck! ETA: TK be all like, "Paragraphs are for losers!"

Stupid box again

I know I put it off so long, but half the time it was because physics one was full (it's fulfills a gened for the rest of the students at my school), or it didn't fit with my schedule for the other classes. I wound up taking that last fall. I could have taken this one last semester, but the offering for biology was super awesome and I took four 400 level bio classes instead and loved every minute of it. Now I'm kicking myself, but those classes filled all my concentration electives so I thought I was doing the right thing, you know?

Don't worry, I didn't tell the head of physics to fix my problem. I asked him for any advice and help he had to offer. That way, it wasn't like I was demanding, just wanting someone to guide me to a possible solution since I couldn't find any.

Though I may be hoping he tells my prof to just let this poor chick in for fuck's sake. It's one student, and you technically have room.

Also, I'm going to lab tomorrow because if I miss one lab, I fail the course. And if one person drops by Friday, I can still join the class so I don't want to automatically be told I failed.

Ugh, what a shitshow. Sounds like you're going about it the right way, and that your hands were pretty well tied earlier. Have fun at that lab! If anyone says "wow, this is hard" you should totally encourage them in that line of thinking. "You're right. SO hard. I would drop the course if I could...(wink wink nudge nudge)." 

There were many downsides to attending a large university, but I have to say that I am really grateful looking back that I never had trouble getting into a course for lack of space. 

ETA: sweet baby Jesu, there were paragraphs and boxes, I swear!

My college is 20,000 strong. The science department just doesn't have the number of professors needed for the classes we all want/need to take. 

One of the pre-requisites for all upper level bio classes is offered only in fall, with only two sections of 20 students each. It's pretty bad.

timewellwasted93

Lab instructor finally got back to me and told me to come to lab tomorrrow, and he'll talk to the professor again. 

Not totally resolved, but there is hope!!!

Now which wine should I have? I've got pinot grigio, white zin, sweet red, and riesling. I also have a lot of whiskey.

Inkdancer

White zin! And also maybe a cookie because you deserve it.

Sugargirl1019

ALL THE GOOD FEELS TO YOU! Kick that physics class butt! You'll get in, one way or another.

princessleia22

timewellwasted93 said:

Lab instructor finally got back to me and told me to come to lab tomorrrow, and he'll talk to the professor again. 

Not totally resolved, but there is hope!!!

Now which wine should I have? I've got pinot grigio, white zin, sweet red, and riesling. I also have a lot of whiskey.

I was just going to say to talk to the lab instructor, since it sounds like they are worried about class size in the lab, so it may have been the lab instructors decision to limit the number of waitlist students.  And whether it was the lab or head professor, getting the lab instructor on your side could be a huge help. It's horrible that everything went smoothly with wait listing then decides to screw up on your last semester, but sadly life seems to often work that way.

I really hope it all works out for you tomorrow. But, if you have the lab instructor on your side, I'd say you have a good shot. 

And I'm not much of a wine drinker, so I vote for whiskey!  But, not too much, because you don't want to show up for the lab all hungover... that's usually not the best impression.

lovesclimbing

I know how you feel.

I double-checked everything.  I was so careful. I checked our fancy little online system all the time.  I double check with my adviser. I get an email with my degree "audit" saying I was short a class.  I had planned for that, it's a class that is not offered anymore and you can basically sub any class you want in.  I filled out the sub paperwork and it was all good.

Three weeks, THREE WEEKS!!!!, before graduation, I get an email that says "You have not met all your requirements and we will be cancelling your graduation application."

I flip my lid.  I'm not even in town.  I'm six hours away going to a conference. First I check the online degree tracker program.  Then I call them, and say what's up.  They tell me I've filled all the specific class and 60 credits in this area, 40 above the 200 level requirements, but I'm two credits shy of the overall minimum credit number requirement.  I ask them why the heck they didn't tell me on my degree audit.  IDK.  At this point, there's nothing I can do.  If they had told me with my degree audit, I could have picked up a late-start class or started a class late.  BUT noooo.  So I say, what do I do now?  They say at this point, all I can do is petition to waive those two credits.  I say I'm not even in town!  And THEN they tell me, I have 26 hours to get petitions approved!!!!  I get that email on a Thursday afternoon - like three p.m., petitions are due Friday.  WHY?

I call my adviser, fortunately petition paperwork just he has to sign, I don't.  So he does all that.  I was about to cry in the hall, and one of my profs and my school paper editor were hugging me (they were at the conference).

Fortunately, they waived the two credits, and I graduated.  My adviser says I'm the first person in the history of the program to complete all the stuff in under the required number of credits.  He didn't think it was possible, and he's still not sure how I did it.

It still makes my blood boil. I should have caught that, of course, but the whole POINT of a degree audit, is to CATCH THE THINGS THAT YOU DON'T!!  WHY HAVE THE AUDIT IF IT DOESN'T ACTUALLY TELL YOU YOUR ISSUES?!?!  I called the people afterward and asked to make sure I was on graduation.  And I called two different people because I wasn't taking one person's word for it!  I straight-up asked them if my name was still on that magic graduation list.

So I feel for you, I'm hoping it all works out!

timewellwasted93

@lovesclimbing I would have been freaking out! I'm so glad you got yours worked out.

I went to lab yesterday, and the instructor asked where his case of Heineken was, then laughed, let me work in a group of three, and told my prof to let me in the class. He's officially my favorite person ever.

He also said he can't accept beer from me until I graduate, but you bet your asses I won't forget. The new question is, how do I bring a case of beer on campus without looking like a total weirdo? Even though it's college, I think that may be frowned upon...

lovesclimbing

Yay, glad it worked out!