Why must one guy...

audrewuh

... have all of the power?

This is a vent, I'll try and keep it short, but I'm really upset. 

Last Thursday I posted that BF was told by the head of his program at school that he "hasn't gone above and beyond" in his job to count it towards his internship. Which is complete bull! He has done so many things for the company he works for that the PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY has personally thanked him for his initiative and work ethic. He came up with a program to better the marketing strategies and not only did the head of marketing say "Awesome", but they gave him free reign to implement the program he just created!!! 

The basis of the "internship" he's petitioning to exempt in order to graduate in December requres him to show initiative, develop his own programs, and have the company create a position for him. Oh, and he has to "go above and beyond." This criteria is based on the department head's own opinion. 

He got an email from the university today saying he'd been denied for graduation. The guy didn't even have the balls to call BF and tell BF he'd denied the petition. His reasoning stood that he hadn't gone above and beyond. 

So now BF is appealing the decision, but the department head told him no one overturns his decisions. No one. BF's advisor told him he's basically SOL since this a**hold of a douchewad has everyone in his pocket. 

Ugh. I'm upset. He's worked so hard for this. He's planning to still apply for full time, non-intern level positions when they open up in December, but he'd have a much better chance at getting one of these jobs if his degree was finished. 

End of rant. No more tears allowed.

ravenray

I am so sorry.  That is terrible, doesn't the school have a union or something?  *hugs* GL to your BF

audrewuh

A union? Not that I've heard of... What would this do?

ravenray

A union could be a 3rd party that could be more impartial about your BF's appeal.  But Sounds like there isn't one.  I don't know if schools have unions...

elannis

I'm sorry. That really doesn't seem fair that they won't even consider an appeal.

smiatrow

That really sucks.  I'm so sorry. 

If your BF feels like he has a case, and it sounds like he does, I would go above him and talk to whoever his boss is - the dean or president of the school or whoever.  Make sure to have a clear statement with all the necessary supporting documents - letters of reference from teachers and the company he worked for, etc.  Also, I would confront the department head and ask SPECIFICALLY why he felt that your BF did not go "above and beyond."  That way, when he's presenting his case he can refute all the arguments against him and prove why he did go "above and beyond."

On the plus side, at least he's in good standing with the company he interned.  That counts for a lot when applying for jobs.

Good luck and I hope everything works out.

audrewuh

They'll consider it and they'll look at all the info, but the guy told him the head of the school always backs the original decision made by this guy. I've got a whole conspiracy theory going on since this is his umpteenth graduation denial. 

I'm going to check into the union thing. Maybe, just maybe? It's worth a look. 

And hopefully since all the right people have been noticing his hard work, he'll get the job he wants. At least his current supervisor has offered to sign all of the internship paperwork for him next semester even if he doesn't work for her anymore.  

Positivity and good vibes are the answer!!