I know I said I would be posting more pics, sorry I�ve been backed up. I will get more up real soon����������.
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Monday, July 26, 2004
To: Ernest L. Thomas, South Campus President
Fred Brasfield, Department Chair
From: Radhames Jose Villafana, Student TCC South (ID: 596039040)
Subject: Homework Policy Complaint
Course: DFTG-2440-10507 (MTWTH 6:00PM 10:00PM)
Instructor: H. Allen
On Monday, July 26, 2004, I attempted to turn in the second homework assignment to Mr. Allen. The homework assignment entailed 6 solid model drawings that were extracted from a handout packet distributed the preceding Monday. The due date was given as Monday, July 26, 200.4 He informed me that he would not accept it due to the fact that it was to be turned in by 6:15. Furthermore, he went on to say under no circumstances does he accept late work.
I would like to file a formal protest against the assignment policy of Mr. Allen. I would like to demonstrate that not only are they unfair and unreasonable, they are a detriment to the learning process and unnecessary.
Mr. Allen had thoroughly discussed his class policies on the first day of class. This included his attendance policy, his grading policy, his class conduct policy, etc. No syllabus was given, this was all verbal.
Mr. Allen made it very clear that he did not accept late work. He gave several examples of prior conflicts he had had with students on this issue. He also explained several attendance issues he had had in an effort to make it clear the method in which he conducted his class. In particular he said that he was very strict on not accepting late work. He suggested that as soon as work is completed it should be turned in. He explained that unlike other instructors he did not keep a �turn-in-box�. All work should be turned in directly to him. He also explained how he typically conducted his instructing. Generally his lectures, if there was to be a lecture on that day, lasted about the first hour of class. He also said that it was his tendency to begin lecturing as soon as class started. His preferred method was to use the controlled monitor capability to demonstrate the lesson to be taught. In this projection method the instructor�s computer takes control of the lab monitors and displays the image on the individual screen. The student is unable to use his computer during this time. This is to say, his preference was to not use the projection method that other instructors used. His given reason was to deter students from conducting distracting activity while he was lecturing.
As stated the assignment was due Monday, July 26, 2004. I had completed the work the preceding Thursday in class. However, Mr. Allen, without prior notification, was not present for that class period. The printed homework as well as the saved files clearly displays the dates of completion. As Mr. Allen was not there, and since he requested that all work should be turned in directly to him, I did not print out or turn in the work on Thursday. Again, my work was completed to its fullest Thursday, July 22, 2004.
When I arrived to class on Monday, Mr. Allen had already begun his lecture. The monitors were being controlled by the instructor�s computer. As I sat down I changed the ringer on my cell phone to silent as I always due. The time was 6:06. Mr. Allen continued to lecture on the day�s lesson until shortly after 7:00. When he returned control of the computers I proceeded to print out my homework. I made no attempt to compete, alter, or otherwise make any changes to my homework as it had been completed the preceding Thursday. My work was saved on two disks. One of the six assignment drawings was flawed and had trouble opening. Subsequently I transferred the file to the other disk and then proceeded to open the last file. I printed all 6 files. Stapled them together and directly handed them to Mr. Allen, at which time he informed me he would not accept them because they were late.
This is unfair and unreasonable. Again, my work was completed Thursday, he was absent without warning. Suppose I had needed help or clarification on the assignment or as the case was I was ready to turn the assignment in early. I was unable to do so. Although the book that accompanies the course included software that enables the student to do much of the work at home, it is not stated that I must have my own personal computer. It is my personal preference to take advantage of the tools that my tuition has paid for. The lab has excellent equipment that has been paid and furnished for by my lab fees. Many of the drawings are very detail in nature and printing them from home requires a high quality printer as well as a large use of ink which is very expensive. I have always when possible printed my work in the lab. Again, I paid lab fees to use the equipment so I have every right to take advantage of them. I presented my case to Mr. Allen, his first claim was that I should have turned in my work by 6:15. As stated and as custom in his class I did not have access to the computer and therefore could not print out my assignment. Upon hearing this he replied I should have had the work ready to turn in before class. To which I explained to him that I had completed the work the preceding Thursday, dates displayed for verification, but he was not present to accept the work. To this he replied I should have printed the work out Thursday to have ready to turn in Monday. I strongly question if this rebuttal is actually logical and reasonable or simply the response of someone with unmanageable and uncompromising standards and/or expectations. For the sake of argument, assuming I would have printed out my assignment early I risk losing the assignment, perhaps damaging the physical quality of the assignment with 4 days of keeping track of it, or simply forgetting the assignment. I felt I was well within my responsibility of a student to have two copies of the assignment and print it out on the class day. I did not turn in the assignment at the last minute, I did not work on the assignment on the day it was due, and there was absolutely no visible or foreseeable conflict that Mr. Allen had that he could not accept my work. In other words, this was not as if I was chasing him in the parking lot. The class period is from 6 to 10pm. If Mr. Allen lectured for just over an hour, in which there was not time before or during that time to print or turn in the assignment, I feel I was very just in turning in the assignment when I did.
In closing I would like to express my gratitude for the time I have spent here at TCC. With the completion of this class I will have completed my associates of which I am very proud of. I strongly commend the efforts of TCC to work with the lives and commitments that its students have outside of school. I am concurrently employed and attend school. TCC has afforded me the opportunity to better my life my seeking a higher education. Circumstances such as these go against the frame that I have seen TCC uphold to its students of being a college that is truly committed to helping students seek a higher education and improve their lives and the lives of the friends and families around them. I only ask that this high standard be displayed uniformly and that instances like these can be avoided. I realize that much if not all the organization and structure are left up to the instructor, and rightfully so. However, implore you to please discuss this issue with Mr. Allen. I only ask that I be allowed to turn in work that I did with reasonable constraints and commitment.
Thank you,
Radhames Jose Villafana
[email protected]
Cell:(817) 235-1434
Work :( 817)210-0019