Student Advocates FAQ’s
Q) Last semester I became very ill. I tried to keep up with my coursework, but was unable to attend many of my classes. I received F’s in my coursework. Is there anyway I can complete a medical withdrawal even though the semester is now over?
You may be able to request grade changes in courses you failed, if you did not complete the final exam or assignment and can provide documentation that you were unable to complete the course due to compelling medical or personal circumstances. School deadlines will apply. The first step is to meet with an advocate in our office. Please call 855-0761 to make an appointment.
Q) My roommate and I split the cost of a flat screen TV for our apartment this year with the understanding that she would pay me $300 over the year and take the set with her at the end of this semester. She only made one small payment and now says she doesn’t owe me the money because my boyfriend and I use the set much more frequently than she does. I don’t really want the set, I need the money. This is causing a lot of tension between us.
We offer free mediation services for students that provide a safe environment in which both you and your roommate can work out a resolution to your dispute. A trained mediator can help you both identify issues and explore settlement options. Please call our office at 855-0761 to schedule an appointment.
(link to Mediation info sheet?)
- I have been struggling with requirements for a course this semester. I want to drop the course now, but was told it is past the automatic W deadline. What does this mean?
- Students are given about 8 weeks each semester (fall and spring only**) to determine whether they can complete each course for which they are registered. Courses can be dropped for any reason up to this time, and the student will receive a “W” on their permanent transcript reflecting that they withdrew from the course. After the automatic W deadline has passed, the student may drop a course only with the permission of his/her dean. This approval is generally given only for compelling medical or personal reasons. Students who need to drop a class after the automatic W deadline should pick up the required forms in the office of their dean. Students who would like assistance in preparing a petition to drop a course may talk with an advocate by calling 812-855-0761.
Tips:
If you are struggling with a course, make yourself aware of the automatic W deadline. You may be advised to “stick it out” or you may think you can improve your grade, but if you do not have a compelling reason to drop the course after the deadline and if you are failing the course, you will be assigned a failing grade.
Seek assistance from your instructor, your advisor or our office if you are struggling to complete requirements for a course as soon as possible. Individualized assistance is often available.
Although a “W” has no impact on a student’s grade point average, accumulating too many “W’s” may have an adverse affect on a student’s eligibility for financial aid.
**Shorter time periods apply to summer sessions.
Q) I just received a letter advising me that I have been charged with violating the Student Code of Conduct. This whole situation has me very stressed out. What can I do?
A) The Dean of Students receives reports from individuals, and IU departments (including the IU Police Department) concerning alleged violations of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. This is the document that outlines expectations for students at IU. The letter you received advises you that you will have an opportunity to talk about this allegation with a member of the dean’s staff in an informal setting. At this judicial conference, the facts about the allegation will be explored and responsibility determined. If you are found responsible for violating the Code, sanctions will be applied. The process is intended to help educate students about the behavioral standards expected of them and to prevent further violations.
1) It is important that you prepare for and attend your judicial conference. This is your chance to present your side of the story and to have an impact on the outcome of your case. An advocate from our office can work with you to prepare for any hearing that is scheduled, and may accompany you to the judicial conference if you wish.
2) A judicial sanction creates a disciplinary record that can have an impact on future sanctions if you violate the Code again and may also have to be disclosed to future graduate schools or employers. The best action you can take is to know your rights and responsibilities by reviewing the Code at:
http://www.dsa.indiana.edu/Code/
3) An advocate in our office can help to advise you and help you to prepare for any step of the judicial process.
We are happy to answer your questions too. You may reach us at 812-855-0761.
