James:
I had considered discussing this with you before/after a class, but thought it best to make all points in writing. At this point I’m well aware of your dissatisfaction with CARD205/405. A few points of my own I’d like to make:
1) While I’m normally open to feedback from students about class, I’ve been quite reluctant to respond to yours. Frankly, I do not feel obliged to explain or defend any of my actions or decisions, as an instructor or in how I conduct class, to you or any student. However valid you may consider your arguments, I don’t appreciate being addressed in the hostile and disrespectful manner that you have. I am a human being and your elder and as such deserve a certain element of dignity. Until you choose to change your approach I have no interest in your comments.
2) The class is not designed to please you. I’m sure other students would rather not do certain assignments or adhere to Discussion policies. I can’t shape the class to please each student personally.
3) If this is your approach to expressing your opinions to authority figures, good luck in your professional life. Not too many employers would tolerate this type of behavior, least of all in an employer-driven economy where workers are expendable. Dr. Circle and I have discussed your attitude and agree it is not acceptable at DeVry, let alone in the workplace.
4) As for your comment about grading for the Discussion segment of the class, I quote the following from the course Syllabus: “Keep in mind that one-third of your discussion grade is for classroom discussion, and again, based on quality…”. This point has also been made in class.
As I have only one more week in the classroom before the term ends, I ask that you let me do the job DeVry has hired me to do, while you devote your energies to the assignments.
Regards,
Professor Clevenger
