My university is trying to kill me ...

iamskew

Senior member
Aug 17, 2004
538
0
0
I've been going to college for quite some time now, and done everything my university advisers have told me to do in order to graduate with two degrees. I checked multiple times to make sure I was on the right track. Today, I went in to finally apply for graduation in December. All went well. Then, 30 minutes ago I get an e-mail that starts this way:

I am sorry to have to inform you that you will not be able to receive two degrees at graduation. ... (personal details) ... Again, I am sorry I did not spot the overlap sooner. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Basically, they tell me I am short a class because of some overlap I had. I easily could have remedied that this quarter and as I am currently taking a frivolous class to maintain full-time status and get the three extra credits I was told I needed to graduate.

This couldn't have come at a worse time, as I am already the most depressed I have ever been.

I think I might drive off a bridge after my night LSAT class, which just became irrelevant.
 

Cattlegod

Diamond Member
May 22, 2001
8,687
1
0
man :( I would be soooo pissed.

take it up with the dean of students.

if they don't bend, threaten to go to some university review publications with the information.
 

imported_vr6

Platinum Member
Jul 6, 2001
2,740
0
0
Things like that can be waived. Talk to the dean of the department. Tell them the story and tell them you can't afford another semester here.

good luck.
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Talk to your school, I had a similar situation and I was able to skip the class as the fault was that of the university.

All is not lost. PM if you need someone to vent to.
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: ornament
I have 2 degrees. Overrated, I'd say.

I do as well, and the only good they ever will do is get you your first job, at least in IT, everything after that is experience.
 

Kanalua

Diamond Member
Jun 14, 2001
4,860
2
81
Originally posted by: vr6
Things like that can be waived. Talk to the dean of the department. Tell them the story and tell them you can't afford another semester here.

good luck.

Yeah, I'm sure if you make enough noise (sympathetic noise) you'll get out of this jam.

Then, later when you are at law school, you'll be looking for that bridge to drive off with new intensity!
 

Wreckem

Diamond Member
Sep 23, 2006
9,540
1,106
126
Originally posted by: iamskew
I've been going to college for quite some time now, and done everything my university advisers have told me to do in order to graduate with two degrees. I checked multiple times to make sure I was on the right track. Today, I went in to finally apply for graduation in December. All went well. Then, 30 minutes ago I get an e-mail that starts this way:

I am sorry to have to inform you that you will not be able to receive two degrees at graduation. ... (personal details) ... Again, I am sorry I did not spot the overlap sooner. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Basically, though they tell me I am short a class because of some overlap I had. I easily could have remedied that this quarter and as I am currently taking a frivolous class to maintain full-time status and get the three extra credits I was told I needed to graduate.

This couldn't have come at a worse time, as I am already the most depressed I have ever been.

I think I might drive off a bridge after my night LSAT class, which just became irrelevant.

Taking the lsat isnt irrelevant, because not many law schools have spring admissions. You'd still graduate in time for admission next fall.

Couldnt you still graduate with 1 degree? Or is the overlap stopping you from getting both(IE: a core requirement)?
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
You make an appointment to talk to the Dean, and you explain you did everything you could possibly do to make sure you fulfilled all the requirements, and that since you are only one course off you feel that they should waive that one course so you can receive both degrees.

If you have a good record, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
 

Rage187

Lifer
Dec 30, 2000
14,276
4
81
See the Dean, if he can't fix it it's not a problem.

As most mentioned it only matters your first job and not by much. Congratulations nonetheless.
 

aidanjm

Lifer
Aug 9, 2004
12,411
2
0
Originally posted by: iamskew
I've been going to college for quite some time now, and done everything my university advisers have told me to do in order to graduate with two degrees. I checked multiple times to make sure I was on the right track. Today, I went in to finally apply for graduation in December. All went well. Then, 30 minutes ago I get an e-mail that starts this way:

I am sorry to have to inform you that you will not be able to receive two degrees at graduation. ... (personal details) ... Again, I am sorry I did not spot the overlap sooner. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Basically, though they tell me I am short a class because of some overlap I had. I easily could have remedied that this quarter and as I am currently taking a frivolous class to maintain full-time status and get the three extra credits I was told I needed to graduate.

This couldn't have come at a worse time, as I am already the most depressed I have ever been.

I think I might drive off a bridge after my night LSAT class, which just became irrelevant.

Why are you so depressed?

Would it kill you to extend your university time by another semester? Why are you in such a hurry?

 
Jan 18, 2001
14,465
1
0
That kind of ineptitude is really bothersome. I would definitely go to the dean. Waivers can be made, but you're going to have to get the dean of students on your side.
 

rgwalt

Diamond Member
Apr 22, 2000
7,393
0
0
Talk to the Dean, and take the issue as high as possible until you either:
1) get the problem fixed or
2) reach the Uni president and get shot down.

Don't drive off a bridge... I know the feeling, and sometimes I consider doing the same thing on a daily basis, but it really isn't worth it. Nothing is worth giving up your life.

Will you get at least one degree this spring? Can you make up the extra credits in the spring or summer semester?

R
 

everman

Lifer
Nov 5, 2002
11,288
1
0
I've heard of crap like that before, it happens all the time. Almost happened to me but luckily it wasn't a problem and took an easy class.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,904
14,305
146
Originally posted by: iamskew
I've been going to college for quite some time now, and done everything my university advisers have told me to do in order to graduate with two degrees. I checked multiple times to make sure I was on the right track. Today, I went in to finally apply for graduation in December. All went well. Then, 30 minutes ago I get an e-mail that starts this way:

I am sorry to have to inform you that you will not be able to receive two degrees at graduation. ... (personal details) ... Again, I am sorry I did not spot the overlap sooner. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Basically, though they tell me I am short a class because of some overlap I had. I easily could have remedied that this quarter and as I am currently taking a frivolous class to maintain full-time status and get the three extra credits I was told I needed to graduate.

This couldn't have come at a worse time, as I am already the most depressed I have ever been.

I think I might drive off a bridge after my night LSAT class, which just became irrelevant.



Then by all means, if you're so badly off that you'd kill yourself over something so stupidly small as this, just do it...
WTF is with people today? "My college screwed up and now I"m only gonna get 1 degree instead of 2...I'm gonna kill myself..."

Fvck...grow a pair and grow up. Sometimes life sux, and the sooner you learn to deal with it, the sooner you can get on with what's left of your life...MAYBE you can get the dean to work with you over this issue, especially since you've been aiming and working for the dual degree, maybe not. If not, what's the worst thng that might happen? Only get one degree? Have to take 1 class next semester? BooHoo...Live with it, work with it, and get on with it...
 

iamskew

Senior member
Aug 17, 2004
538
0
0
I guess I'll take everyone's advice and try to get the dean to sort it out for me. It's just really frustrating because I specifically went to my adviser a few quarters back (I'm on quarters, not semesters) and asked if I was on the right track for my two degrees. Because I had to sign an honors contract 2 years ago, she knew exactly what I would be taking, and I did exactly what she said. I guess this is partially a symptom of the fact that she is the third counselor I've had because they all quit.
And boomer, you can get fvcking bent. The degree is the straw that is breaking the camel's back, not the only impetus. If I wanted just one degree, I could have graduated a year ago, but I stuck it out to get my second degree. And to clear that up, my first degree is journalism and the second is political science, along with a minor in spanish. Well, since I can't get my poli sci degree without spending a bunch of money and delaying my life another 11 weeks (after the six left in this quarter and a month break), and law school admissions for next year are due up in February, that really screws things up for my law school career.

So to everyone but Boomer, thanks. I'll try to sort everything out and update you all once I know.
 

Art Vandelay

Senior member
Jul 30, 2006
642
0
0
Definitely talk with the dean, if they don't bend, get an appointment with the university president, if all fails: media.
 

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Originally posted by: Art Vandelay
Definitely talk with the dean, if they don't bend, get an appointment with the university president, if all fails: media.

I wouldn't go that far, but fight dammnit.

...and don't ask for any freebies.
 

dopcombo

Golden Member
Nov 14, 2000
1,394
0
0
If it's just one class, usually the school should allow it. Esp if you show that you've been putting in effort all along.

Your advisor can also put in a good word for you. Perhaps you want to talk with your adviser before you go to the dean. And if both of you can meet him together, you would have a stronger case, as it shows that it really wasn't your fault, and this didn't happen as a result of your negligence.

 

msparish

Senior member
Aug 27, 2003
655
0
0
How exactly does this screw up law school applications? You said they were due in February...that's nice and all, but you don't need a degree to apply. Just a degree before you enroll. As long as you graduate by next August, you are fine.
 

iamskew

Senior member
Aug 17, 2004
538
0
0
Originally posted by: msparish
How exactly does this screw up law school applications? You said they were due in February...that's nice and all, but you don't need a degree to apply. Just a degree before you enroll. As long as you graduate by next August, you are fine.

OK, I am overreacting about the law school part. But, I have some fairly lofty goals for a law school and I don't want all this crap on my mind while trying to fill out applications and what not. It's going to look weird that I took one class for one last quarter when it could have been fixed earlier. I feel like it might make admissions people think I'm some kind of flake who can't plan properly.


and dopcombo -- I'm not sure how to handle the adviser thing, seeing as how she was the one who screwed up and all.
 
Mar 22, 2002
10,483
32
81
Originally posted by: iamskew
I guess I'll take everyone's advice and try to get the dean to sort it out for me. It's just really frustrating because I specifically went to my adviser a few quarters back (I'm on quarters, not semesters) and asked if I was on the right track for my two degrees. Because I had to sign an honors contract 2 years ago, she knew exactly what I would be taking, and I did exactly what she said. I guess this is partially a symptom of the fact that she is the third counselor I've had because they all quit.
And boomer, you can get fvcking bent. The degree is the straw that is breaking the camel's back, not the only impetus. If I wanted just one degree, I could have graduated a year ago, but I stuck it out to get my second degree. And to clear that up, my first degree is journalism and the second is political science, along with a minor in spanish. Well, since I can't get my poli sci degree without spending a bunch of money and delaying my life another 11 weeks (after the six left in this quarter and a month break), and law school admissions for next year are due up in February, that really screws things up for my law school career.

So to everyone but Boomer, thanks. I'll try to sort everything out and update you all once I know.

:( Ugh, that sounds pretty terrible, man. I really really hope you can get everything sorted out, not just school. Take care of yourself, things'll work out.