So my professor is being very rude and handling a 30% plagiarism in the poorest form.
We had an assignment which is worth 15% of the grade, and unfortunately due to Covid, I have facing difficulties in studying, and because of this I asked one of my colleagues to help me with some of the questions and explain me his solutions. I wrote what he said in my own words, but the professor caught us and instead of trying to get our side of the story, decided to report us directly without even giving a chance to talk to him about it.
I’ve realised that this is a mistake and sent an apology email explaining how sorry I am for asking someone for help during this difficult time for me.
It’s been 2 days now, and he has not even responded to the email even though he’s been replying to others and posting announcements.
I’m not sure how to handle this situation now and I’m literally freaking out, I’m already stressed because I’m an international student in a foreign country dealing with covid and lockdowns and he is handling this quite poorly.
Once a report is made it often goes to an academic integrity committee. These are the people who will reach out to get your side of the story. Your professor will not discuss this with you at this time. It’s not unprofessional, he’s following protocol.
It’s been a week since this report was made. Already being an international student during this pandemic has me stressed and now this has me losing my mind. I’ve not been able to concentrate on anything at all.
@Wolfofpanther it’s not the professors job to take care of your mental health. You cheated. It sounds like he handled it appropriately. That is being professional.
Does your school have counseling services available right now? I know my D’s school has reached out to students to say they are still available even though the school has physically closed. If you are truly suffering, it seems like that is where you should turn.
Professors still have to follow procedures. He’s actually thinking of your best interests by not communicating.
Please reach out to your colleges student medical center for references for mental health support. Many schools have persons available to talk by phone.
Review the syllabus for the course and see if there is information there about tutoring resources.
You said you are an international student, there is likely an office person for international students there you could connect with as well.
These are trying times for most college students right now. Us college professors do understand but we still need to follow the rules.
If you had said “I made a terrible mistake under stress and now I am worried” that would be different. It seems that you trying to place blame on the professor for your situation and that is inappropriate. In no way is the professor behaving irresponsibly or unprofessionally. At some point you will have a chance to tell your side of the story and you really need to take ownership of what you have done. Perhaps the school will grant some leeway due to these unusual times but it is impossible to know.
I agree with @me29034 that in the meantime you should see if the counseling office of your school is open and try to speak with someone there.
Your professor following university protocol does not mean they don’t care about your mental health, nor does it mean they are handling it poorly, nor being rude. The professor has policy and procedure they need to follow.
What you wrote sounds like you copied down your peer’s solution. That would get flagged at my D’s school too unless the students explicitly told the prof they worked together. There is a difference between collaborating amongst peers and plagiarism. Professors generally know the difference.
My advice is to reach out to the office of international students and ask them what you can expect and what you need to do. I would also reach out to your health center to see if they are doing remote counseling sessions (many schools are offering that). Your mental health is important and if you are struggling, getting support is a good idea.
In a duplicate thread that you started, you stated that you are working on your master’s degree. You are old enough and have enough experience that you probably won’t be cut any slack. I agree you should go for counseling immediately.