I did bad in a semester when I was a freshman, due to depression. I have done well since then and is close to graduating. I asked the associate dean to retroactively withdraw me from that bad semester. He said it’ll be easier for him to do it if I can provide a doctor’s note.
I provided the doctor’s note in a sealed envelope and made another appointment with the dean. He did not open the envelope, only put it in my file. He said he’s stepping down this Friday and he’ll have to talk to the new dean about this, and that he’ll “do his best.”
I asked him why he needs to talk to the new dean, he said he’s a lame duck dean and that whatever decision he makes now, he wants to consult with the new dean, because “he’ll be responsible for the consequences.”
But he said he personally wouldn’t object to my request. However, he wouldn’t tell me my “odd” with the new dean.
We just agreed to follow up in a few days through email.
I feel a little disappointed that he left me sort of hanging. I’m also not happy that I have a new “hurdle” to cross with the new dean. What should I expect?
someone familiar with college politics please advise. thanks
I have little experience with this process but can I can guess. To get a withdrawal after the fact probably will entail a review process that would not be completed until after the original Dean is no longer has that position. He is waiting for the new Dean to start so that the new dean can follow your request through the entire review process. Less chance of it falling through the cracks. I think this be in your favor.
As long as you have the documentation needed and have not missed the deadlines for this process then your chances should be the same with the new Dean.
Okay. Thanks for your help. Obviously, not many of us would have experience with this, but any thoughts would be appreciated it.
Perhaps I didn’t word it well in my original post. The only reason I asked is because I have two fears:
The current dean never intended to agree to my request, but is only putting me off because he know he would no longer be the dean. He didn't want to say "no" to my face so he'll just let the new dean do it. Basically lied when he said he'll "do his best" or that he "doesn't object."
The current dean wants to help me, but has no more power. The new dean might just say "no" right off the bat.
I asked a friend and he said scenario 1 is unlikely. Scenario 2 is also unlikely unless the new dean is a jerk, and most likely would honor the current dean’s recommendation.
I’m asking here to hear more thoughts on this. I’m a little paranoid now since this is the “waiting game” that many of us dread.
Well, it doesn’t look too well now. On Tuesday I emailed the soon-to-be dean say “hi” and touch base with him on th matter. Did not get a reply. Friday (today) I followed up with the lame duck dean with whom I met on Monday, no reply, and it’s been a full day.
I understand they might get a lot of emails, and blah blah blah, but would it kill them to just email me back and give me an update? Even if the decision is no, why would they leave me hanging? It’s kinda arrogant and rude, in my opinion. I’m anxiously waiting and this is all I get. BTW, I was respectful and professional in my emails.
Dude it’s been like one or two days calm down, it’s summer time also so they are probably less attentive then during school year. Give them some time one day is not enough to be like they didn’t reply it’s the end of the world.
The new dean is stepping into a brand new job with 10,000 responsibilities.
Give him a chance to get his bearings, OK?
Also for what it’s worth, I’m not seeing “arrogant and rude” from him for not forgetting every other priority in order to answer the email you sent on TUESDAY.
I’m not seeing the urgency. You’ve had 3 years to deal with this issue. You’re “close to graduating”-- does that mean December? Either way, it’s not August.
There’s a poster I sometimes hang in my classroom: “Lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”
Also, it’s entirely possible that when he CAN get around to your issue, he’ll have to do some research on whether it’s possible or advisable or within school policy. Don’t expect an immediate answer.
I missed the three year part. You need to chill and give the guy time. Have you considered making an appointment to discuss this in person with the new dean? Since it been three years, if I was a new Dean, this would not be on the top of my priority list.
Does your college has a policy on this? I had to be retroactively withdrawn from 2 semesters. It involves a review and a committee that consists of the dean, physician, and an advisor. It’s different at every university. Only thing I have to say is talk to the new dean about your situation and your advisor.
Make sure you understand all the ramifications of this. Check to see how this impacts any of the financial aid that you received in the semesters that you want withdrawn. Since these courses will be treated like they never happen you will not receive any credit that you earned. Will this impact your graduation plans? If any of the courses are required for the courses that you are currently enroll in will that be a problem?
It will not impact me whatsoever since I’ve retaken some of the courses anyway, and certain courses are not even required for my major. I also paid out of my own pocket at the time so there is no financial consequences either.
I made an appointment with the new dean for later this week, so we’ll see…
The reason I didn’t do this earlier is because when the bad semester happened, the dean at the time said he’ll withdraw me if I do well for the rest of my undergrad studies. So I waited until I got one more semester left. This dean is the predecessor of the dean that just stepped down. I actually talked to him yesterday about my situation. He told me not to worry about it too much, so we’ll see…
Right now I’m a bit more confident about the prospect of the semester getting withdrawn. However, I kinda doubt that it can be done on time for the application on 9/1. In that case, I can send my current transcript by the deadline, and then send an updated one later. I asked the school I’m applying to regarding this, they said it’s fine. But I’m not sure how this would look. It’s kinda weird and I wonder if the fact the semester got withdrawn would even count if they are going to see that bad semester anyway…
On a related note: Since I’m applying for grad school, there is this professor whose research highly interests me. I tried to contact him through email and said I plan to visit the campus next week and would be great if I can chat with him in his office hours. Here is his reply:
Unfortunately, I shall not be able to meeet with you next week.
That’s all.
Does this mean he doesn’t want to meet me ever? Or just busy next week?
should I follow up and ask him when he will be available so I can reschedule my visit?