As you all know about the situation with Dr. H. Well about 2 weeks before Chemo started...about 6 weeks before school ended, I wrote to him with:
Hi Dr. H,
Well, the final four weeks are here and I was wondering if I could get the classroom information time, place, and dates of the class from you.
the final 4 weeks syllibus would be good. I'd like to complete the Final now that I still have the energy to do so. It would reduce my stress level during finals week to get it completed now.
Thanks Barbara
It was actually 6 weeks before but...I wasn't really thinking at the time... His response was...He basically didn't know what I was talking about and that I should call him Tuesday between 11 and 1 which I did and left a voicemail message...He never returned my call... where I wrote him...
At 02:45 PM 4/21/2008, you wrote:
Hi Dr. H,
I need to complete the final but for some reason I'm unable to get contact you to obtain the final. We're running out of time as the end of the semester is nearing. I'd like to take the final sometime soon. But, I worry about the time constraints and the fatigue involved with the chemo in completing the exam on time. might you have a solution for this delema?
Thanks
Barb
His Response:
Hello Barb:
Glad to hear you're doing better, and I hope the effects of the chemo are minimal. We missed you for the final few weeks of class but I understand the need to focus on recovery.
I appreciate your willingness to take the final. I am sorry to say that, at this point in the semester, it is mathematically impossible for you to pass the class with a C or better as a result of missing the last 3 weeks of discussion and papers, which drop your grade considerably. As unfortunate as this is, I would suggest re-taking the class in the fall. As you've seen much of the material already you'll have a bit of an advantage this time around, and a better chance at a higher grade.
Thanks for the email, and best wishes on your continued recovery!
Dr. H.
SO, basically what he had planned originally...So I wrote to the Dean with ALL of the correspondance:
RE: General policy Statement on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and Anthropology 355 Dr. J. Hagemen
Dear Dr. Kelly and Dr. Vamarasi,
I am currently a full time student enrolled in the Anthropology program. Enclosed is correspondence between Dr. Hageman and I through my ordeal during the fall semester and the current semester.
I am writing you as a last resort. 2007 Fall Semester I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnoses happened near the end of the semester where I was unable to attend classes due to my illness. On December 4, 2007, I had informed all of the professors of my condition immediately after my diagnosis to where some professors had been extremely supportive and understanding, with the exception of Dr. John Hagemen.
The History of Anthropology, I understand weighs heavily on class participation which was clear to me from the very beginning. I had only missed 3 classes due to my illness; I have participated in nearly every class discussion with relevant topics and received a C for the midterm. All of my papers I received between an A- to a C- averaging about a B. Dr. Hagemen informed me, in an email dated 12/04/2007; it was not possible for me to pass the final as shown in the enclosed documentation. Later, in another email dated 12/11/2007, after other professors within the department had spoken to him, he changed his opinion.
On 12/11/2007, Dr. Hageman and I made an agreement via email to arrange for me to complete the course during the spring semester by me attending the last 3 weeks of classes, turning in the assignments, and completing the final. Through out the spring semester I had kept in contact with Dr. Hagemen to give him updates on my condition. On 03/26/2008, approximately 6 weeks before school ended I had contacted Dr. Hagemen requesting the information for the class to make arrangements to attend class in which time I requested to take the final before I started my Chemo so that finals would not be such a burden on me. Dr. Hagemen responded, as documented, and informed me he did not understand my email and requested I call him at a given time. I had called him where I left a message for Dr. Hagemen and he had not returned my call.
After repeated attempts to contact Dr. Hagemen via phone call per his request, on 4/21/2008 I emailed Dr. Hagemen once again last week requesting information about the final he then emailed me right away stating that he does not foresee me passing his class with a grade higher than a C. In order to graduate I would need a B or above, and given the evidence I deserve a B or above. I believe Dr. Hagemen is bias towards me and had no intension of passing me due to my illness, political, and social stand point. Students who have taken this class with me can verify my attendance and the class participation I conducted within class.
I am currently undergoing Chemo Therapy and am trying to finish the classes I am currently enrolled in. I have little energy, strength, and mental capability to deal with Dr. Hagemen at this point. I cannot monetarily afford to have this class on my record nor can I afford to take this course again. I believe that I gave Dr. Hagemen ample time to fulfill our agreement; however, due to his negligence he did not allow me to complete the course.
In accordance to school policy under the “General policy Statement on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action”, I feel I have been discriminated against due to my disability by Dr. Hagemen. I am bringing this to your attention because I would like to first resolve this unfair situation in a private and civil manner.
Please Advise
Yours Sincerely,
Barbara Shaw
To be continued
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