On my half an hour walk to campus, I didn't not experience any looming danger. In fact, just being in a new city where I could begin fresh and go to school for free, gave me this foreign feeling of hope and faith--that all wrong I had previously done, would vanish.
Let's just say, for the sake of saving time, that these good vibes did not last long (they never do). Immediately upon entering the English department, I was bombarded with bad news.
"Rae, you're barred from classes for not withdrawaling."
"I'm sorry, what?"
"We can not sign you up for classes today. There is a hold on your account for $6,000 for not withdrawaling from the classes you did not take this past fall. You have one F and two other incompletes. Here are five numbers to call. You can't cry yourself out of this one. Daddy can't save you either."
"I'm sorry, WHAT?"
This was not the voice of an esteemed character, not my adviser or an administrator. This was my own head berating in a mean British accent, after unsuccessfully registering for classes several times. As quickly as possible, I called every department that could help me find out more about what I had not been informed of; proper withdrawal procedure. I talked to I five times, C twice, K three times, and not a single woman could articulate what had occurred or how to resolve the situation. They just kept transferring me to one another, then back to the main office; in endless circles.
What I eventually discovered was this; I did not withdrawal myself. Contacting the departments was not enough. My unfamiliarity with BlackBoard (humble beginnings at WWC) and WSU regulations will cost me $6,000 for classes I never stepped foot in. Hell, I wasn't even within two states of Kansas at the time.
The resolution. Yesterday I learned that I must appeal to the accounting office with a form that states why I did not withdrawal (I tried best to defend my honor in just 50 words). This sheet must have multiple signatures and a paper trail; proof that I did not take these classes and that I did, in fact, verbally withdrawal.
Today, I learn that this process cannot be completed or even started until I turn in yet another form; this time to the graduate school. It's an exception letter stating the same exact request, requiring just as many signatures, just different ones.
What tomorrow? Another form asking permission to eat breakfast? Is my apartment going to explode?
Maybe I'll just sleep through tomorrow.
1 comment:
oy vey....i'm so sorry this happened to you...sounds more like a paperwork issue than an academic one...like once you finally do find the right person, it will resolve itself quickly (or certainly pray that it does for your sake). Have you tried the Dean of your college? (the one directly involved in your field of interest -- not the general/academic dean) - ? Did they assign you an advisor? Do they have a student grievance/governance committee? Another thought: do you have a trusted advisor or professor from Warren Wilson that might advocate for you? You may be surprised at what help they could provide in a pinch...Hard to imagine they brought you there to discourage your ability to move forward...Anyway, heartbroken for you for this boulder in your road...stay strong. You're very smart, talented and resourceful. I have faith you'll come out ahead. Best, Deb
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