This is a common problem in every university and its not too late to get help. We explain
In Universities it is quite common for lecturers to not get along with their students. Some of them are known to be harsh on students. For example: asking you to talk about a topic which is sensitive to you and you said no. They then continually ask you to talk about it and pester you. Or they might make snide remarks about your appearance (eg a Muslim woman wearing a Hijab) or be discriminatory against you because of where you came from.
But if they are continually harsh on you and other students you do have some rights.
After all you have paid $$$ in fees and they are paid to do their job.
1) Try and talk to the other students doing the same subject as you- you might find that they have the same problems as you do.
If so you could start a petition or you can all go and see the coordinator together.
2) Talk to your course coordinator if they are friendly.
But sometimes students find the complaints system a bit daunting. If so you can ask someone from the Student Union to go with you as they do advocate for students. All Student Union have Student Rights officers or Advocacy officers.
But make sure that you make appointment to see them, don't just rock up to their office. It would be a great idea to put it in writing so that you have some evidence to show them if they ask.
3) Go and see your Student Union on campus to get help with writing a complaint. They know the university's policies and give you some great advice.
The RMIT Student Union helps hundreds of students each year with this sort of thing, some informal like giving advice or reading your drafts. They don't write the letter for you, you have to do it yourself.
The Student Complaints Unit sees about 200-300 complaints per year, some of which are about lecturers. Most of them get resolved sooner rather than later.
The message is: If you are having trouble with a lecturer, get help sooner rather than later! The longer you leave it, the worse it gets!
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| Image courtesy of RMIT Newintstudents |
In Universities it is quite common for lecturers to not get along with their students. Some of them are known to be harsh on students. For example: asking you to talk about a topic which is sensitive to you and you said no. They then continually ask you to talk about it and pester you. Or they might make snide remarks about your appearance (eg a Muslim woman wearing a Hijab) or be discriminatory against you because of where you came from.
But if they are continually harsh on you and other students you do have some rights.
After all you have paid $$$ in fees and they are paid to do their job.
1) Try and talk to the other students doing the same subject as you- you might find that they have the same problems as you do.
If so you could start a petition or you can all go and see the coordinator together.
2) Talk to your course coordinator if they are friendly.
But sometimes students find the complaints system a bit daunting. If so you can ask someone from the Student Union to go with you as they do advocate for students. All Student Union have Student Rights officers or Advocacy officers.
But make sure that you make appointment to see them, don't just rock up to their office. It would be a great idea to put it in writing so that you have some evidence to show them if they ask.
3) Go and see your Student Union on campus to get help with writing a complaint. They know the university's policies and give you some great advice.
The RMIT Student Union helps hundreds of students each year with this sort of thing, some informal like giving advice or reading your drafts. They don't write the letter for you, you have to do it yourself.
The Student Complaints Unit sees about 200-300 complaints per year, some of which are about lecturers. Most of them get resolved sooner rather than later.
The message is: If you are having trouble with a lecturer, get help sooner rather than later! The longer you leave it, the worse it gets!
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