!!Advice Needed!!

Having the professor announce your request publicly in class and poll the class members is definitely inappropriate. On the other hand, your publishing his name here and putting things up on a public web site is not exactly considerate either.
When he did this in class, you had grounds for a complaint of invasion of privacy. Now that you have done exactly the same thing, you have lost your expectation of privacy and you have lost your opportunity to make the complaint as the only injured person.
In fact if you put up your website first, before he asked the class, you have made things very bad for yourself; he could make a complaint against you.

This kind of tit for tat is just leading to escalation of the problem.

Your school should have a disability support service (DSS) office which would take care of this kind of problem. In order to get help you have to have proof of your diagnosis and go through channels, but it should work, although slowly.

If reasonable complaints and requests to the department don’t work (stress on the reasonable), the thing to do is to work up through channels — first the head of department, then the dean, then the vice-president and then the president of the school. Write at first, forcefully but politely; then if you don’t get any answers show up in the office and wait until you get an answer or an appointment; but politely.

Hello,

I have been working with Southern Illinois University for much time before I made my web sight, and I find that almost nothing that I do appears to help. I made my web sight in order to try to get some help for an otherwise helpless situation. I feel that since I am attending a public university that I should be able to try to let people know that I feel that I am being treated unfairly.

I feel that I must mention that I am in a class that has fourteen people enroll, but only four people are able to continue to the next course. When I tried to get accommodations for the course, I found that almost all the accommodations did not have any ability to be applied. Overall, since the taxpayers pay for Southern Illinois University, I feel that the taxpayers have a legitimate reason to know about the type of problems that occur at Southern Illinois University.

I am not trying to invade upon the university’s privacy; I am trying to get someone to help me with my rights. I feel that I need to show my problem to people in order that I may get some tax paying citizen who has an investment in the university to protect that investment by helping me understand how to pursue my rights. Overall, this is not a private matter because this involves the investment of everyone who helps pay for me to go to school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Your Professor appears to be a total dillweed. I mean, really…asking the class if what you need is worthy and all of that? That is silly. However, is it that you are not getting any accomodations for your l.d. at all? Or are you not getting accomodations that you personally feel are worthy enough for your situtation?
There is a difference between obtaining the accomodations you need and the accomodations you want, you know? That is a slippery slope argument sometimes. And that slope that causes that argument to slip is the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you go to a public University, then you get the accomodations you need under that act without question because if you are a student at a University that recieves Federal Funds (like tax payers monies and lotto monies and what have you) then the University can be sued if they do not adhere to the Americans with Disabilites Act. Very simple thing.
However, there are some things that would be swell to obtain for your schooling that are not applicable to the Americans with Disabilites Act. Alright? Maybe being asked to use your dictionary and whatnot for Greek is not Kosher? I wish you had posted this when you first started haivng issue. I really wish that with all my heart.
I agree with Victoria, as I often do. If you are having issue with this person instructing your Greek class, then you should speak with the head of the department. There is more than one way to skin a cat with the language requirements at University. But, you have dug a hole for yourself with that website, man. Gosh, that is harsh. I see your point, but still! A mean person could use tht website against you. I shall play devils advocate and show you how. You have dyslexia, and need a dictionary and whatnot to do Greek, but you can make a web site like it was nothing condemming your instructor? That html would be hard to pull off learning if you have dyslexia. See, I like most folks, but I am playing devils advocate to show you how that web site was a really bad idea on your part, it can be used against you on multiple levels..be careful with that stuff. I type this out of love, I was not trying to hurt your feelings, just illustrate a point.
I think that your best bet is to really read the Americans with Disabilites Act and think long and hard about what you need for your class. You do that, try to look in the phone book for an advocate or something. You live in a modern area of the country where you can find one. I would really reflect upon this situtation and then make a meeting to speak with both the head of the language department as well as the professor. That is possible, it will take balls (pardon the expression) but you should do that. Especially if hardly anyone in your class goes on to the next course, that is silly.

I too think you have dug a hole for yourself. SIU actually has a very good reputation for working with LD students. One of my colleagues’ LD daughter got in a special program for LD students. So I know there are plenty of resources there.

I also think you need to think about what courses you take. Are you a classical language major? That seems like a pretty silly thing for a person with dyslexia. My son has dyslexia and is struggling with once a week spanish. I don’t expect he will take a foreign language once it is his choice. (his elementary school has it has part of the circulumn). Apart from LD, everyone needs to focus on what they are strong in. I mean I am not LD but I would never major in languages because they are not that easy for me.

I also teach at an university and occasionally get students who are LD. The type of accomodations you are asking for is way beyond anything I have ever had a student request of me.

Beth

Hello,

The problem is not that I cannot use a language correctly like html. The problem that I have is that when I use a language like English I need to use many different types of assistance such as a word processor, special spelling tools, and so forth. I have learned many synthetic languages like C++, and I am learning First Order Logic correctly this semester.

The problem that I have with my ancient Greek class is that I have documentation that shows that I need both a scribe and a word processor at least for essay tests. None of the scribes at Southern Illinois University know Ancient Greek, and no work processor exits in the Ancient Greek language. I need some accommodations what would apply to my class, and people like the University Ombudsman’s Office appear to understand this.

I have approached the administration of Liberal Arts about my problems several times, and the administration indicates that the reason they do not want to work with the instructor is because he is very strong in his beliefs. My problem is a problem that so many departments became involved with that many people are trying to find a solution without much success. Some of the university officials appear to care about finding a fair set of accommodations for me.

I have four different associate’s degrees, and I have studied the use of nouns in the ancient Greek language four about five years. I find that some of the knowledge that I have of the Greek language surpasses the knowledge of my world famous instructor. The reason why I feel that I need accommodations is because I am being graded over spelling and punctuation on tests when without special resources I cannot spell or write correctly.

The reason why I am taking a classical Greek language course is because I hope to become a Greek Orthodox priest. My instructor rebukes students using the New Testament often, but I have never rebuked the instructor with scripture in class before. Overall, a lot of the differences between my instructor and me are those of a somewhat religious and academic nature.

I like my instructor in many ways, and I do not believe in suing people especially my instructor. I believe however that wisdom is not acquired through knowledge that we obtain, but wisdom is something that we can only have a relationship with. I feel that a greater purpose exists for the Ancient Greek language than memorization of the conjugation of verbs and the application of skills.

I believe that my ancient Greek language course should test me over knowledge of ancient Greek instead of an ability to apply skills. I believe in the academic heritage that started with the sacrifice of one man named Socrates who chose to dye instead of forsaking wisdom. I believe that somehow students should not be treated as a bunch of robots that apply mechanistic application of skills, but I believe in the sacrifice of Socrates who dyed in such a way that every stone and every brick in every academic institution is a consequence of his actions.

I am glad you like Socrates. I am glad that you desire to become a priest. But, you are shooting your own self in the foot. And, how in the hell can you learn all those programming languages and have such trouble with Ancient Greek? That is the fallacy in your argument right there. It truly is. Have you ever read any neuropsychological reports on learning disabilites before? I tell you something, you state that learning Greek is hard for you unless you have a scribe and a word processor and a dictionary and all of that. And I read swella good, buddy, I also know that you state that your University hasn’t the means by which to help you to your liking because Ancient Greek is…well it is Ancient Greek! Not like Spanish or Latin, man!

But, you can do mad programming on the computer? I respect the fact that you wish to become a man of GOD, that is wonderful. I respect the fact that you have four associates degrees. But, your argument is full of holes, man. It really is. If you can nary cypher nor read a test in Ancient Greek unless someone sits with you and writes every last thing down and lets you use a computer and everything else, then you are not really learning. You are learning to use tools and have those tools use you. The last thing any man who wishes to become a man of GOD should allow himself to become is a total tool.

It is inconcievable for me to think that you can do all this programming and logic, but not Classical Greek. You are stating that you cannot do Classical Greek because you are not going to allow yourself to learn and be tested in the manner your professor dictates because you are one for Socrates. I say you get off your high horse and speak with the people you need to speak with and see if you can take a test. In language, you can take tests and whatnot. Like, if you know a language well…you can test your way out of a couple of classes. I did that with Latin, but my l.d. is the flip side of yours (dyscalculia).

Actually, I totally believe your situation. But what is funny is that Languages are going to be hard if you have dyslexia, research it and get back to me if you wish. As you have four associates degrees, it shalln’t take you long.But your doing computer programming makes me think you have become too reliant on tools. There has to be a way you can get help for your situtation because I cannot imagine that a person in as modern an area of the country as you…cannot get help. But, if you have the attitude that you are smarter in certain areas than your professor and are just picking what you need willy nilly on the basis of the manner in which your professor grades…well…between that and that web site…you are totally up a creek. There has to be a logical way you can get the assitance you need becasue your desire is to become a man of GOD. Good heavens, speak with the head of the department and see if you can test out of classes, see if you can do independant study?? Ever think of independant study? That could work for you.

I am not a mean lady. But you have to check yourself a bit.

Hello,

Look, I can understand your point, and I know how you are making your point. Yes, I do have a problem with language, but I can adapt to my problem by using resources. Whenever I try to do any computer programming, I use text editors that have color-coding and references because otherwise I would be totally lost.

I cannot write even a simple essay without a word processor, and sometimes I spell my name wrong. I am not unable to use language correctly, but I am unable to use language correctly without the proper resources. Whenever I write without a word processor, my writing is considered to be not even college level.

I think that I should be graded over my abilities instead of my disability. I feel that even a person with dyscalculia could complete a mathematics degree if the person was tested over their abilities related to the subject of mathematics; moreover, this does not need to involve compromising the intellectual subject of mathematics. Overall, if a person is confined to a chair, then that same person should be allowed the same opportunities to learn about football from a football physical education class as people who can actually play the game.

I am telling you that making a person who is confined to a chair be graded over the application of the game of football is wrong. In the same way for me to be graded over the application of classical Greek language without tools to adapt to my learning disability is wrong as well. Overall, I believe that Socrates is correct to denounce the teaching of skills as a way to truth and wisdom, and I affirm that the relationship that we have to wisdom is the only foundation that we can have for truth.

I am saying that people in academic institutions, not trade schools, should be tested not over their skills but other their knowledge. I think that the knowledge of people is the evidence of the relationship that a person has with wisdom. Overall, I believe Socrates was correct to let him-self be condemned to death for the sake of academics, and history reveals that his sacrifice is the one moment that opened the door to all academic endeavors.

Your arguments summarized:

I am a taxpayer at a public universtiy so you have to do things exactly as I say.

I have difficulties learning languages so you have to teach and evaluate the languiage course the way I say.

I have certain philosophies of learning so you have to change your university and run it the way I say.

Since you won’t do things my way I will set up a public website and I will go online and I will get all sorts of support and rabble-rouse until you do things the way I say.

I have difficulties learning skills in a field that is required for my career goal, so you cannot require me to learn those skills.

******************************

Your original request may have had merit.

You may have a difficult and uncompromising professor.

Your philosophy of education may have some validity

However, your approach is totally offensive. And it is particularly unsuitable to someone who wants to be a priest.

As a student, you are in school to learn something you did not know already. It is your job to try to find out things from the professors, not to order them to do things the way you like.
As a priest, you are supposed to be practicing the virtues, including humility.

Hello,

I can understand your summarized view of my argument correctly, but I must say that the reason why I have the argument that I have is because I actually believe in something that I feel is very valuable. I am a lot different than most people in that I have strong values, and I act in accordance with those values. I am not trying to force people to have the same values that I have, but I am trying to explain why my values are valuable and worth acting upon.

I can understand if you have different values than I do, but I feel that the more people know about my values the more people will agree with my values. Surely you must admit that not very many people know very much about learning disabilities, so the values of most people do not fully take into account the knowledge of learning disabilities. Our values are the very things that we act upon, so if people do not have values that are developed from knowledge of learning disabilities, then people do not develop values that would act accordingly.

I like you because you appear to be able to challenge my argument, and at this time challenging my argument is important for perfecting my argument. I find however that no matter how compelling or how well developed my arguments are many people do not readily appeal to reason; moreover, I find that most people will appeal to pleasure and money before reason because both money and pleasure are at the heart of most people’s values. I do not agree that money and pleasure should be at the heart of most people’s values, but since such things are at the heart of most people’s values I need to relate to such people accordingly.

“Overall, what I am requesting is the accommodation of any language course tests to be completed at home or to be completed with unlimited time and the full use of books, notes, and a word processor, furthermore I also request that I be allowed such accommodations granted for a retake of my last Greek language test. ” This is a direct quote from your own web site.

I know nothing of people who go to Community College for multiple degrees, that is very “Diane Chambers” like, really. I know nothing of people who invoke the name of Socrates to their advantage, that is not terribly in keeping with “proper academic scholarship.” I also know nothing of people who go to trade school even though I have respect for that. I also know of nothing in the Americans with Disabilites Act that says you can alter the entire content of a course to your own personal liking. It is actually not in accordance with the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITES ACT to do such a thing. So, you really have no ARGUMENT AT ALL. You actually really need to speak with the head of the language department at your University. Or the dean, I guess. There is a way for you to learn what you have to. Yeah sure, I have dyscalculia like the dickens, and I sit my rear down and do my mathematics. I have done that year round since last August.I had to fight a bit to keep on keeping on with math, but I actually like learning math even though we with dyscalculia have not as many resources as all you folks with dyslexia.We actually have not had studies done since the 1920’s about our l.d. Odds are that most folks at your University have heard of your l.d. because people have been researching it for over EIGHTY YEARS NOW! Really, check yourself on that. No one in their right mind is going to care what you went through in grade one with your l.d. your having multiple degrees from Community College and being a grown person totally cancels that out. And, I did a quick web search on your University; there are scads of folks where I go to University who would love a Offices of Student Disabilites like the one where you are at. Your University is very well thought of for their Offices of Student Disabilites, that is not a hard thing to look up.

The only thing I know is that you have spent a plethora of time making an argument against the very contignations of academic scholarship that you claim to stand for. That is wicked paradoxial, really. Think about what Socrates himself said about this subject; “If thou continuest to take delight in idle argumentation thou mayest be qualified to combat with the sophists, but will never know how to live with men.” You are going to find yourself all alone sooner or later unless you learn to contend with certain things you have to contend with in this life. University proper is not Community College, fellow. You can write all the letters you want to your University, to your mama, and to whoever else…but you could be trying to figure out a way to study and just learn to rock that Greek. But, it is easier for you to “combat with sophists.” And, really; for math l.d. there is no math waiver…not where I am at University…I study something that I haven’t the parietal lobes to really be studying…and I do not care! You study something that your LORD is guiding you to learning and you complain to every Tom, Dick, and Harry instead of just sitting your rear down and trying to figure it out! That is wild. You should really speak with your professor and make him the sugar in your kool aid, man. You claim to have a very well learned professor, use his office hours and try your darnest to figure your Ancient Greek out. There is such a thing as compromise and being noble of intent in your studies. If you learn to compromise and keep total nobility of intent wth your schooling, you will be guided to a resolution for your problem. You really will.

Socrates was actualy a peace loving guy if you think about it. You are going to bleed yourself dry at the hands of these Sophists if you are not careful. And, where will you be if you do that? Back at Community College? Doing computer repair? If you honestly wish to become a Priest, then why do you not seek guidance from an actual Priest about how you should contend with this situation? Whoa…think about what Socrates said that could support this little argument; ” One who is injured ought not to return the injury, for on no account can it be right to do an injustice; and it is not right to return an injury, or to do evil to any man, however much we have suffered from him.” If you have “suffered” at the hands of your Ancient Greek Professor, then you must find the strength within yourself to contend with him. Not just return the worng right back to him, that is silly.

Hello,

I think that in the first day of class with Doctor Williams he had stated that I might not pass his course. Doctor Williams stated such a thing before I even said one world to him according to my memory. Overall, I am not against learning Ancient Greek; moreover, I would greatly enjoy having the same opportunity to successfully complete a classical Greek language course that everyone else has.

Doctor Williams gives biblical rebukes to his students in class when his students say something that Doctor Williams does not want to give an academic answer to. I feel that I should have just as much freedom to make extensive reference to Socrates in my case. Overall, I happen to like Doctor Williams somewhat, but in taking to Doctor Williams one day in his office he indicated that the only way that he thought that I would learn the Greek language to his liking was if I enrolled in a monastery for two years worth of Greek language education.

Many of the people that work for Southern Illinois University say that many of the same type of problems as mine have been expressed, however such people indicate that no one at Southern Illinois University can do anything about the problems. Overall, my situation is not good.

If I thought that more time learning the Greek language would make a difference, then I would use more time trying to learn the Greek language. I pay for three to six hours of mathematics tutoring a week at $14 per hour, and if I thought that more time or money would help my Ancient Greek class grades, then I would contribute even more. Overall, the problem is that I cannot spell many words in English correctly without assistance; moreover, I especially cannot spell anything in Greek correctly without special assistance.

I am afraid that if I fail my Ancient Greek class that I may loose financial aid; moreover, the instructor indicated that I should have withdrawn form the course. I did not withdraw from the course because I would have most definitely lost financial aid benefits. At this time I am just trying to do everything that I can to make a hopeless situation hopeful because some miraculous event may occur in order that I may get a passing grade in the course.

I must inform you that I am not a bad student; moreover, almost all of my homework for my Ancient Greek class was graded with grades of both A’s and B’s with a few C’s. Before I took my first Ancient Greek test, I was misinformed about my accommodations; moreover, I received a grade of 11%. I actually care about getting an education, but when a supposed academic institution is acting so unruly I do not know how to succeed.

I have thought about this. Sometimes, and I know this from personal experience, it is just better to take the whole darn class over. If you have made some progress with your homework and whatnot, then keep on trying and maybe just take the whole blessed course over. You can flunk a class and as long as your other grades are fair, you will still have your pell grants and what have you. And, boy howdy, do I ever know that from personal experience.
One thing I wonder. Could you just do your Ancient Greek by yourself, in no class? Hear me out, try your best to learn your Ancient Greek and then maybe come back to the class in the summer or next fall better prepared? Perhaps there is someone in your church who could guide you and “tutor” you in Ancient Greek? I am asking since you have expressed interest in joing the priesthood.
Is there a CLEP test in Ancient Greek? You could try to study by yourself and then take a CLEP test or just study by yourself and take the class over later on down the line.

Hello,

I have had to retake many classes myself, and I have used your same strategy of staying in the class until the end when I get a failing grade in order to retake the class with more success the second or third time. I find however that my ancient Greek class requires me to do something that I feel that I could never do correctly because of my learning disability; moreover, the class requires me to spell correctly without almost any usable resources to accommodate me. Even if I retake the class seven time and take a clep test I will never be able to successfully complete the course unless either my disability disappears or I have something to accommodate for my spelling.

This is my seventh year of college and my twenty-first college semester, and I know by now that I cannot even spell most simple words in English without assistance let alone words in Greek. Just to type this message I need to do a lot of work with a word processor, but with a word processor or other methods of correcting for my learning disability I can write correctly. The same is true for writing in Greek; moreover, I cannot write correctly in Greek unless I have some good resources to accommodate me.

Just to get my Mathematics degree I needed to start college by taking a mathematics course that many grade school students would take, and I failed many courses and repeated many courses until I completed an entire three-semester calculus series as well as deferential equations. I rarely ever if ever complained about my educational opportunities or accommodations, but instead I tried, tried, and continued to try until I had much success. Unfortunately my ancient Greek language course requires something that I know that I can never do unlike my past calculus courses.