To: Prof. Jeffrey Taube
Dartmouth Student Advocacy: Marissa Evans
We students of Dartmouth believe that Marissa Evans should be evaluated for her Honors thesis based on the quality of her work. We believe the circumstances explained to us do not warrant such heavy penalization as to jeopardize her future. We concede that this maintains fairness to her alongside other students of Dartmouth.
Why is this important?
On the poster presentation day for the neuroscience department, I was sick with a 100-degree fever, chills, sweats, etc. I made my advisors aware of the situation and was reassured to "feel better and do not worry about it" and "do my best".
Within the week between my defense and the due date for the printed thesis, my second advisor did not respond to my e-mails (upward of 15 now). Since I was unable to obtain his signature and I was sick for the poster session, my thesis was failed. I met with the committee to explain the circumstances.
They agreed to pass my honors thesis on the contingency that I accept such a low grade that my GPA drop over .5, jeopardizing my plans to attend medical school. This penalization has yet to be justified. If I take an "independent study" however, my work will receive an A-.
Within the week between my defense and the due date for the printed thesis, my second advisor did not respond to my e-mails (upward of 15 now). Since I was unable to obtain his signature and I was sick for the poster session, my thesis was failed. I met with the committee to explain the circumstances.
They agreed to pass my honors thesis on the contingency that I accept such a low grade that my GPA drop over .5, jeopardizing my plans to attend medical school. This penalization has yet to be justified. If I take an "independent study" however, my work will receive an A-.