Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/12/09
I looked around for a Thread about this, didn't see one, and figured that even if there is one, it's so old now, it doesn't matter.
I took two courses and passed both. It's so nice to have a few weeks with no classes to worry about. However, it's not like I can just relax. Several things have gone wrong for me, so I have to be vigilant over these details until they are resolved, making sure that no one 'drops the ball'. Would you believe that the next morning after Finals, when I went online to see my grades, I had an email waiting for me from my Logic teacher. He'd emailed the entire class to tell us that he'd put our grades into the system wrong, and for us not to get upset when we saw our grades,... that he will be fixing them. Unfortunately, without thinking of the consequences, I went ahead and put out the request that my Transcripts be mailed to two colleges. Later, I realised that both of those colleges may be getting a transcript with a wrong grade on it. Since it's Saturday, there was no one answering any phones at the Colleges, so there was nothing I could do about it. Monday, I'll be calling both colleges, asking them to wait for my next phone call before they update my transcript. This could be a real mess.
Also, there's a glytch in my Financial Aid for next semester, and there's another glytch in my Disability Services for next semester. It seems that everywhere I go on campus, it's not just me who's in a 'learning curve'. Even Heads of departments are having to figure out some things. But it's fun to think of getting started on two new classes. So, tell me how your semester turned out, and what classes (if any) you'll be taking next semester. - jus'
Edited by justfoundout on December 13 2009 03:58 AM
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
Tomorrow I will finish my last take-home exam essay, turn them in on Monday, and then I'll be free! Next semester I'm taking a BS physical science credit to finish off that requirement, it's a soil science class and it's supposed to be so easy you can pass it asleep so I'm hoping that goes well. I managed to pull a B in Geology this semester even with all the maps and math, so that was nice. I'm also taking an Anthropology class, and a Psychology class, and I still need to sign up for one more to put me at full time. Not sure what else, I keep hoping a language will open up so I can finish that requirement... but no luck so far. We'll see.
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/12/09
Good for you for finishing up, Kat. I smile when I read what you say about the 'soil class'. Why do I see you buried in sand, with an umbrella drink in your hand? I'm planning to take Geology One next semester. What's in store for me? And your taking 12 credits? - jus'
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
Jus - I can only hope it will be that easy! I wouldn't say no to a beach trip, for sure. Geology was actually not hard outside of trying to read all of the maps/diagrams that my professor gave me, and remembering the numbers that were pertinent (like that the Earth is 4.56 billion years old, for example).
I didn't need to use my accommodations though because the professor was very nice and let me use a calculator for the few simple equations we had, I didn't even have to give him my paperwork, I just e-mailed him and told him that I have dyscalculia and asked if calculators were okay for me to use, and he said yes. I don't know if your class will have more equations or less calculator use, so I guess that's something you'll have to talk to your professor about.
But besides for the maps and diagrams, the class wasn't difficult at all. It's kind of an expansion on the things you learned in earth science classes in elementary school... sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, plate tectonics, volcanoes, things like that. We also had a section in our class about sustainable energy and the formation of the solar system, not sure if that is typical of Geology classes or not.
And yeah, I'm planning on taking 13 credits total (the lab is an extra 1 credit). Since I've been so sick this semester, I'm not trying to put more on my plate than I can handle. I'm hoping that the test they're doing to me this week will be the one that gives me a diagnosis, so that I can get better and not be sick next semester, but since I don't know that for sure I'm not going to chance it. Four classes will be hard enough if my health stays the way it is.
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/13/09
Dear Kat,
13 credits wouldn't sound so bad if we were talking about a cc, but I know that the classes are more difficult at Uni. Have you actually done more than 13 at a Uni before? And with health problems, too? I'm amazed. I'm glad that you enjoyed Geology One. I'm hoping that that is the way it will be for me, too. Though, I'll admit that "sedimentary" was the only one of the three you listed that I might have remembered on a test these days. "Metamorphic". Isn't that one of the characters on Star Trek? And, "Igneous". Et tu, Igneous? "Teutonic", those English fellows, the Tudors? Oh, excuse me, "TEC-tonics". What's nice about Earth Science is that it's good for even things like Clay Sculpture class,... the clay, the glazes,... for Jewelry making, knowing the stones and metals,... for knowing where to hunt for fossils,... knowing why certain crops grow best in certain soil. It lays a foundation for so much fascinating investigation and invention.
I do have one problem. I'm going to have to take Biology One in the same semester with Geology One. This is just one of those quirks that has occurred due to my dyscalculia. It's a long story. Have you had Biology One? - jus'
Edited by justfoundout on December 14 2009 03:33 AM
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
I actually took a Biology for Lib Arts class this semester too! So I took them both together at the same time and had no problem. (Can you tell I've been putting off my gen eds?) There is very little math involved in Biology, especially if it's an entry level gen ed Bio class. I had a lot of fun with my Bio class, it's really interesting and I didn't find it difficult at all.
And yeah, last spring I carried 15 credits, 5 classes, so I've done it before. I wasn't physically sick during that semester, but I was dealing with some pretty heavy-duty mental health issues at the time so it was really trying. Fortunately one of my classes was Creative Writing so that one didn't demand too much of me, and I actually found my assignments to be more relaxing than anything else. Like I said, I'm having a procedure done this week that I'm praying will finally reveal why I've been having all of these digestive issues and that they will be able to treat me so I can get better!
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
I just took my precal final today. I was counting my fingers the whole time and I was busy trying to figure out what 6x9 and 7x8 was when the professor said we don't have to do all the questions so lucky for me I got to skip that. Of course I did some calculations wrong again, but I realized it before I handed it in.
I actually almost dropped the course because I failed the first test, but I decided not to, hoping I could bring my grade up. We are able to take precal as one class, or separately as 2 classes, the first focusing on the algebra stuff with factoring, fractions, exponents and all that (the one test I did miserably on), and the second focusing on trig, log, and functions. Had I dropped the class and took it separately I'm sure I would have failed the entire first class (imagine factoring and simplifying for an entire semester?). Luckily the final exam had little to do with what we did in the first half of the semester, which I still don't understand at all.
I'm taking calculus and discreet structures next semester because sadly it's a requirement. More math to look forward to...
Edited by user82 on December 16 2009 01:26 AM
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
User82 - I'm taking my Pre-Calc as two separate classes, Pre-Calc Algebra and Pre-Calc Trig. It's going to put me behind to graduate but it's the only way I think I'll be able to pass them... I can't take the combined Pre-Calc Algebra and Trig class, it's too much too fast for me. I'll be taking Pre-Calc Algebra over the summer, then Trig in the fall, then Stats 1 the following Spring and then hopefully Stats 2 over the summer and I'LL BE DONE!!! Damn all of these math requirements.
Jus - Thanks for the well wishes. Unfortunately they didn't find anything abnormal during my procedure. I know I should be happy that I am physically fine but it's just frustrating because it means they still have no idea what's wrong with me. I have another appointment next week, we're just going to go from there and keep trying different things.
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/15/09
Dear user82 and Kat,
The best to you both. I'll be 'pulling for you'. And, Kat, I was glad to see that you'll 'have another appointment next week', because I don't think that, with all your discomfort, you are 'physically fine'. I think that you've just got something that they haven't, so far, been smart enough to find. I don't mean that it has to be something 'serious'. I just 'know' you well enough that, with all your 'determination',... no, you wouldn't have time to complain for no good reason. - jus'
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
Jus - Thanks, I really appreciate hearing that. Especially what you said about me not having the time to complain for no good reason... that is so good to hear, after having a doctor tell me that I was whining and my "bad attitude" (as if she knows anything about my personality or attitude) was causing my illness. Seriously?? Ugh. Some doctors... but I've got a team of really great doctors who I'm working with who realize that yes, something is wrong with me, and they aren't going to give up until they figure out what it is. That gives me hope, and I believe that eventually they're going to do the right test and give me a diagnosis, and hopefully a good treatment that will restore me back to full health.
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
Yep, that's what I considered doing Kat, but as I said before I think it was better for me not to take precal algebra separately. I realize now how terrible I am at algebra. Trig definitely pulled my grade way up and my professor drops the lowest of the three tests, so I'm pretty confident at this point. Best of luck to you.
I have to take geology as well. I originally planned on taking it in the spring, but all of the spots were taken and the only open classes were in the evening. So it looks like I'll have to take it somewhere in the future.
Tomorrow I'll be taking my philosophy and art finals. At least there's no math in that!
Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/16/09
Dear user82,
Yes, getting enrolled in the classes we need before they fill up is another challenge. I got on my computer and enrolled in mine only a couple of days after 'online registration' began. Then, because my Financial Aid was not yet approved (due to too many credits,... due to dyscalculia, etc.), those classes were 'deleted' for non-payment. I was so happy that I noticed this quickly enough to re-register for the same ones. Then, after an exchange of emails with Financial Aid, the Director kindly 'held' my classes for me until a determination could be made on my eligibility. And Monday, I got the approval on my Financial Aid for this semester! I decided to add one more credit, and I needed to schedule that one credit on the same day as one of my other classes, and as close as possible, time-wise, to that other class. I found the class that filled this description, and there were only two spots left in that class as I pushed the keys to register for it. I almost held my breathe, waiting to see if I'd 'gotten in'. Yay! I'm registered for it. Next, I'll have to request a 'change of schedule' at work, because I've had to take daytime classes this time. I usually do night classes so that I can work during the day. Even though my next semester won't start until January 19th, I'm having to deal with this now, December 16th, and in the previous week. - jus'
Location: United States Posts: 1860 Joined: 2008-11-14
Jus - I totally feel you on the schedule thing. The online registration system at my university is easy to use, but it's practically impossible to get into the classes you want at the times you want! When you're competing with several thousand other undergrad students for the same classes, it's tough to get a seat in the class you want. You have to basically stalk the online registrar 24/7 until a seat opens up so you can snatch it up. It took me 3 weeks of checking the online system 3-4 times a day before I could get into my Anthro class!
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer
Location: Texas USA Posts: 6101 Joined: 2008-05-25
12/16/09
Dear Kat,
That sounds even worse than MY college. But I did have something amusing happen to me once, very similar to what you just told. This was at my previous cc, where I was studying for my AAS Paralegal, and was taking almost exclusively the 'paralegal' classes. As a little background information, let me explain that, this college is in a downtown location, and most of the paralegal students were older than your average 'college student', so there were night classes and day classes, but at night, there might be only ONE class in the subject you were 'missing'. What would happen was that, at first, you'd pick the classes you wanted to take, but as you'd get the first year's worth of classes done, you'd start to look at whether you needed a Tuesday/Thursday night class or if you needed a Monday/Wednesday night class. Toward the end of the two-year program, people would get into a state resembling people on a Black Friday shopping spree, because, if they didn't get into a certain class (whether a night class or a day class), this could affect their jobs, their Financial Aid, and their graduation date. Also, the 'good, nice' teachers' classes would get 'snapped up', but the bad teachers would be left over for the poor guy who didn't get registered in time. Okay, enough background.
There was a teacher who was very experienced, kind to his students, and told stories that were absolutely hilarious - all 'law-related'. He taught four of the 'paralegal' subjects at my cc, but he wasn't the only teacher who taught these subjects. By careful planning, I'd had him for three of these subjects that he taught. One of these subjects (the fourth), he taught, but only as a Summer semester class, hence only once a year. I enrolled in his class. Financial Aid (through the county, this time,... not through the gov.) didn't jump in and cover my classes in time, so they got 'deleted' off the computer. Grrrrr. Waaaugh! ALL the seats were full by the time I knew what had happened. I complained and pleaded bitterly to the lady dean, to no avail.
I'd said I wouldn't give more 'background', but I have to. Sorry. The lady dean kept a list of people who wanted 'spots' in this class or that, in case of cancellations by other students. I think I'd been on it at one time. But then, I found out that, those spots that opened up on the computer were NOT being held open, subject to the dean's option of filling them with the students from her list. They would just 'open up', and (somehow,... maybe she did get a notification or something) if she saw an opening, she would either call the student or put the student's name in herself. I'm not sure how this worked, but I do know that it wasn't a 'done deal' that you'd get the spot if one opened up. So, I don't remember if I was even on her list this time that I'm telling you about.
I walked into the cc on the day classes were going to start, planning to register for some other class, but stepped over to the Registrar's counter, just as a last try, asking if, on a fluke, there was an empty seat in this class,... and there was! I ran into the Counseling office, called on a Counselor who knew me to help, and got registered in that class. They gave me the print-out to take to class, since I wouldn't be on the roster. The teacher asked who was actually registered in the class, and I had my print-out all ready. He got a surprised smile on his face, as he'd probably heard how miffed I'd been at not getting in. And, later, I believe that the lady dean was 'put out' with me, because she probably had people on her list who she considered to be 'ahead of me', who she didn't get to put in that seat. (Some people are passive-aggressive, so you aren't always sure what you are being punished for. ha ha ha)
So, for anybody who lives somewhere other than the US, this may serve as a warning for you as to what to expect if you come here to study? - jus'
Edited by justfoundout on December 16 2009 10:43 PM
am sorry to read about all these registration issues - at my university, students with diagnosed disabilities got priority registration - register before "general" population
I have just finished my semester today and have handed in a project proposal, budget and completed two examined presentations , I do however still have a critical commentary and 5,000 word essay to work on over the holidays! I am still waiting on my marks but I think I have passed OK. Im a little sad as the really cool module I was taking this Semester has ended, it was an elective one that I took from another course and it was really good.
I hope your registration issues sort themselves out, I had that in my old university and it causes so much unnecessary stress!
Count me in!
Location: United States Posts: 171 Joined: 2009-11-29
I finished the semester yesterday. Whew, I'm glad it's over. I'm looking forward to spending all day NOT doing homework. I had some trouble with my final project, but I think I'll still do O.K. in both of my classes. As for next semester, I don't want to think about it yet!
Geology was actually not hard outside of trying to read all of the maps/diagrams that my professor gave me, and remembering the numbers that were pertinent (like that the Earth is 4.56 billion years old, for example). 
