u/Lost_Algae_2608

I’m a masters student at a large public university and I was supposed to finish my degree this summer. As part of our course, we’re required to take research 1 and 2. I’m a professional research consultant, yet was unable to exempt myself. I failed research 1 because of an internet glitch- I thought I had submitted the final paper but the internet dropped out. After multiple grade dispute, the final decision was that it is “the students responsibility to check their submissions”. Fine. So I failed Research I and was forced to withdraw from Research II as a result, more than two thirds through the semester, losing the full tuition for that course and pushing back my graduation by 2 semesters (I must take these courses consecutively and the next one is offered in the fall).

The school’s solution was to let me retake Research I in the fall and Research II in the spring — for 1 credit each. That’s 3x less than what I originally paid. So they’re essentially admitting the course can be offered for a fraction of the cost, but only after I lost money and a full semester.

Here’s what’s infuriating: I recently found out another student who also failed Research I was never forced out of Research II at all. They’re graduating this fall. Same situation, completely different treatment from Student Services.

I want:

∙ A refund for the course I was forced to drop

∙ The ability to graduate in the fall, not spring

Is it reasonable to escalate this? AIO? After I try a final time with student services , I’m considering filing formal complaints with the college, central university , State Education Department, and consulting a student rights attorney. I’m

I’m a masters student at a large public university. As part of our course, we’re required to take research 1 and 2. I’m a professional research consultant, yet was unable to exempt myself. I failed research 1 because of an internet glitch- I thought I had submitted the final paper but the internet dropped out. After multiple grade dispute, the final decision was that it is “the students responsibility to check their submissions”. Fine. So I failed Research I and was forced to withdraw from Research II as a result, more than two thirds through the semester, losing the full tuition for that course and pushing back my graduation by 2 semesters (I must take these courses consecutively and the next one is offered in the fall).

Here’s what’s infuriating: I recently found out another student who also failed Research I was never forced out of Research II at all. They’re graduating this fall. Same situation, completely different treatment from Student Services.

When I pushed back, the school’s solution was to let me retake Research I in the fall and Research II in the spring — for 1 credit each. That’s 3x less than what I originally paid. So they’re essentially admitting the course can be offered for a fraction of the cost, but only after I lost money and a full semester.

I want:

∙ A refund for the course I was forced to drop

∙ The ability to graduate in the fall, not spring

AIO for escalating this? I’m considering filing formal complaints with the college, central university , State Education Department, and consulting a student rights attorney.

EDIT: more info on the other student any my case. I went through the colleges grade appeal, and they said I get credit. The professor then appealed to the university (super unusual), and the university said that I failed the course. The second grade appeal was scheduled for the week before spring break. This entire time I was in class with this professor who failed me for research 2 (traditionally you get both sections with the same person). although I asked to transfer, somehow this never happened?

The other student didn’t hand in a few assignments until after the deadline. They failed the class and the college’s grade appeal. Nothing was ever appealed to the university. As the college level appeal was happening they asked to transfer. They were transferred to a new class (!!!). After they failed, they were asked to withdraw from research 2. Their NEW professor advocated for them and somehow they were able to finish the class, and just retake research 1 in the fall, not the whole series.

I also asked to transfer at the beginning of the semester and (again) before my second grade appeal, but was told a bunch of things - they wouldn’t be able to find another class to take me, etc. But they knew about this other professor! The one advocating for the other student!!

I hope this adds more context? We don’t have the exact same scenario but I’d still expect us to get the same services. Do you agree?

I’m a masters student at Hunter and need advice. I failed Research I and was forced to withdraw from Research II as a result, losing tuition money and delaying my graduation. I recently found out another student who also failed Research I was not forced to withdraw from Research II and is graduating this fall — the difference appears to be how Student Services handled our cases.

I’m hoping to escalate internally. I’m looking for:

1.	A tuition refund for the course I was forced to drop

2.	A path to finish and graduate in the fall. 

BUT I don’t want to make enemies. I need people to work with me.

Has anyone dealt with disparate treatment in academic decisions at CUNY or another school? What worked — formal complaints, legal pressure, going to the Dean?