Is it illegal or against some sort of rule at most American Universities to not follow the syllabus given?

Question

My Intro to Speech teacher at my previous university gave us a syllabus and promised 500 points total for the semester. The last few class lectures, she misses 2 lectures in a row because of illness and does not hire a substitute. When she comes back to class she cancels a paper and a test worth 200 points total of the 500 points only leaving 300 points. I was counting on the points to bring up my grade. There has to be a way to get out of this? This is BS, I would have made an A if it wasn't for her laziness!

Answer 1

No it's not illegal, it's just a bummer. A syllabus isn't a legally binding contract or anything. I also wouldn't say that her being sick constitutes laziness - college instructors aren't necessarily obligated to find a replacement in the case that they aren't able to make it to class. They're people too, you know. And she probably has several sections that she is teaching, not just you and your section.

Also it's not her responsibility to give you a certain number of opportunities to pull up your grade - it's YOUR responsibility to earn the grade you want by working for it every opportunity you have.

Again, I can sympathize. It sucks. However, you can't say "I would have made an A if it wasn't for her laziness" because the fact of the matter is that the grade you're getting is because of you. She has no reason to believe that all of the sudden you would be submitting better work than you have up to this point. A grade is supposed to reflect your commitment throughout the term - not a last-ditch effort.

Edit: I agree with the previous entry - if you think that she has actually failed in her duties (but seriously - think about how often you miss class) then talk with the dean/chair of the department. Your grade is what it is. I wouldn't be surprised if other students were happy about having fewer papers and tests, so it may be difficult to find someone willing to go to the dean with you. Missing two classes and changing the syllabus doesn't make a teacher a bad one, though.

Answer 2

You should complain to the dean about your teacher and bring to light the disappointment you have because of her actions. It would help if more then one of the students in her class complained as well. I don't think there is anything you can do to have your grade change but at least she might get reprimanded by her superiors for not taking the right steps to not neglect your students after all you are paying to be there

Answer 3

College is not like elementary school where a "substitute teacher" is hired when someone is sick.  You do not, and should not want a babysitter.  You are lucky she didn't go ahead and give you both the test and the paper without the lectures because college professors expect you to be independent and READ the material on your own.  

Blaming your "non-A" on someone getting sick is pretty sad and a little funny. If you go to any Dean they will laugh after you have left the office. Study at the BEGINNING of the semester rather than the end so you don't have to rely on pulling a great grade out at the last minute.

Answer 4

this is the funny question,

I was in the same situation last year when my prof was making it hard for me (but easier for everyone else) to pass the class by not following the syllabus...

there was nothing i could do about it.    

Generally, its these type of classes that i dont end up doing well in, they turn out to be a mess by the end.

I would try to ask your prof if there is any way that you could do some of that work and get points for it.