Things have been somewhat quiet around here. There is a reason and unfortunately not a particularly pleasant one either. In the middle of me debating what backpack would be best and whether I should invest in a water purifier my Newfie was contacted by the university where he just completed his (second) masters. It appeared they liked him so much they don’t want him to leave.
To make an extremely long and frustrating story short he is currently tied up in the ropes of administration of the university who won’t let him graduate because he was a few days late with an assignment when he was ill - a year ago – even though he submitted a doctors note explaining the situation. They now want him to pay €8,000 and take the three-month long course again next year in February – round about the time we should be figuring out how to get to Kathmandu!
We’ve had all sorts of emotional trauma courtesy of this gigantic spanner which has been hurtled at us. The worst part is the uncertainty of the appeals process, never knowing when we can get a final decision. The unwillingness of the university to help its students is shocking to say the least. So there we have it, our future plans lie in the hands of some bureaucratic strangers, who, I get the feeling, really couldn’t care less. Unable to make any real plans I have reoccurring visions of myself, stuck at home playing scrabble with my mother for three months.
To prevent the risk of going completely insane with despair we have decided we are leaving for India at the end of December come what may and we’ll just figure out the rest in time.
At least My Occasionally Sober Friend sorted out my other problem re the water. Just do what my mother does when she’s travelling – avoid water and only drink G ‘n’ Ts. Terrific advice I felt, so good in fact that I decided to heed it immediately – why wait till I am travelling?
Major shit smears. I can never understand how so many colleges carry on like. It’s not like they are a nurturing, educational institute or anything … Sorry to hear this news.
thanks
I have heard so many similar stories – what is it about universities I wonder?
I am a huge fan of going to India come what may and figuring out the rest later. And the GnT thing is great advice.
I hope the (pesumably Canadian?) university doesn’t screw you. If it’s a certain large university in the capital of Ontario, you’ll need all the luck you can get.
The university is all Dutch! Very Dutch
Well, that is a major blow. Hope it works out though. You would think that if you have to pay as much for your education that the institution would be a little more understanding and accommodating. I mean, don;t we all learn in Business 101 that the customer is always right…?
that’s exactly how I look at it – unfortunately some universities seem to think they are a charity doing you a big favour and not simply providing a costly service you paid for
I feel for the two of you so much!! Really hope someone at Moron College will see the light and things will be fine. In the meantime I’m all for the G&T’s
Oh massive disappointment and you’ve left your job and everything. The arrogance of it all especially since he actually handed in his assignment even if it was late. In my day they’d just dock a few marks without a Dr’s cert. Chin up chook, it’ll be alright on the night I’m sure. Meanwhile, G & T’s could float your boat!
oh lord i am so sorry. academia is so hidebound it’s ridiculous. i hope this can get settled; eight thousand euros, really, for one class??? that’s absolute nonsense.
My daughter teaches at one Conor and universities are becoming so money-grubbing she is appalled. Screw the students, grab the money. I’d go ahead with the wonderful plans, the door opens once on this kind of thing. Grab it before it swings shut.
XO
WWW
Sorry to hear that, what a bunch of pettifogging ninnies. He has to take the whole course again? For €8000? Absurd. Even Queens University would be more flexible than that (I think). Is there anyone who can help with the appeal process and get a quick decision?
India eh, sounds good. And how are you travelling around, by rickshaw or elephant?
broken branches – hehe I am only going to call it Moron College from now on!
baino – thanks – it’s ridiculous isn’t it? Lots of G ‘n’ Ts required
laurie – how they can expect students to come up with that kind of money is beyond me
www – I bet she has some stories to tell! You are right, I am NOT going to let that door close.
nick – pettifogging ninnies – I love it
travelling all around India by rickshaw sounds fabulous! If not a little exhasuting …
When I first read this entry, I was sober, and my anger was under control.
My current state is less than sober, and my fury (it’s grown) is ready to be directed wherever you and your Newfie need it. I can’t even articulate how disgusted I am at this news (and no, it’s not the booze). Please use me as your weapon of destruction. I’m absolutely adamant that my vicarious enjoyment of the voyage of a lifetime will NOT be spoiled by petty, irritating, inconsequential university bureaucrats.
Denial. India here we all come!
That’s just crazy. NO WAY should they get that amount of money or more of Newfie’s life. Time is too precious and there are just so many wonderful adventures and ‘master’s of life’ experiences out there with your names on them to be had. That of course is just my ‘masters are they really worth it’ opinion though!!
That is just mind-boggling. If I had to pay €8,000 and take the course all over again I would really expect an immediate member of the Dean’s family to perform some kind of sexual act for me, at the very least. Oh, and drop off the dry cleaning. Wankers.
Poxy, the colleges are all desperate for money this year. My fees doubled, nobodies getting their grants and you now need a loan to do repeats. It’s all just a money grabbing scamming, the bastards! Show up in person, bring both your mothers, it’s the only way.
@fatsparrow; have you ever seen the Dean of a University? I wouldn’t to risk catching whatever it is they have by touching one of ‘their kind’.
jovica – you can imagine how angry I was with them!!! Anyways you should redirect your energy into figuring out where you are going to meet up with us
alan – I am totally taking my denial on tour!
my OGS – you are so right – it’s happening no matter what!
fat sparrow – I know – you can get a whole master’s course for that price! Ridiculous!!
rua – everyone is desperate for money this year – me and my newfie included
hex on them. idiots. you’re right to carry on to india. i also agree with the g and ts. i’m going to go now and mutter under my breath for ages about how stupid universities are. . . xx
towny – thanks for the support. As always
Gin and Tonic – very appropriate for travelling to India. Look at the label “Indian Tonic Water” – designed as a way of giving colonialists a sufficient hit of quinine to resist malaria a very user friendly medicine. Don’t worry too much abut the water filter – just make sure all the water you drink in India and the sub continent is boiled or bottled. And good luck with your trip – I’m jealous
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