I’m Esther, and I need some guidance. My school provided a laptop for my studies, but after about two years, I started having issues with it. When I told the school, they suggested I get another one. Soon after, my aunt in Nigeria became critically ill, so I had to take her home to care for her. I notified my professor about my limited internet access while I was abroad and managed to keep up with assignments using business centers when I could. After returning to the U.S., I completed another two semesters, but in July, I got a notice saying I used a ‘different technology’ to submit work, and now I’m suspended! I’ve sent my flight ticket and emails to prove my situation, but the school hasn’t responded properly. I’m a single mom of two kids with special needs, and this situation has been incredibly stressful. Has anyone been through something similar? Any advice on what steps I can take next?
That sounds super frustrating! Did they ever clearly explain what policy you supposedly broke?
Avery said:
That sounds super frustrating! Did they ever clearly explain what policy you supposedly broke?
Nope, nothing specific. There’s no policy that says I can’t travel or use a different computer if needed.
Avery said:
That sounds super frustrating! Did they ever clearly explain what policy you supposedly broke?
That’s so unfair. Schools should have clear policies if they’re going to enforce something like this.
Sounds like they’re being unreasonable. Have you tried escalating this to a higher department within the school?
Parker said:
Sounds like they’re being unreasonable. Have you tried escalating this to a higher department within the school?
I’ve been trying, but they just keep telling me they’ll ‘get back to me’ without any real answers.
If they’re ignoring you, maybe try contacting a student advocacy group? They can sometimes push schools to act fairly.
Taylor said:
If they’re ignoring you, maybe try contacting a student advocacy group? They can sometimes push schools to act fairly.
That’s a good idea. I’ve been thinking about finding someone outside the school who can help.
Taylor said:
If they’re ignoring you, maybe try contacting a student advocacy group? They can sometimes push schools to act fairly.
Advocacy groups can be really helpful, especially if you have all your documents in order.
Have you considered filing a formal grievance with the school’s administration? They usually have to respond officially if you do that.
Sky said:
Have you considered filing a formal grievance with the school’s administration? They usually have to respond officially if you do that.
I’ve thought about it, and I might just have to do that. This whole process is exhausting, but I’m not giving up.
Sky said:
Have you considered filing a formal grievance with the school’s administration? They usually have to respond officially if you do that.
Good luck! With everything documented, they should at least give you a proper review.
If they still don’t respond, maybe file a complaint with an external education authority. Sometimes that gets their attention.
Jonah said:
If they still don’t respond, maybe file a complaint with an external education authority. Sometimes that gets their attention.
I didn’t think about that, but it might be my next step if they keep dragging this out.
Jonah said:
If they still don’t respond, maybe file a complaint with an external education authority. Sometimes that gets their attention.
Definitely worth a try if they’re being so difficult. Hang in there!