Some background:
For this particular class, the attendance rate is rather…low…however I am one of the few who perfectly attends this class, or at least almost does so, needless to say, tons of people showed up for the midterm
Now, last Friday was when we were supposed to get back our exams from the week before. However, I was bogged down by a massive essay for a different class I NEEDED to finish so I skipped that class. Earlier when I went to ask my professor for my exam grade, he refused to give it to me. He says that there should be consequences for missing class.
While I agree that there should be consequences for regular class skippers, I don’t think this is fair. I had a 100% attendance rate at that class except for that one particular day. Yet my professor punishes ME for something that other students have continuously done? I honestly liked this professor but now I’m really not liking him.
What should I do here then? Yelling of course won’t work, asking politely didn’t work earlier. Besides hoping he’s more lenient later or going to the department head (A little hesitant for that), I’m not sure what to do.
Theres a right and a wrong way to do everything, and this is one you want to tread lightly in. In your syllabus, there should be an outline on not only class attendance, but questions and office time. A formal e-mail, stating what you wish, to the point, and of course being polite and respectful is a great start. I imagine you went to him in person, and he refused. The reason I say send an e-mail is because it gives you a documentation trail. When, and if, he refuses your formal (and respectful!) request, there is a ladder to go up. If he is not the department head, or he works under another professor, that is who you go to. Not only will that person have the access to your grade, but he’ll be able to weight a hand onto the professor once you explain everything. The way to go at it with this person is the same as your professor - respectful, polite, and set an appointment at their convenience! They have e-mail and phone numbers available for a reason. More than likely, you’ll get what you need from this person if your lecture instructor won’t give it to you.
After that, if you still for whatever reason get a refusal, you can always step higher. The key to it all is respect and politeness. Explain your situation fully, clearly, and to the point. The moment it sounds like you make an excuse, the sooner their wall goes up and sticks to their guns. When you show an adequate concern, they’ll usually be more than happy to fulfill your request as you climb the ladder - especially with something as simple as a grade for your midterm.