<p>Does the prof proctor his own exams? Because Harvard uses proctors. Profs may come to the exam for the first few minutes to answer questions but disappear quickly thereafter. The proctors go by rules–which is no bathroom break for the first half of the exam. So they would need written notes to make exceptions.</p>
<p>This is yet another sign of the times, I’m afraid. Lying and cheating are commonplace today and professors/teachers at all levels are doing what they can to keep that small number of brazen students in check! Just on this forum, we’ve seen several examples…I’m thinking of all the posters who were upset with the harsh penalty imposed upon students who missed important classes/tests for a family funeral. Not sure the outcome of the poor kid whose laptop AND semester’s work was stolen at Penn a few days ago…Policies are written and enforced because of a small number of unethical students who ruin the trust factor and everyone pays the price! It would be very easy to cheat while on a visit to the restroom. Honor codes don’t always prevail when given the opportunity to cheat! Sad but true.</p>
<p>When I was in high school & college, I had the same problem as Momneedsadvice’s roomie. A nun once got ticked off at me and shoved me into a wall during a tirade about my rudeness for leaving a classroom to deal w/ the situation. It wasn’t something that I cared to share with everyone. While that issue is long gone, I now have IBS and would be furious at a prof who surprised me with a last second policy announcement about no bathroom breaks. Meds aren’t always effective.</p>
<p>While S is still in the hospital, I’m looking into having a laminated card made for him regarding Crohn’s in hopes it may help prevent such problems for him.</p>
<p>Like Originaloog, most of my kids’ profs do open book/ open notes exams. They’ve also been very sympathetic about S’s health.</p>
<p>*I’m looking into having a laminated card made for him regarding Crohn’s *</p>
<p>I don’t have Crohns but I donate money to this worthy organization.</p>
<p>[CCFA.org:</a> Home](<a href=“http://www.ccfa.org/]CCFA.org:”>http://www.ccfa.org/)
One of the things they have sent me is a card explaining I can’t wait!</p>
<p>Yes, ccfa will send you a card saying “The bearer of this card has an illness that creates urgent bathroom needs” or something like that. The top of the card says “I can’t wait.” It’s for people to use in stores to use employee bathrooms, etc. - airplanes, etc. where time is of the essence. It’s tastefully done. I’m not sure a professor would accept it as the name of the bearer is not put on and I suppose someone could get one or make one up. Also, I suppose someone could just keep a doctor’s note in their wallet --a good idea anyhow for those on more serious meds in case of an accident, etc. Emerald, I think it’s awesome you support ccfa – they are a fantastic organization. Very worthy.</p>
<p>originaloog expressed my feelings exactly.</p>
<p>I think it’s abusive to deny anyone the right to go to the bathroom at any time. Yes, I understand that at H it’s not a personal rule, it’s an institutional rule, but then I guess as a prof. I’d petition the institution or not give tests, just papers.</p>
<p>The poet and memoirist Mark Doty recounts a story of a little girl in his third grade class who was denied the opportunity to go to the bathroom and made a non-liquid mess all over the floor. </p>
<p>So sad in his telling.</p>
<p>I’m so naive that one time two students who’d had a verbal disagreement in class each asked to go to the bathroom. After permission was granted my class clued me in – they were going to the men’s room to duke it out. I followed them (probably to the chagrin of whomever else might have been there) and inserted myself between two huge guys.</p>
<p>Now bathroom okay, one at a time.</p>