In Spring, A Student's Thoughts Turn to GETTING OUT OF THE EXAM

When I was a student I viewed an exam as a competition at which I would try to excel. For the first time in my 16-year teaching career students in several classes have been trying to get me to delay or cancel my exam. My practice is to wait until very late in the semester to give an exam, and I warn the students from the first day of class that the exam will be competitive. There is only one week left to the semester. I received the following seven e-mails today all from different senders in three different classes. Are our educational system and culture on the right track?

I. Saturday, May 03, 2008 3:16 PM

Hello Professor Langbert,

The reading for the exam has been little much for me, because I'm taking 6 classes this semester and I'm also interning for 20 hours a week. I feel like I need more time and I want to ask if there is any chance you would consider moving the exam date later in May? We can present our papers this Sunday instead of having the exam now. I hope you understand, but if not, I certainly do understand.

Thank you professor,

II. Saturday, May 03, 2008 7:25 PM

Good morning professor Langbert,

How are you? I was wondering if you might be kind enough give the class an extention on the exam? I have 4 other classes and the materials are a lot to cover.

Thank you!

III. Saturday, May 03, 2008 8:57 PM

is there any way of postponing our exam tomorrow ???
wouldnt your rather see 80s and 90s than have to curve the exam ??

please advs
Saturday, May 03, 2008 11:11 AM


IV. Hi Prof. Langbert, this is...and I wanted to know if I can please have an extension on my paper and the exam on May 4. I wanted an extension because i have not finish all my reading.

Saturday, May 03, 2008 12:43 AM

V. Professor,

How are you doing sir?
I got email from the classmates and I found out that some of us are having a hard time preparing for the exam.
I would greatly appreciate if you could post-pone the exam for us.
Thank you very much for your understanding.


Best regards,

VI. I received an email from ... indicating that you may post pone the exam tomorrow. Since I did not see an announcement on blackboard, I was just wanted to confirm that the exam is tomorrow May 4th.

Thank you,

VII. Prof. Langbert -

A few of us were wondering if you would consider postponing the exam.

My response:

The exam is tomorrow at the stated time and place, and it is going to be hard.