Society for Case Research [Deserve an ‘A’: A professor's dilemma Larry Carstenson, University of Nebraska—Kearney Noel F. Palmer, University of Nebraska—Kearney Srivatsa Seshadri, University of Nebraska--Kearney This case was prepared by the authors and is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion. The views represented here are those of the authors based on their professional judgment and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society for Case Research. The names of individuals and the institutions are disguised to preserve anonymity. Copyright © 2016 by the Society for Case Research and the authors. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any form or by any ‘means without the written permission of the Society for Case Research Introduction “No good deed goes unpunished,” thought Dr. Bethany Locasta as she walked to the Dean's office on the other side of the campus. The miserable March morning, with the landscape ‘obscured by heavy, blowing snow further dampened her spirits. She had been summoned to discuss the grade she had given to one of her students, ‘The Beginnings ~ Last Year It was March 10" of the previous spring semester. As Dr. Bethany Locasta, Professor of Culture Studies, was grading mid-terms, she heard the soft ping from her computer that indicated a new email. More out of reflex than a real desire to take a break from grading papers, she clicked on the email and was almost instantly riveted by the words “congratulations,” “selected,” “South Aftica,” “Leader”. She then read the email slowly and thoroughly several times to make sure she ‘was construing the contents of the email correctly. The email from the Intemational Studies office informed her that she had been selected as the Group Leader for the South Africa Study Abroad program to Pretoria the next semester. She slumped back in her chair in disbelief at firs; but, then, as it began to sink in, she sat up, pumped her fist and let out a loud “YES!" The following week Dr. Locasta began working with the Mount Shasta University (MSU) Study Abroad Coordinator to select three adjunct faculty members of the University of South Africa (UNISA) who would join her in teaching the courses to 25 MSU students traveling to South Africa, Although they were all tenured faculty at UNISA, these adjuncts would be separately employed and paid by MSU for their work in MSU’s Study Abroad program in South Africa. None of these adjuncts would be controlled by nor would they have any connection with UNISA for the purpose of teaching or grading their respective courses for this MSU program. Each MSUstudent going on this trip was required to take a course load of 12 college credit hours consisting of the following courses: ‘+ HIST 386 — History of Apartheid, taught by an adjunct professor © LIT 290— Literature of South Africa, taught by an adjunet professor * LNG 118 —Study of Afrikaans, taught by an adjunct professor © INT490— An intemational exp. ntial learning, taught by Dr. Locasta The entire group left from Chicago O* Hare airport on July 20 and arrived in Johannesburg 26 hours later. They went by bus from Johannesburg to Pretoria, and settled into cottages that would be their home for the next four months. They would return to the U.S. November 21. ‘The Resort Complex The students, Dr. Locasta, and her husband, Gabe, were accommodated in a resort complex at the southern edge of Pretoria. The resort was owned by three siblings who were experienced in handling groups such as study abroad programs. They helped Dr. Locasta organize the classes and plan the study trips throughout South Africa, The C: ‘Twelve weeks had passed since the group had arrived in Pretoria, and they had completed four of the five field trips. The next field trip was a 3-day trip to Johannesburg starting November | and Brock, one of the 25 students in the Study Abroad group, was looking forward to experiencing this city. He had begun his research into this interesting place and was anxious to see it for himself, Brock was excitedly anticipating this final trip. He also was completing his report relating to the field trip of the previous week. At about 2 a.m. Brock received a telephone call. It was his mother. From the sound of her voice Brock knew that something was horribly wrong. His mother then informed him that his father had just attempted suicide and was in the hospital in intensive care. Brock’s mother added, with a quivering voice, that his father was not expected to survive. Brock was stunned. “What did he do? I mean, how did he try to kill himself? he asked her. “He took that old WWI revolver of your grandpa’s and shot himself in the chest. I didn’t even know he had bullets for that gun, or that it would even work anymore.” Jeanne sobbed. In his shock Brock struggled to absorb what she was telling him. She continued, “Son, if there’s any ‘way you can come home, I really, really need you. I realize you're not done with your classes but Ireaily need for you to come home if you can.” “Don’t worry at all about that, Mom. Ihave a solid A at this time in all four classes. That's what I'll end up with, I'm sure. I'll come home right away.” Brock assured her. ‘The StudentBrock Stanhope was a junior with 42 hours remaining to complete his degree in engineering at MSU. He had a “full ride” scholarship and had maintained a 3.8 GPA to keep that scholarship. In high school, he had lettered in football and golf, two sports that he enjoyed sharing with his father. ‘A minor in international studies led Brock to consider studying abroad, His application to patticipate in MSU’s Study Abroad program at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in the city of Pretoria had been approved, and he was looking forward to this experience. He was gratified to lear that his good friend and fraternity brother, Luke, was also joining this program. After personally visiting destinations and sites that he had only read about in books or saw in videos, Brock saw for himself the value of experiencing “the real thing.” He was further encouraged by the high grades he had receiving for his research papers thus far: he had no doubt that he would maintain his 3.8 GPA while on this tour. Still, he was unhappy with the amount of ‘work the students were required to do and voiced his irritation to Luke. “This is so much work! I expected to sign up for this experience, come to South Africa, and get A’s for these courses. ‘Why do we have to do so much studying?” Luke laughed at him, “Brock, this is not an Experience Abroad. It is called Study Abroad for a reason, dude!” Brock grudgingly agreed but still would rather enjoy the adventure and receive an “A” for all the trouble and expense he was going through for “living this experience.” He thought he would have to have a discussion with Dr. Locasta about that. Brock’s Decision After his conversation with his mother about his father Brock informed his best friend, Luke, of his plans and asked him to help pack. Brock scheduled the flight and hired a local taxi to drive him to the airport. Luke asked Brock if he had informed Dr. Locasta, “I guess I should,” said Brock, “but I won't have time to visit with the other professors. I sure don’t have time to worry about that now,” said Brock. “I gotta get home and support my mom.” Shortly thereafter, Brock rushed over to Dr. Locasta’s cottage and knocked on the door. After briefly explaining the situation Brock exclaimed: “L can’t stay here anymore, Professor. I need to go home right now!” Brock then left his apartment in Pretoria and caught the first flight home to the US, The classes continued without him. Dr. Locasta’s Prec -ament As the semester concluded in November (about three weeks after Brock’s departure), Dr. Locasta began compiling the grades for all 25 students in her International Experience class ‘when she was confronted with what to do about Brock. Brock had a 93 percent average for the portion of her course that he had completed. Brock did not participate in the final, very important {rip to Johannesburg so, obviously, he could not prepare the report on that experience. Because of his early departure from the program, Brock not only missed the final trip; he also failed to complete several blogs and other assignments. Giving a zero for each assignment missed and not completed by Brock after he left South Africa would now result in a grade of D in the course for Brock. Dr. Locasta felt that it wasn’t right to give Brock such a low grade. “What if T just let him have the “A” he had achieved when he left the course?” thought Dr. Locasta to herself. “After all, his father was dying and his mother needed him. 1 can’t blame him for going home”.“However, even if I give him an A, what will the other faculty members do? His overall GPA depends on what grade the other three faculty give him.” ‘The Persuasion After giving the matter considerable thought, Dr. Locasta concluded that in her position as Group Leader, she owed to Brock the responsibility to visit with the other adjunct professors about their final grades for Brock. Afterall, if she did nothing and Brock were to fail the other courses he was taking in South Africa, Dr. Locasta might be questioned by her superiors about why she did not inquire about the other grades. Dr. Locasta decided to first visit with Professor Emory, the adjunct instructor of LNG 118: Study of Afrikaans, who had become a close friend of Dr. Locasta during her time in Pretoria, and would be very helpfal in sorting out what to do in this situation. “Brock was a good student while he was here,” Professor Emory recalled, “but he was nowhere near completing the requirements of my course. I will probably award him a C in the course.” “That would be devastating to him,” said Dr. Locasta. “He has a high A average at MSU and a C in your course would kill his average and maybe jeopardize his scholarship. [ was thinking of giving him an A.” “There is no way I would go along with a grade that high. I'll tell you what,” said Professor Emory, “Iet’s compromise. Let’s both just give him a B and be done with it. That’s probably ower than he expects but it’s higher than he deserves, that’s for sure,” remarked the adjunct, professor, “This wouldn't happen at UNISA — he'd flunk the course.” Dr. Locasta agreed with the B. “Can I tell the other two faculty members what you and I are doing — awarding B’s— and see if they will go along with that?” “Sure,” said Professor Emory, “that's fine with me.” ‘The Consensus Satisfied that she was fulfilling her duty as Group Leader, Dr. Locasta then visited with the professors of both the literature course and the history course. The history professor said “I don’t really even remember him. I just know by looking in my grade book that he was struggling in my course. He had a major assignment which he didn’t hand in, and that was a significant part of his, grade. Why, he never even contacted me about leaving school, nor did he ever ask me what ‘would be necessary to make up what he was going to miss. Ifany of my students at UNISA did that — left school with a major assignment due ~ 1 would, without hesitation, fail them. But, since you visited with me about this unique situation, I'll go along with the group and will probably award him a B in the course. By the way, how is his father? Did he die?” “Idon't know,” said Dr. Locasta. “I have never heard from Brock since he left school.” After visiting with Dr. Locasta the literature professor expressed similar feelings and decided to award Brock a B in his course also which would give Brock a solid B average in all courses for the semester.Informing the Student Dr. Locasta thanked all the adjunct professors for “being team players.” Upon arriving back at MSU, she visited with the Study Abroad Coordinator about awarding the grades to Brock. At their request the Study Abroad Coordinator entered grades of B for all the courses taught by the adjunct professors. As a member of the MSU faculty, Dr. Locasta entered her own grades for INT 490 for the students who participated in the South Africa experience. After discussing and deciding with the Study Abroad Coordinator to proceed with the awarding of the grades of B for Brock in each of the South Africa courses, Dr. Locasta sent an email to Brock on November 26: Brock, you will be pleased to learn that you will receive a grade of B in all four of your South Africa courses, even though you did not complete all of the requirements in these courses. We were able to convince your South Africa professors to each award you that grade. With your difficult situation, I am pleased that we could be of some assistance 10 you in helping you maintain your scholarship in light of your difficult situation, Could you please let me know how you and your family are doing? Brock, if you ever want to come into my office and talk with me about your father, or about anything, just contact me. I will be happy to visit with you. I enjoyed becoming your friend during our South Africa experience, and | am very empathetic about your ‘situation with your father. Bethany Locasta, Ph.D. Professor of Culture Studies Mount Shasta University Brock never responded to the email from Dr. Locasta. Summons From the Dean Two days after sending the email, Dr. Locasta received a phone call from Dr. Gordon, the Dean of Student Affairs at MSU. “Beth, I just received a very disturbing phone call from a former student of yours in South Africa, Do you remember “Brock”? Beth’s heart did a flip. “Yes, I remember him well. He had to leave South Africa early because his father attempted suicide.” “Well, you certainly got his attention when you awarded him a B in your International Experience course. I don’t think that is quite what this young man expected, Beth. He said in his phone call to me that receiving B’s in all of the study abroad courses was just unfair because he had ‘A’ averages in all of those courses when he left South Africa, He thinks he deserves an “A” in all the four courses. I think that maybe we need to make some adjustments. You should also know that the young man also contacted Vice President Hanratty, and I’ve already had a phone call from the VP. In other words, this young man has stirred up a hornet’s nest. We need to do. something, Beth!”“L awarded Brock the fairest grade that, under the circumstances, he could ever expect to receive. I can’t do any more,” stated Beth emphatically. “Well, then, Beth, we need to meet in person. Say, in my office tomorrow morning, at 8:30 sharp,” ordered Dean Gordon. “I'll probably have some other folks sit in the meeting, 100." Dr. Locasta walked to the meeting with Dean Gordon, breathing in the cold March air, hoping that cold air would calm her nerves. As she entered Dean Gordon's office, her spirits further fell when she saw three other senior administrators seated there. “An inquisition?” she asked herself.