ABSTRACT

Our students deal with pregnancy, crime, drugs, illness, death, victimization, war, and natural disasters. I have had students who did not complete work or attend class for these reasons. If this happens, you need to make decisions about whether the work can be made up. If it cannot, then your role switches to that of advisor. Help the student negotiate with other instructors and the college. Direct the student toward administrative and personal support. You should never advocate for the student with other instructors. It is always better to empower the student to do the talking. Only medical emergencies justify informing another instructor about a student’s situation.