Frustrated by lack of quality in college education...

For the most part I believe that education is all about getting back what you put into it. However, I've been completely disappointed by the lack of concern/care from the professors and the low expectations.

I only take two of my seven classes in traditional face to face classrooms, one of which I drive over an hour one way for twice a week. No big deal, it's about $10 in gas and $40 in missed wages each time. I'm very fortunate that I'm even able to do this in these economic times, don't get me wrong. What is a big deal, is that for the first two months of class, this professor didn't even lecture. She assigned homework and reading material and that was it. The end of class. An hour drive for what I could've gotten off the internet.

My other face to face class is taught by a retired dietician and it's a nutrition class, so I was truly expecting good things. Unfortunately, the professor spends the entire 3 hour class reminiscing about how nutrition used to be viewed in the 50's-90's. Great, so can we cover something relevant now?

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I'm feeling let down by this college (one of only a handful in the state and the closest one even at an hour away) and by the professors attitudes and the attitudes of the administration as well (a lady in the financial aid office told me she wasn't sure I could handle 21 hours, another administrator stated that I couldn't get good grades if I wasn't a full-time student. Just frustrated I guess...Anyone else have similar experiences?

Do your professors know your driving situation?  If you let them know, they may be able to tell you ahead of time when class is going to be short and just email you the materials.

Professors are hit or miss.  It's part of college.

No similar experiences.  That blows though.  I had professors I didn't particularly care for (one put me to sleep often) but nothing like you describe.

I agree with mich. Talk to your professors after class and ask if they can notify you before class if it is going to be short, and to email you the assignments. If you explain your situation, they may choose to help you.

I have had professors like this. Granted, I didn't have to make a far drive like you did, I'd just go back to my dorm and sleep.

I've had numerous professors who tell you to print out the powerpoint notes before class. Then, when you get to the class, they read the powerpoint. Word for word. With nothing to add. But that's just it, some professors are too into their studies to actually teach the class that pays most of their salary.

I understand your disappointment!  I'm so sorry for your experience.  I am finishing up my 7th year of college and I have attended 4 different colleges in that time, so I have some experience with crappy professors.  I also worked throughout college and am now commuting an hour and fifteen minutes to my graduate courses this semester.

A lot of it has to do with the institution, but it really is hit or miss like chu said.  You should def let the professors know your situation.  I would also hit up the nutrition teacher during her office hours and voice your concerns.  Maybe you're starting on current nutrition next week.  Or maybe the course was designed to be the history of nutrition for dietitian students so they know how different aged patients think about nutrition.  Having open lines of communications with your professors always helps.

As far as people telling you what you can and cannot handle: that is up to you.  I would take their suggestions graciously, but then do what is right for you.  Just be weary of getting burnt out and letting your grades fall to the wayside.  It has happened to me before because of trying to be superwoman and having too much on my plate.  Good Luck and I hope your college experience starts getting better!

If it's really that big of a problem go to your department chair. Talk to other students in the class to see if they're having the same feelings as you are. If they are and everyone talks to the department chair perhaps something can be done. 

i feel your pain!

I'm still in high school, but i'm taking an academy class at a different school that i have to drive to (only half an hour away, but still) and its meant to be an aerospace technology class.

all we've done is talk about the history of flight.

i had hoped to learn about how aircrafts work.

IT KILLS ME!

What's sad is, the class is fairly small, only about 20 students. And I'm not the only one that drives. There are two other ladies who make the same drive twice a week. About emailing her for assignments, the one time I missed class because the interstate was closed, I emailed her for what was covered in class. She responded with one line: Chapter 7. OK, yeah, it says that on the syllabus? The best part is, this woman is teaching a business communication class.

I totally understand that usually when people are wary of you taking too many classes, they're just looking out for your best interests. I'd just never had so many people be so discouraging about it, and they all work for the school.

I've had professors I just absolutely hated before. I know I'll probably run into more. I think I'm just fed up with what I feel is their unwillingness to do what I'm paying them to do (probably a little sensitive about the $$$, paying completely out of pocket). I hope at least before I graduate I'll find someone at this college who gives a crap.

Original Post by alibsam:

If it's really that big of a problem go to your department chair. Talk to other students in the class to see if they're having the same feelings as you are. If they are and everyone talks to the department chair perhaps something can be done. 

 This is my first semester here, so I'm really trying to give it a chance. I've absolutely considered talking to the dean of the college of business. About the other students...They're really young and in their first or second year. Some really care about it, most of them would prefer to get out as early as possible even if we cover absolutely no material.