Crohn's and Academic Dilemma

[PatrickC]

I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was in college (back in 1988). It had a profound effect on my academics. I went from a Dean's List/Honor Roll student to being placed on academic probation. Anyway, one day I woke up and was in so much pain, and so depressed, I withdrew from all of my classes and left school.

The grades that I received during this period have come back to haunt me. I went back and completed my degree, but those courses I bombed had a profound impact on my overall GPA. This is now having an impact on my professional career. I am a teacher and can't get proper certifications because my overall GPA is too low.

So my question is: Does anyone know anything about having grades removed from transcripts? Like I said, I did go back and complete my degree but many of the terrible grades I got when I was sick were averaged into my final GPA. If I can have two removed, I'd be fine.

Any help or insight would be appreciated.

 

[sickofcrohns]

Patrick, that sucks.

Have you tried approaching the school that you quit way back when to see whether their current accessibility office may be able to help you? You would probably have to produce medical documentation from the time that you were forced to drop out, but if you have it, they may be able to do something for you.

(It would be in the school's best interest for its alumni to get good jobs and promote the school, etc., so this wouldn't be entirely unreasonable).

 

[lgpcarter]

That's a great idea. Or pursue with the governing body of teachers where you live and see if they will make accommodations. I was also diagnosed in university and had to just get credit for some of my courses instead of a grade, or an interim crappy grade because I had technically completed enough work to get the credit. Thankfully, it has never been an issue for me.

 

[PatrickC]

Thanks to both of you. I am going to go back to my college and see if they would accommodate me in some way. I am very lucky because not only do I have my teacher colleagues at work supporting me but also my principal and district superintendent. I am hoping that my school will understand and, like you said, look at the big picture.

Thanks again!

 

[Jennifer L]

Are the two classes significant to your certification? If you have your medical records for that time period, you might can advocate those two classes not be averaged into the qualification.

 

[PatrickC]

That's a great point. I will make sure I mention that they are NOT.

Thanks again.