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"Without DSS" Case

Please read the following Case Description and possible Case Responses in this case. Select the button next to the best response. Then, click the "Answer" button to see the results. [Suggestion: Learn more about Determining the Appropriateness of a response before you answer.]

Case Description

A student who takes regular advantage of office hours stops to visit her professor about a month into the semester.

Su Lin: Hi Professor. How's it going?

Professor: Oh, not bad for a Monday. How's everything going with you, Su Lin?

Su Lin: Well, I'm having some difficulties keeping on top of the reading load.

Professor: Hmmm. Well, what seems to be the trouble?

Su Lin: I think I told you before that I started college late, because of my cancer…

Professor: Yes. I remember when we spoke about that.

Su Lin: Yeah, well, the hardest thing about my cancer treatments turns out to be the radiation and chemo, which, among other things, has messed up my vision. Sometimes, my vision is actually okay, but lately, it's been causing me a lot of trouble, and I have a hard time keeping up with the reading assignments.

Professor: I see. And there is a lot of reading for this class—I'll be the first one to admit that! The problem seems to come and go because of the treatments. Have you spoken with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office to see if they could help with books on tape or something?

Su Lin: To tell you the truth, I actually am a student assistant at DSS, but honestly, most of the time I don't think of myself as disabled. I am tired of being sick and want to feel independent, I guess. I just don't use the services for myself.

If you were the professor in this situation, what would you say next?

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Case Responses

Select the button next to the best response. Then, click the "Answer" button to see the results.

Response 1.
You know, I like you a lot, and I'm sensitive to your condition, but I can't help someone who's not willing to help themselves. My advice is: wait for the symptoms to pass and then do the reading. You can either do that or give your doctor a call. Perhaps your doctor can suggest some changes in your treatment that would not interfere as much with your reading. Maybe you could compensate by putting in more time when you are feeling better? This situation is temporary for you, so I am sure you can adjust for the semester. Please keep coming to my office hours, I am always willing to discuss the work. That should be helpful too.
Response 2.
Despite the fact that you don't want to use the DSS services for yourself, that's probably your best bet in the long run. Perhaps they can get the textbooks recorded on tape or arrange for someone to read the books to you. You probably know this from working there: DSS is there to help you. You're a good student. I want you to succeed, and I know DSS can help you do that.
Response 3.
Don't bother with DSS if you don't want to. That is a choice you have to make. You've got a final paper due at the end of the term, and you do need to complete that paper. Though I do not have a lot of extra time, I am willing to block some time for you after my open office hours. I also think you would benefit from a study group. I know there were other students wanting to meet. I will give them your name, if you think that would help. As far as the readings go, you are doing the best that you can, so between the study group and meetings with me, hopefully that will help you stay on top of things.