You asked:

One of my professors clearly does not like me. Do I have any recourse if he gives me an unfair grade?

The best recourse is to try to get along with professors, but everyone occasionally runs into a teacher whose good side they just can't get on. To cover yourself, keep track of all your assignments and grades. Check every paper, test and homework to make sure each is graded fairly. Hang onto everything until you've gotten your final grade and feel it's fair. It's also best not to give your professor a reason to dock your grade. If you cut class or miss due dates, he or she will dislike you even more and might be justified in giving you a lower grade.

Even if a professor doesn't like you, it’s unusual for one to dole out poor grades a student doesn’t deserve. School officials take that sort of thing seriously, so it probably won’t happen too often. A professor might bump a student down half a letter grade for putting forth little effort, so all you can do is be sure you’re demonstrating your best work. Talking to your professor before the end of the term could benefit you. Asking for assistance is a surefire way to get on the good side of most professors. They often sit in their offices for hours, and when no one comes for help, it feels like a waste of time.

If you do receive a grade that you perceive as unfair, confront your professor about how he came up with that grade and ask what you can to do make improvements. Be inquisitive, do your best to understand the material and double-check to make sure your grades accurately reflect your work.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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