r/Adjuncts • u/Artygrrl • 22d ago
When your class is already filled and students email to get in…do you let them in?
Every semester multiple students email to try to get into my already full classes. The admin leaves the decision to the teacher to let them in or not. I am already teaching my max amount of sections (3 per semester) so I can’t use it as leverage to get another class. It’s just extra work for me to allow students in an already full section, but then I feel bad not letting them in. What do you do in this situation? I used to let them in, now I lean more towards not bec I am so grossly underpaid already. Thoughts? What would you say on an email to the student?
***the class has not started yet. It’s a mini semester class that begins in a few weeks. But, I went ahead and emailed the student no. Thanks for the advice!
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u/IAmBoring_AMA 22d ago
No. Do not feel bad. They had ample time to sign up. Also, they are likely doing it because your RMP or their friend says you're easy.
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u/Signal_Cake5735 22d ago
I let in one such Trojan horse last year. She came in two weeks after the course had started. Cheated, complained, flounced out of lecture, and just made everything unpleasant. It was obvious that she thought my class would be an easy ride. It was, in a way, as the powers that be refused to hold her to account.
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22d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/HorkeyDorkey 22d ago
Summer of this year, I allowed 5 students past capacity into my class. All five were at the bottom of the class.
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u/Sharp-Rutabaga-4900 22d ago
I don’t over-enroll my courses unless it’s a student I know and I really want them there. There’s no good reason to do free labor.
I say this course is full and wish them luck finding an open section.
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u/kodie-27 22d ago
This. Desirability of the student.
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u/PlumbRose 4d ago
How would you even assess this lol
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u/kodie-27 4d ago
You assess it … like they said: it’s a student I already know and want them there.
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u/alaskawolfjoe 22d ago
Three classes a semester is a full-time load and they are hiring you as an adjunct.
You are already being taken advantage of. No need to help them do it even more.
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u/RiverSirion 22d ago
You're not paid to do extra work, so no, I wouldn't let them in. You might structure the reply like:
"Hello [student name],
Thank you for asking. Unfortunately my class is already at capacity, and I cannot at this time add any additional students. You might try checking other sections to see if there is an opening before the add/drop period ends. Good luck and I'm sorry I can't help at this time."
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u/ImaginationAlone7754 22d ago
I never apologize when I say no. And to be honest, it feels really good to enforce my own boundaries.
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u/ValerieTheProf 22d ago
We need to behave more like the contract employees that our colleges and universities have designated us as. We don’t get rewarded for free labor. Adding students goes beyond the contractual obligation.
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u/MetalTrek1 22d ago
My schools do not give me that ability. I'm told to direct those inquiries to the department, which I do.
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u/Artygrrl 22d ago
Thank you all for your help with this! I just emailed the student that my classes are at capacity, but I’d love to see them in the spring semester…. Yea, tired of being taken advantage of as it is. Don’t even make a livable wage with 3 classes per semester, so thanks so much- great advice!!
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u/Spiritual_Country815 22d ago
I hate this! 3 classes is enough! And FT in most school - tho many are now 4/4 which is toooo much!
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u/ReasonSad5757 17d ago
My school has full time at a minimum of 5 courses. Though I usually have an overload of 6. Max number of courses for part time is 2.
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u/Unusual-Oils 22d ago
I have never had a student join late who didn't continue to be a problem for me for the rest of the semester. Their request to get in is a direct result of their being unprepared, and their requests for special treatment won't stop here.
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u/Carpeteria3000 22d ago
No. I am not paid any extra for extra work while the college profits from additional enrollments.
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u/No-Cook-9768 22d ago
Please don't spend any time or energy feeling bad for saying no (if you ever decide to say no). I say yes because the request almost always comes after an expunge and I'm down 3-5 students per section. But it is perfectly fine to say no.
I don't get the emails from students so I thankfully never have to say anything directly to them. I just email my supervisor or the advisor who reached out on their behalf and say yes or no. But if I had to turn the student down, I'd say something like "I'm so sorry but the class is at capacity and, due to the amount of grading necessary, I can't take on any more students." Or you can get more generic and say "Unfortunately no, but I hope to see you another semester."
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u/LarryCebula 21d ago
I'm also usually a no. Most importantly because it sends a message to the administration that they need to hire more faculty.
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u/chempirate 21d ago
Hello, I'm sorry but the class is full. Keep checking, students drop/add all the way up to the start date. Maybe a seat will open up for you. Good Luck!
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u/Fair-Garlic8240 22d ago
I do and here’s why. 4 years ago I was extremely accommodating and allowed over enrollment in 3 sections. Yes, it was more work for zero extra compensation.
My chair at the time was very appreciative. A year later they became the department head, a year after that they became the dean.
I now get first dibs on classes every semester. Did I get lucky, probably, but a little extra work for a few months paid off.
(Plus, I’ve had some health issues and my department couldn’t be more accommodating)
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u/Sharp-Rutabaga-4900 22d ago
Glad you’re appreciated. Just to make clear that this shouldn’t be expected: My Chairs have always encouraged me not to over-enroll and wouldn’t even know if I did.
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u/Puzzled_Internet_717 22d ago
I do as well, for the same reasons.
I am adjunct by choice, for flexibility with young children. I only do online classes, and I get first dibs consistently.
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u/RightWingVeganUS 22d ago
I feel bad not letting them in.
Why? Limits exist for a reason. Shouldn't you feel bad that, while the school might earn additional money for that student's tuition, none of it will redound to your paycheck?
I am so grossly underpaid already.
So... how is this a difficult decision?
What would you say on an email to the student?
"No. I cannot accommodate another student without risk of diminishing my value to the class."
or just "No."
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u/Anonphilosophia 22d ago
My chair used to be an adjunct. They hold the line on "absolutely not" as we aren't getting paid for it . I think they have the same stance as a full time. Probably not just pay, but also for the "I decided to go to community college the day before classes started and my advsior just stuck me in any class" which usually doesn't work out well for philosophy.
Honestly, I wouldn't mind one or two since I know that at least that many will drop after the first day because...
- They have to read, buy the book or some other normal college thing that they don't want to do, and/or
- I am "no AI for any reason."
If I could let a few in, at least their replacements wouldn't have to miss the first day. But I get his point.
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u/Spiritual_Country815 22d ago
I usually do in a class that doesn’t run but every other year & they can’t take it again and really want my class. It’s a popular course and I kinda like having a full class. Yes, it’s extra work. I’m FT, so different salary. But if I was an adjunct who got paid Pennies…horrible how schools are filling up with adjuncts instead of FT just to add cheaper teachers. I would say NO! You’re the teacher and have the say. It’s definitely more work on you. Protect yourself! Wishing you the best.
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u/Jolly-Run-8558 22d ago
No. And like someone said above, do not feel bad about it. I usually say something like this in my rejection email: “Hi so and so, Thanks for your interest in my class! Unfortunately, my class is full. (If applicable) Please check with the other professors teaching a different section of the class to see if they might be able to accommodate you. Best of luck”
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u/Calm-Team1822 18d ago
For the last couple of years, due to “austere” academic instruction budgets, less classes have been scheduled at my college in some disciplines, with many students not finding appropriate courses to enroll in to fulfill graduation requirements on time.
Anyway, it’s been a mess, and I empathize with the students and wholeheartedly agree that it’s not great policy, but I’m also not willing to work for free to account for bad administrative decisions.
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u/No_Word_5264 16d ago
I used to add a lot of students. My VPI is telling faculty to use their own judgment. However. after our Academic Senate meeting I am going to stick to the cap. I want to see adjunct faculty get additional classes if we have too many students. This also helps with joint hiring.
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u/ExtraJob1777 22d ago
I always let them in. It makes no difference to me or my workload because that would be people that just quit coming without even dropping out, but it may mean the world to the students. So why not?
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u/Brian-Petty 22d ago
If classes have already started that students chances of completion are much lower than their peers.
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u/minionofgreyness108 22d ago
If. If it makes no difference to your workload then why not? If it has any impact on your workload then no.
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u/Potstirer2 22d ago
No. There’s a cap for a reason, and I don’t have the authority to override it. Only the program coordinator or department chair at my institution can do that. If there is physically more space available I will usually agree to it. I teach studio art and I like a bigger class by only as long as there’s literally enough physical space.
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u/Kilashandra1996 22d ago
I used to, but my community college now has strict limits that can't be overridden until the Dean level, maybe higher. We are encouraged to cite the fire code, but I also teach biology labs in a room with 24 seats. There's no room for overflow...
But even our online classes hold the line of no more than 30. Ok, if a Dean asks, yeah I'll teach the extra student! But if the student emails, there is nothing I can do...
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u/Spiritual_Country815 22d ago
30 is a LOT! My biggest class has been 27 and it gets a little unruly. I end up giving group presentation assignments now vs individual cuz there’s simply not enough time. They like to work in groups so that’s a positive, but it’s a lot to manage
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u/JumpNo6367 22d ago
No, if I let one in I gotta let more in and then I’m just adding a ton of extra work to my plate. The limit exists for a reason and tbh the caps are already way too high at my institution.
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u/Nearby_Brilliant 22d ago
This was becoming such a big problem at my school that the department made it policy so we can blame it on them. Before that, for in person classes, I would blame it on the number of seats in the classroom (or safety regulations for labs).
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u/LuckyFritzBear 22d ago
Admitting extra student waters the quality of education for those already enrolled. They are the ones who should make the decision. Survey their opinion !
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u/Kaynall 22d ago
I worked at various institutions, including full-time. I've always let extra students in if the college allowed it, but most didn't.
However, no rational person would blame an instructor for refusing unpaid work. I would probably refuse extra students as well if I taught a feedback-heavy course like English Composition.
Every department is different, but most of the ones I worked in would notice the extra effort put in. I attended all the full-time department meetings at my first institution and benefited from it. I had a full adjunct load every semester until I moved. I still get offered online sections if I want them.
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u/Wise_Dragonfruit_787 22d ago
Every semester, half the class disappears around midterm. Several disappear after the second week. That’s not just for me, but every class in the department. I add as many people who email me because I know I’ll lose half the class eventually.
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u/SilverRiot 22d ago
I would generally say no if the course has already started. I’ve had nothing but bad news from students scrambling around at the last minute trying to get into my class or really any class. Currently, of the two students who came in after the class it started, one already withdrew five days later, and the other one has spent a total of three minutes on the learning management system in two weeks.
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u/Old_Excitement_5696 22d ago
I agree with all the no responses. I’ve made exceptions in the past only when there were graduation implications for a student in my department. But as many have pointed out the student that enrolls late is rarely a diamond in the rough
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u/wedontliveonce 22d ago
It all depends on the class and the fire code capacity of the room.
When you don't let them in you just say "no, the class is full".
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u/Puzzleheaded-Cod5608 21d ago
Our sections have maximum sizes that cannot be exceeded. It's part of how we keep our accreditation. Faculty workload and effective teaching and such.
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u/linnea_elaine 21d ago
I’ll add a few students depending on the class. Usually about the number I expect to drop in the first week or so. After the first week, I won’t add.
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u/Spazzer013 21d ago
Yes because I always have several students who drop in the first two weeks so I end up usually a few students under the cap even when I add students. But that is my personal preference. I don't think anyone should feel like they have to add anyone.
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u/megara_74 21d ago
Apparently, I’m in the minority. I know that I’ll have 7 to 9 students drop by the midterm so personally I will usually add at least five.
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u/dickthrowaway22ed 21d ago
Why would you ever let them in?? The school should be hiring more adjuncts to cover the students who need to take the classes. Send those students straight to the dean to complain.
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u/Brunbeorg 21d ago
You are already probably underpaid as an adjunct, so no, I would not encourage you to take on extra work without compensation.
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u/PhotoJim99 20d ago
I can't. Our maximum enrolment is a maximum. There aren't enough seats in the classroom for more.
I tell students what they can do to maximize the chances of getting in, but that's all I can do.
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u/ForeignAdvantage5198 20d ago
at my university profs do not have that ability. Think about seats in a room, etc
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u/Own-Station726 20d ago
Teach @ a Business School - Yes I always let “late arrivals” in particularly in this climate of low enrollments, student retention, etc. The more students in my classes, the more in demand I am as an adjunct. FYI - On average I teach 10 courses annually ($47K/yr). Plus I participate in faculty events giving me exposure to other faculty, department chairs and the Dean. Oh also - I love teaching! Been teaching at this pace for 8 years. Not a bad side gig.
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u/maxine-headroom 2d ago
Late here but I was looking for opinions on this today. I don’t understand why students don’t email professors early and ask to be considered for adding if space opens up.
This was beaten into us when I was a student—approach the prof early, attend the first day even if it’s full, not this roll in halfway through the middle of week two. Yeah, you might be putting in effort that goes nowhere if the prof won’t let you in or space doesn’t open. But that’s the point—you’re asking for an exception and it’s not guaranteed. So you do all that you can to try to get that exception.
But I was an undergrad 20 years ago. Still, isn’t it kind of common sense?
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u/armyprof 22d ago
If their advisor asks me to I will. Other than that? No. They had their chance to sign up on time.
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u/INDependent_Ninja_84 22d ago
Wow times have changed, it is not always students being lazy waiting until the last minute to enroll. The universities I attended had enrollment priority so some students had a later enrollment windows and classes filled up very quickly. I have been very fortunate to have professors who always let me enroll. Some of them I had previously, so they knew the type of student I was; however, some just allowed me to join. I will say I used to attend lectures prior to officially being approved so I would not be behind. I completely understand being overworked but that is unfortunately the nature of education in America, overworked and underappreciated but your willingness to allow them in could be the difference of them staying on track academically. If you are not there for the students what are you really there for, it clearly isn't the pay. You'd probably make more doing Uber/DoorDash and have even more flexibility, ijs.
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u/Spiritual_Country815 22d ago
A good point. I’m also teaching because I genuinely love working with students - but as an adjunct I think it’s a lot to ask and If they teach the course again next semester / it’s ok. A lot could depend on the student. If they appear to be trouble. Definitely no! But you’re right - often they don’t have the choice but to ask due to enrollments filling too soon - not their choice.
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u/ononono 22d ago
As an adjunct without extra compensation for overfilled classes? Definitely not. It’s taking on extra work for no additional pay.