Donate blood for college assignment

[CathrynRose]

And if you donate a KIDNEY you get 100 points!

What an inappropriate "assignment"

Encourage your daughter to go get a tattoo. Can't donate for 2 years after one of those.

 

[PatsMom]

Encourage your daughter to go get a tattoo. Can't donate for 2 years after one of those.

Not true at all. From the Red Cross web site:

Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.

Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

 

[CathrynRose]

Not true at all. From the Red Cross web site:

Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.

Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

Very True - I have attempted to give blood 3 times, all 3 times within 2 years of a tattoo - and they would *not* allow me to do so. The question on the form is "have you gotten a tattoo in the last 2 years" (or something along those lines) Not anything about where, who, etc etc.

So, I've gotten stingy with my blood and keeping it, from now on.

 

[hippiemama76]

So glad I'm not in that class - I'm horrifically phobic about needles. In fact, before I was HippieMama, and was just Regular Ole' Sarah (LOL), I chose to have DD1 all natural because I was more afraid of getting an IV and an epidural than I was of delivering a baby!!

 

[Had2stopLurking]

Please forgive me, I have been watching different areas of this board for ideas on an upcoming Disney trip, but this post has caused me to stop lurking and post.

As a Professor at a well known college, I can say that I think people are only hearing ONE side of this story. There is NO WAY that a syllabus would be approved that would require that type of assignment as you would have to get it approved through an ethics board. Any required assignments would be posted on the syllabus; which the child would read through at the beginning of the semester.

I am assuming (after many years dealing with students) that the child in question had the opportunity to donate blood or do an alternative assignment (perhaps writing a paper) for extra credit. The child most likely did not do the alternative and is now crying wolf to "mommy" and is saying it's "required".

I suggest getting a copy of the syllabus for the class in question and if it states that it is required to donate blood (with no other alternatives; which I do not believe is the case), the take it up with the Dean of the department.

Thank you

 

[Mermaid02]

Please forgive me, I have been watching different areas of this board for ideas on an upcoming Disney trip, but this post has caused me to stop lurking and post.

As a Professor at a well known college, I can say that I think people are only hearing ONE side of this story. There is NO WAY that a syllabus would be approved that would require that type of assignment as you would have to get it approved through an ethics board. Any required assignments would be posted on the syllabus; which the child would read through at the beginning of the semester.

I am assuming (after many years dealing with students) that the child in question had the opportunity to donate blood or do an alternative assignment (perhaps writing a paper) for extra credit. The child most likely did not do the alternative and is now crying wolf to "mommy" and is saying it's "required".

I suggest getting a copy of the syllabus for the class in question and if it states that it is required to donate blood (with no other alternatives; which I do not believe is the case), the take it up with the Dean of the department.

Thank you

Actually, the student wants to give... the Mom is just concerned.

I think it's inappropriate for the professor to ask students to donate body "parts" for credit. Period.

 

[*BTMRR*]

I don't think it's an okay assignment at all (I agree with Had2StopLurking that there's probably another side to the story, though).

I don't think it would be wrong for the reason the OP seems to be giving (that giving blood is dangerous). Even if a person gets woozy or passes out--which normally doesn't happen, especially if they follow the instructions--that's not a medically harmful thing at all, and they'll be fine within just a few minutes.

I think it's wrong to require this as an assignment because it has to do with one's own body and that's too personal.

But I don't think the OP should be discouraging her DD from giving blood based on the OP's worries that giving blood might be dangerous.

 

[Had2stopLurking]

I teach at a state-run university (Big 10), and there is NO WAY this would fly there. If it is a public university and she has spoken to her instructor and she was not allowed to do an alternative assignment, she needs to go up the ladder.

At my university, you are not even allowed to give extra credit for this type of activity.

Thank YOU! I cannot even fathom a college requiring this type of thing for a grade or extra credit. You must have been typing your response as I was registering to dispute the "facts" stated in the original post, haha. I can see it as an alternative IF THE STUDENT WANTS TO , but, a requirement? NO WAY. Can you imagine what the HSRC would do when that was put in front of them to approve? It would NEVER fly.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

DS's Calculus teacher offered extra credit for donating blood. DS donated twice. He had a really hard teacher and was glad for the extra credit.

That sucks for kids that can't donate though. My college dd tried to donate and they turned her away. She was not a happy camper btw.

It stinks as a grade, option, or extra credit if you are unable to give blood. Hopefully the options are just as "easy" as being able to donate.

 

[Had2stopLurking]

Actually, the student wants to give... the Mom is just concerned.

I think it's inappropriate for the professor to ask students to donate body "parts" for credit. Period.

I agree to an extent, but I am also quite sure that there were at least 3 alternative extra credit opportunities that the students were given. I think the child in question didn't do the other alternatives and now "needs" the extra credit and is crying wolf. I've seen it too many times. There is NO requirement in a student's syllabus stating they need to donate body parts. It would never fly with an ethics board. Can you offer it as an alternative for something? Sure. But you cannot REQUIRE it.

If they choose to do it on their own accord, then they have that opportunity; but the original poster made it sound like she would lose 20 points for NOT doing it. I can guarantee you that is NOT the case.

 

[Mermaid02]

I agree to an extent, but I am also quite sure that there were at least 3 alternative extra credit opportunities that the students were given. I think the child in question didn't do the other alternatives and now "needs" the extra credit and is crying wolf. I've seen it too many times. There is NO requirement in a student's syllabus stating they need to donate body parts. It would never fly with an ethics board. Can you offer it as an alternative for something? Sure. But you cannot REQUIRE it.

If they choose to do it on their own accord, then they have that opportunity; but the original poster made it sound like she would lose 20 points for NOT doing it. I can guarantee you that is NOT the case.

So Suzy can go donate a pint of blood and get the extra credit... but since Lucy lived in Europe (and obviously has mad cow disease ) She has to write a paper? What a load........

 

[daughtersrus]

OP Here!

I'm sorry that I didn't have time to come back and clarify sooner.

My DD attends a community college (not sure if that makes a difference or not). The class that she's taking is taught by several different professors. Her teacher is the only one that has this assignment. This was not listed in the description of the course catalog either in print or online.

This is assignment is not for extra credit but is a regular assignment. As many suspected, there are alternate choices beside donating blood. The other two choices are to work the desk for the Red Cross for 2 hours or to volunteer in another capacity within the Environmental Science Dept for 2 hours. (I'm really not sure what that would be). Because of DD's work schedule, giving blood is the best option for her. I'm not sure what will happen if she is turned away for some reason.

Some have suggested that I think that giving blood in general is dangerous and that is not the case. As a matter of fact, I've given blood myself several times. However, I am concerned for DD since she did pass out when she gave. I completely agree that it is her decision but as her mom, I will be concerned until she come home safely. Unfortunately, it's not possible for her to ride with a friend or for me to take off work for the day.

I just don't think that a regular assignment should be tied to donating blood or volunteering your time.

 

[shortbun]

OP Here!

I'm sorry that I didn't have time to come back and clarify sooner.

My DD attends a community college (not sure if that makes a difference or not). The class that she's taking is taught by several different professors. Her teacher is the only one that has this assignment. This was not listed in the description of the course catalog either in print or online.

This is assignment is not for extra credit but is a regular assignment. As many suspected, there are alternate choices beside donating blood. The other two choices are to work the desk for the Red Cross for 2 hours or to volunteer in another capacity within the Environmental Science Dept for 2 hours. (I'm really not sure what that would be). Because of DD's work schedule, giving blood is the best option for her. I'm not sure what will happen if she is turned away for some reason.

Some have suggested that I think that giving blood in general is dangerous and that is not the case. As a matter of fact, I've given blood myself several times. However, I am concerned for DD since she did pass out when she gave. I completely agree that it is her decision but as her mom, I will be concerned until she come home safely. Unfortunately, it's not possible for her to ride with a friend or for me to take off work for the day.

I just don't think that a regular assignment should be tied to donating blood or volunteering your time.

Around here, middle schools and high schools have a required number of hours of community service for graduation. Scholarships to private schools are tied to large number of hours for community service. Volunteering is required in many classes. this is not new. This girl is not required to give blood. Everyone needs to take a slow, deep breath then exhale. lol!

the outrage expressed here with little or incomplete information was pretty funny.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OP Here!

I'm sorry that I didn't have time to come back and clarify sooner.

My DD attends a community college (not sure if that makes a difference or not). The class that she's taking is taught by several different professors. Her teacher is the only one that has this assignment. This was not listed in the description of the course catalog either in print or online.

This is assignment is not for extra credit but is a regular assignment. As many suspected, there are alternate choices beside donating blood. The other two choices are to work the desk for the Red Cross for 2 hours or to volunteer in another capacity within the Environmental Science Dept for 2 hours. (I'm really not sure what that would be). Because of DD's work schedule, giving blood is the best option for her. I'm not sure what will happen if she is turned away for some reason.

Some have suggested that I think that giving blood in general is dangerous and that is not the case. As a matter of fact, I've given blood myself several times. However, I am concerned for DD since she did pass out when she gave. I completely agree that it is her decision but as her mom, I will be concerned until she come home safely. Unfortunately, it's not possible for her to ride with a friend or for me to take off work for the day.

I just don't think that a regular assignment should be tied to donating blood or volunteering your time.

Well, tell her not to wait last minute. My dd was shocked when she was turned away.

 

[Mermaid02]

Around here, middle schools and high schools have a required number of hours of community service for graduation. Scholarships to private schools are tied to large number of hours for community service. Volunteering is required in many classes. this is not new. This girl is not required to give blood. Everyone needs to take a slow, deep breath then exhale. lol!

the outrage expressed here with little or incomplete information was pretty funny.

No, she is not required... she can do something else. HOWEVER I don't think it's ethical to offer school credit for donation of a body part.... it's actually pretty disgusting. As others have said it's blood "donation" by bribery.

 

[imabrat]

I just don't think that a regular assignment should be tied to donating blood or volunteering your time.

When you take a health class, it may be required. My "major" is in health, and as part of the learning experience I was required to join HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).

 

[Had2stopLurking]

So Suzy can go donate a pint of blood and get the extra credit... but since Lucy lived in Europe (and obviously has mad cow disease ) She has to write a paper? What a load........

Really? Are you kidding me? If you ever did ANY type of prep for a syllabus, you would know that the alternative extra credit must equal the time that the others are giving by donating.

I hardly think having a student "write a paper" (one page) summarizing a journal article that they found on a subject pertaining to the course on many of the websites available to them (not wiki) is "punishment".

Any DECENT student could do it in less time than it would take to donate blood. Quit trying to bring up "body parts". It's not like the kid has to donate a kidney to pass the class. She just has to do another option and is upset because she doesn't want to. Mommy should NOT be involved.

 

[daughtersrus]

When you take a health class, it may be required. My "major" is in health, and as part of the learning experience I was required to join HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).

This is a class that DD is taking to get her AA. Her major is Special Education.

For those interested, this is the description of the class from the college website.
BIO 103 - Health (3 credits)

A basic course in health science for the non-science major. BIO 103 is an introductory look at human health topics with emphasis on current and future health concerns. Major subjects covered in this course include exercise, physical fitness, nutrition and weight management. Tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse are also covered. Infectious diseases, STD's including HIV are also presented. Chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease are included as well. Introductory immunology and the physiology of aging are also presented.

 

[toddlers_mom]

DS's Calculus teacher offered extra credit for donating blood. DS donated twice. He had a really hard teacher and was glad for the extra credit.

I think even for extra credit its inappropriate. It's still not fair to those who for some reason or another cannot donate. Extra credit should be equal opportunity.

 

[Had2stopLurking]

I think even for extra credit its inappropriate. It's still not fair to those who for some reason or another cannot donate. Extra credit should be equal opportunity.

it IS. The only way it's not is when the student doesn't do the other opportunities and waits until the last minute and that is their only option. (at least at University standards).