Missing College for Disney World?

[DisneyGirl201017]

I know it isn't the best thing to do, but I will be missing six days of college in the fall to take a trip to Disney. Has anyone ever done this? Was it hard to make up the work? What did you tell you professors?
I'm really looking for answers, the trip has been paid for already and there is really no backing out now. I didn't really consider all of the work I'd be missing when I planned the trip.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Kilayi]

I missed a week once to go to Texas for vacation a cuple of years ago. I hadn't really missed any other classes yet, so it was ok. It was kind of hard to catch up, since I'm an art major, and all of our work takes days and days to finish, and you can't get time back. But if your work is just readings or things like that, read on in the plane/in the car/before bed. It won't be so bad if you're trying to get stuff done like that

I don't think that the professors care what your excuses are when you miss class unless it's like you're dreadfully ill, or there's been a death, or at least mine didn't. All of my professors treated it in the way that we're young adults, and we're paying for class whether we're there or not. If we decide that whatever we're skipping class for is more important, then that is our decision, and we can deal with the consequences.

Does that make sense?

 

[kamik86]

Be careful with this. If you have a test during that time they may not let you make it up. Some classes in my college had attendance policies that missing more then 1 class during the 10 week quarter would really hurt your grade (and missing 6 days you must be missing 2 to 3 sessions for some classes).

I had a test in an ONLINE class last quarter during my disney trip and I had to fight for them to allow me to have it proctored in Orlando instead of where I normally am. So you should really look into the schools policies and see what they are. Also if you have your classes picked already see if you know anyone that have taken classes with those professors before so you can get an idea of their policies on attendance.

What are you majoring in? Any classes with labs are also highly likely to not allow you to miss that much time. I know my computer science labs we only missed like 10% for not showing up to the lab if we turned in the work on time (could be done by remote connection), but for a digital systems class the work was required to be seen by the lab instructor so if you weren't there it was a 0.

 

[slp1650]

While I haven't taken almost a week off from school for Disney I have for swim meets. I have also taken a few days off for Disney, but usually only 2 or 3 at the most.

Your work load is going to be coming from where you get your notes from. Online? Friends? etc... You need to figure that out first.

Are you in classes that take attendance or in lectures where it doesn't matter so much. If your professor cares about attendance, I would tell your professors now that you'll be on the trip so you can be prepared and so they understand. Some professors are not going to like it and you could get in trouble, while others won't care as long as you show up for the tests. By telling the ones who could care now you might be able to work around any class requirements the week you're gone. Also, the truth of the matter is you could get attendance or participation points taken away from you if those things matter (usually in sections or smaller classes). Again, if you talk to them now, they might be will to help you out though.

When I took trips during school, I studied in cars, airplanes, in hotels, etc... I spent 2 days of school at Disney World (for the Princess Half Marathon) and actually missed closer to 3 days due to traveling and what not. In the airport, hotel room, and lobby I was on my computer studying and taking notes. Most of my studying at the park was when I was waiting for my friends to get there or when I was waiting for the Magical Express to take me to the airport. I still had a lot of fun though as well.

In short, talk to any professors that might have an issue with you being gone. They might not care or they might make your life a bit difficult, but it's better to come clean about it. Finally, study and do work while there, but don't forget to have a magical time!

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

Kilayi- That makes perfect sense to me, thank you so much!

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

kamik86- I'm starting with just my 101 classes in the fall, so I'm hoping I won't be missing any labs for it. I'm probably going to get a general studies degree and then go into baking school, so I really should be okay. Thank you for the time!

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

slp1650-I plan on telling them as soon as I know my teachers and just being clean about it. So hopefully being honest they'll be easy on me. But I'll do whatever I can to get my work from them and friends and hope for the best. I've always wanted to do the Princess Half Marathon! That's so awesome that you were able to. Thanks for the comment!

 

[kamik86]

kamik86- I'm starting with just my 101 classes in the fall, so I'm hoping I won't be missing any labs for it. I'm probably going to get a general studies degree and then go into baking school, so I really should be okay. Thank you for the time!

Just be sure to check your syllabus when you start each class. You would think the 101 classes would be the easiest but that is when my college still wanted to hold everyone's hand because they didn't like the retention rates at the school so they had strict attendance policies in some of the classes to force some people to bother to show up. This of course makes things inflexible for those that are willing to do the work. Once we got to the harder classes they stopped having stupid attendance rules and it only hurt your grade on attendance if it was an inconvenience to others that you weren't there (for example physics labs since the instructor would have to come let you in the lab and make sure you didn't break anything for you to make it up) Also most teachers tell you when the tests are on the syllabus so that if there is a problem you can tell them early. Many professors will let you take a test early but will NOT let you take one late. That may mean your taking the test before they covered everything on it in class.

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

kamik86-oh well thats lovely,lol
Hopefully I can just talk to them before and check the syllabus. Thanks so much

 

[slp1650]

slp1650-I plan on telling them as soon as I know my teachers and just being clean about it. So hopefully being honest they'll be easy on me. But I'll do whatever I can to get my work from them and friends and hope for the best. I've always wanted to do the Princess Half Marathon! That's so awesome that you were able to. Thanks for the comment!

The Princess is a lot of fun and I am planning on doing it next year. However, next year my issue will be getting off of work and not school.

I hope your professors do go easy on you. Some professors can be mean either way. I had school-approved excuses because I was out for swimming and still some of the professors could be a pain. Hopefully that doesn't happen to you!

When is your trip planned?

 

[monarchs21]

Just be sure to check your syllabus when you start each class. You would think the 101 classes would be the easiest but that is when my college still wanted to hold everyone's hand because they didn't like the retention rates at the school so they had strict attendance policies in some of the classes to force some people to bother to show up. This of course makes things inflexible for those that are willing to do the work. Once we got to the harder classes they stopped having stupid attendance rules and it only hurt your grade on attendance if it was an inconvenience to others that you weren't there (for example physics labs since the instructor would have to come let you in the lab and make sure you didn't break anything for you to make it up) Also most teachers tell you when the tests are on the syllabus so that if there is a problem you can tell them early. Many professors will let you take a test early but will NOT let you take one late. That may mean your taking the test before they covered everything on it in class.

same with me. My 101 classes were the strictest on attendance policies. You could always take a chance and tell your teacher you're going to Disney. He could turn out to be a huge Disney fan! haha you never know

 

[collegejunkie]

i guess i'm going to be the debbie downer and say that it's irresponsible to take a trip during college. you already have breaks during off times, like january, when it's not nearly as crowded as it normally is to go. colleges don't have to let you make up any work, and as someone said, there are usually attendance policies and most professors aren't going to be too keen on you missing days for a trip to disney world. this is college, not high school. i think you need to grow up and get your priorities straight. even if the trip is paid for, i believe you can move it without penalty.

there is absolutely no way that would fly at my school. i had to ask for a make up final this week because i needed to attend a funeral, and they were reluctant about letting that go (school policy).

 

[slp1650]

i guess i'm going to be the debbie downer and say that it's irresponsible to take a trip during college. you already have breaks during off times, like january, when it's not nearly as crowded as it normally is to go. colleges don't have to let you make up any work, and as someone said, there are usually attendance policies and most professors aren't going to be too keen on you missing days for a trip to disney world. this is college, not high school. i think you need to grow up and get your priorities straight. even if the trip is paid for, i believe you can move it without penalty.

there is absolutely no way that would fly at my school. i had to ask for a make up final this week because i needed to attend a funeral, and they were reluctant about letting that go (school policy).

I think that also depends on the school, the class, and the professors and TA. While yes priorities should be school THEN a trip, **** happens. Like I've said before. I went to Disney World and spent 3 days off of school for a trip. I was also planning a trip that would have lasted a week this quarter. Luckily, I'm only in 2 classes for my minor and I told my teacher last quarter. She was ok with it as long as I kept reminding her. Now, if I had tried to take this class when I had sections, it would have depended on the TA, and I probably would NOT have taken the trip.

Here's what I think (and it's not going to be what you want to hear)- Try and move the trip. Talk to Disney and/or your traveling companions. College is hard enough as is. All of the studying and homework and reading can be tough, and let's not add in any outside commitments to work and/or sports. It will make your life easier in the long run, trust me. You would also have to be worrying about your missing work and studying at DWorld and that would extract some of the fun of the trip. Go when you can relax and not have to be worried about school getting in the way.

 

[julayla]

It depends, really. In my case, I had a week-long Disney trip planned long before I even thought of attending a community college. I didn't want to cancel the trip, but at the same time I didn't want to put off pursuing an education any longer.

It turned out not to be a problem for me. Since I never missed any of my classes, got high marks for class participation, and always turned in good work on time, the instructors were lenient and allowed me to make up the work. It probably helped that one of them is a Disney freak himself.

However, whether it works out for you will probably depend on a combination of the school, the disposition of the instructor/professor-types, and your reputation as a student. Although it worked out for me last year, I would NOT have wanted to take my chances last semester, since that time I had a "no excuses" instructor. He made it clear from the beginning that if you didn't show up for a class, regardless of the reason, it WOULD count against your grade... unless you could provide a doctor's note or something.

EDIT: I wanted to add that I didn't tell my instructors about the trip from the get-go. My feeling is that if you mention a planned absence before they've gotten to know you and your work, they're not going to be impressed. It just seems like a bad way to make a first impression (first day of class and you're already telling me you plan on skipping classes?). I still gave plenty of notice, but at the same time I waited so they had a chance to see what kind of student I was before I brought it up.

If you decide to go through with this, you may also want to remind your professors a few times before you leave. One of my instructors, who's very nice but a little scattered, completely forgot about my trip and was convinced that something terrible had happened to me. He caused a bit of a stir trying to find out where I was.

 

[disfan07]

All of my classes have been that if you miss any assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. You CANNOT make them up unless you have a very very good reason. Meaning you either better have a doctors note or something just as good to be able to make it up.

For 101 classes, professors at my shcool are usually the most strict with attendance/make ups, etc because the classes usually have between 300-400 students. They just don't have time or the patience to deal with it.

Unless you are registered with disabilities services and it is known ahead of time, many professors are very reluctant to give make-ups, etc. at my school. I understand why though. They tell us at the beginning of every quarter that they do not take attendance but it is your responsibilty to come to class.

If you tell the professors at the beginning of the semester, don't be surprised if they say have fun but you can't make up anything you miss. That's what my professors would say. Anything you miss would get you a 0 on the assignment, test, etc.

I personally don't think it's a good idea. I have only ever missed class for being sick/hospitalized, etc.. I would be stressed the entire time if I knew I was missing class for vacation. College is hard. And you don't realize how hard it can be until you are in the full swing of things at school.

 

[julayla]

For 101 classes, professors at my shcool are usually the most strict with attendance/make ups, etc because the classes usually have between 300-400 students. They just don't have time or the patience to deal with it.

I can see this making a huge difference. My classes are teensy, usually fewer than 20 people, so that may contribute to a more "fly casual" and "getting to know you" atmosphere. My strategy may not have worked as well in a large university with tons of other students and more red tape to deal with.

 

[kamik86]

I can see this making a huge difference. My classes are teensy, usually fewer than 20 people, so that may contribute to a more "fly casual" and "getting to know you" atmosphere. My strategy may not have worked as well in a large university with tons of other students and more red tape to deal with.

I definitely agree with this. I had 4 classes my first quarter. My computer science class would have been fine because I could do the labs from vacation via a remote login so as long as I didn't have a test I would have no problem.

My chemistry class had over 100 students. It was a dumb 101 chem class with no labs really just more of a "see who can be responsible for themselves" type of thing. Missing something there would have hurt.

All gen-ed math classes at my school had an attendance policy, if you missed 3 classes you failed no matter what your grade really was. So calc wouldn't go over well.

Political-science was an honors class with 15 kids that spent most of our time discussing things. The teacher ways awesome and the worst he would have said is to make sure to keep up with the readings and maybe made me write a short essay on something with the readings since I missed the discussion. But because I was generally opinionated enough to speak up in every class he wouldn't give me too much problems.

This is why I say the first gen-ed classes will probably be the worst for this, those gen-eds are the ones with 10 sections where they are trying to make all the teachers do the same thing (so the teacher can't make exceptions for you) or that have 100+ students so they won't get to know you. It is the small classes that are easy to get around.

Now I can't tell you what to do. I am doing my masters and have a trip scheduled in Sept myself, but my program is online so as long as I make sure I don't have tests during that week I'm fine.

 

[Cin]

I wouldn't do it. That is insane. Too much work to make up if you are even allowed to. I missed a lot of class due to medical condition in which I was required to be on strict bedrest and it was really difficult to make up all the work I missed and then the day I returned I had to take both my midterm and final the same day. Also you have to have a very reliable source for getting your notes and on top of that they need to have excellent notes so you will understand the material presented even though you weren't there for the lecture. My instructors let me make up the work only because it was doctor's orders and otherwise the school policy would have prevented me from doing so. For every couple of absences you lose a letter grade and it can drop an A to a F really fast. My classes were small, only about 25 of us, except A&P there were hundreds of us in that one and the instructor was really harsh and difficult to deal with because of class size he didn't have to care, it wasn't personal like with my smaller classes where the instructors and I really "knew" each other. I was in the medical program though and I could not make up clinical time, but because of years of job experience and the fact that I was "grandfathered" in and I got past that one by using my years' experience as well as lots of written papers, task analysis, policy and procedures, and written case studies, instead of hands on clinical time. I would not recommend skipping classes for vacation. I would reschedule the trip. But you are the one that will have to make your own decision not me, but no I would not do it. College is not at all like grade school when I did take my kids out for WDW. My son is in college right now and my DH even suggested we take him to WDW this fall (while free dining was offered) and let him miss classes, but I veto'ed that real fast! We can wait and take him for his graduation in 1 year.

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

I am attending a very small community college, just to get my feet wet before I do go to a bigger college. There may be like 15 people in each class. I'm a very good student and I hardly ever miss any school, I have a wonderful GPA and I'm top of my class. I'm sure I can handle the work since I am doing college level work now in high school, I'm not saying I know exactly what I'm getting myself into, but I feel like I deserve something like this since I am such a good student.

 

[Freezing Cold B]

I've attended a private University, a community college and a large public University. I've never had problems taking time off at any of them. Yes, I have taken about a week off to go to WDW. I always tell the prof on the first day where I'm going and why. I take exams prior to leaving, turn in papers prior to leaving (unless they are accepted online), and ask a friend to take notes for me. I miss a week every fall to show my horses at Nationals.

I will admit, I was always nervous when I asked my profs and TA's to go places. Now, I'm in grad school and a TA (for a 300+ intro). And, all my friends are profs and TA's. We're not as scary as I thought we were. So, instead of worrying about your profs reaction you should just ask and see what happens. And, if by some chance the prof won't work with you, consider switching to a different prof who teaches the class. Or, a different class all together.