I will admit, there are professors out there who get on a power trip. If your assignment had a 10% Turnitin AI score, and they give you a 0 for the assignment, you have a right to complain. When you complain and they do not respond (but give your next assignment a 1/150), then you have an even bigger right to complain, because that is petty. Here is how you deal with a professor like this:

1. Be sure you have ground to stand on

In the above scenario, you know that a 10% Turnitin AI score is bogus, and does not mean that you had AI write your post. First of all, I hate Turnitin, and as a general rule when I grade, if you are over 70%, I do more research and then I will dock points based on whether I think you used AI. AI detectors are unreliable, so I usually confirm with multiple ones. If I am not 100% sure you used AI to write your post, I do not dock points. With a 10% score I wouldn’t even bother checking. And many universities have AI policies that even describe the different AI percentages and what should be done (whether in a student or faculty guide, all found online). In this instance, you would also want to confirm your university’s policy. Essentially, be sure that your request/demand is not going against your syllabus or university policy. Make sure you have ground to stand on before you start your discussion.

2. Be respectful

Even if your professor is being rude and petty, as in the above scenario, you do not stoop to that level. Instead, you maintain being respectful and appreciative. Sure, it could be called sucking up, but if you need to go to step 4, it makes you look very good. You need to keep an eye on your tone – don’t be accusatory, don’t be sarcastic, and don’t be petty. Be respectful, honest, clear, and be sure you spell their name right. 

3. Ask for clarification and offer solutions

In the above scenario, you would include any AI policy from your school that relates to the topic, and you would ask for clarification on why you did not receive full points. Would you be able to share the original document that tracked your edits, to show you did not use AI? Would you be able to define what AI Turnitin score is acceptable? Ask clarifying questions and offer easy solutions at the beginning to help solve the issue.

4. If needed, copy their boss or go above them

Sometimes, the professor will just dismiss you, or not even respond. After attempting a couple of times, either copy their boss (usually the department head or dean, as well as student services), or go above them, depending on if there is a department at your university for escalation. This should not be done with your first time contacting them. Give the professor a chance to explain themselves and make it right, and then copy their boss or some other related department. 

This is why you must have ground to stand on for your complaint. If you are just upset that you have to include a source in your initial post, you will not have the university higher-ups on your side at all. One of my students reported me, and I got a call from my boss saying that I had done nothing wrong, but they just wanted to make me aware of the situation and that I had been reported. I did not get in trouble, because the student had no ground to stand on for their complaint – but the student did get reprimanded. 

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It can be scary to bring up your grievances with your professor. However, if your professor is being unfair, going against university policy, or being petty for you reaching out, then you certainly should bring it up with them, and then escalate to their supervisors if needed. Just be sure that you have any evidence necessary, make sure your tone is respectful and not accusatory, and ask for clarification/provide solutions. It can easily be done, and is usually resolved once you bring in the supervisor. In the above scenario, the resulting grade for the class magically became an A, as the professor must have been told they were in the wrong and had to correct it. 

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