Swimming in Paper

[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by Matterhorn Fan

Someone somewhere decided that we can't just throw it away.

You must change this policy

Originally Posted by Matterhorn Fan

Yes, it should be returned to the student, but they way the academic calendar is here, stuff ends up coming in during the last few days, and by the time I can grade it all, classes are over and students have disappeared.

Tell your students you will destroy any uncalimed papers - if they will be out of town, let them give you a stamped self-addressed envelope if they want their "orioginals" back.

Originally Posted by Matterhorn Fan

No, they're not duplicates for my benefit. They're the originals. But the students don't want 'em--it's on their computers.

If they have a copy on their computers, yours is a duplicate - though I suspoect your copy might be marked up and graded making it a unique original

Originally Posted by Matterhorn Fan

I'd love to trash 'em all, but occasionally someone comes back wanting their stuff. One came in today (probably 2-3 per semester do that).

And if you didn't have it? Sad perhaps for the the student seeking it, but maybe they'll be more responsible next time around. Honestly, I can't envision march harm to the student for your failure to provide this storage and retrieval service.

Originally Posted by Matterhorn Fan

Strangely, my department does not have any shredder. *shrug*

With privacy laws coming into effect, I'm surprised - you are far more at risk from not shredding personal information, that not providing requested records back to the students.

I'd wash my hands of the mess