Some friendly advice, please? I failed to turn in an online assignment for class--

[blondeatlast]

I'm a midlife student in the midst of changing careers--but anyway...

The reason was, my 12 yo was just this side of crisis and I didn't handle it very well. The assignment was due last night, the instructor knew that I had already completed a great deal of it the day before T-Giving. She also knows I've had kid problems over the big D.

The thing is, I am the type who HATES to ask for special treatment, I mean, I just can't do it even when I try--it's just alien to me. But I don't want to fail, either. She doesn't take phone calls, only e-mails, and won't be in tomorrow. How can I approach this?

Please, I've already been through a lot over this--be gentle; my kid and I are already hurting. I know the Lounge is mostly for kix 'n giggles, but this doesn't belong in GD or GD/P either.

[Wapsie B]

1. I would just explain the situation to her. You can't just blow off the class,

not with the work you've done. If you were a student who didn't do the work required I could see her being less understanding. But your progress so far should show her that you really want to learn what she's teaching. Go for it and ask for an extension.

[Raven]

4. Absolutely agree. Lay it out for her. Life gets in the way sometimes.

[mitchum]

2. Advice from a fellow "Hey, I'm a Stoic and don't need special treatment" type:

contact the instructor and explain the situation to her.
Contrary to the way we feel about how things are supposed to be, everyone really does need "special treatment" sometimes.

[HopeHoops]

3. Most teachers are reasonable. Just own up to it and turn it in.

That said, I HAVE had a few teachers where were certified assholes, but they were definitely the exception.

[Mutley]

5. I have found that most teachers are pretty understanding

especially if you usually get your assignments in on time.

Just explain as much of your situation to her as you are comfortable doing, and let her know when you can expect to get your assignment finished. Then finish earlier than that if you can and get it to her. She may dock you a few points for being late, but that is better than failing.

[Kali]

6. edit this and send it to her

all she can do is refuse, so the risk of a quick e-mail "beg" is not too high - god I would rather do it by e-mail than in person or :scared: the phone!

[graywarrior]

7. As an older student in college, I see other students ask for extensions all the time

It's no big deal. Send her an email. They'd rather have an explanation and request than no response.

[petronius]

8. As a professor, I wouldn't really see that as a request for 'special treatment'

Perhaps it technically is, but it's ridiculously trivial considering some of the requests I get. Contact the instructor and tell her what happened; I'd be surprised if she doesn't work something out for you...

[Arugula Latte]

9. My husband is a professor and deals w/ things like this a lot.

He understands that life can be tricky and he gives students' breaks if they are reasonable and communicate with him.

[Rabrrrrrr]

10. Definitely communicate - the longer without, the worse it can be.

And as other said, professors are generally very easy going about special circumstances - they want you to succeed, and so will help you to do so. Especially if you are one who normally DOES have stuff in on time.

It's just a part of life that, sometimes, even when we have deadlines - life throws something else at us. Happens at school, happens at work, and happens in our regular life.

But I do think your professor would rather hear from you now, instead of getting the excuse from you in two weeks.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

11. Three little words..."extra credit report."

Offer to get it in on a specified date, and to complete an additional (but REASONABLE) assignment in recognition of and appreciation for your instructor's willingness to acknowledge YOUR special circumstances.

My dad died the week my night class at San Jose State was working its way through Kerouac's "On The Road." I missed class for two weeks and when I returned had written a critical review of the 3-CD box set of Kerouac reading his poetry.

My instructor agreed to that in advance, and when I delivered, considered the score to be settled.

That's the secret...don't ask permission to be late. Say "I am going to be late, here's why, and I am willing to do something extra in return for your understanding."

:toast:

[GOPisEvil]

12. Your professor will understand.

Particularly if you've never asked before. Just explain what the issue is and ask for an extension. Even better, give yourself a deadline and state that the assignment will be completed by that time.

[huskerlaw]

13. I'm a professor...

and I would be WAY more annoyed by not hearing anything, or by getting a shoddy paper than I ever would be getting an explanatory email and a request for clemency.

Professors are human, and therefore understand that life happens. We grant "special treatment" so often it can hardly be called special (except for the a'hole profs, but I digress). This is particularly true when we already know about a student's home situation and thereby know that the student isn't making up stories to get homework extensions.

Send an email, explain what happened, offer to do more work if necessary. If your professor isn't a jerk, she'll work with you.