College Life
Hello everyone:
Has it happened to you? You have been a studious person all semester long, when suddenly you realize that you missed an assignment. Before you run outside and tear out your hair, let’s take a look at how you should handle this.
First, look at the syllabus. Does your professor have a policy regarding missed assignments or turning things in late? What is it? Do not ask for an exception this ONE time because it has been my experience that a student who does this is merely setting me up to turn everything in late because, after all, I accepted an earlier assignment late without penalty, right? Nope.
Next, email the professor, explaining that you understand the policy that he or she has, that you appreciate the opportunity to turn the assignment in late (but with a penalty), and that this was an oversight, not a case of your blowing off the assignment. Assure the professor that you are working on the document and that you will turn it in as soon as possible.
What have you done by doing all of the above? You have assured the professor that you are not blaming someone else for your mistake, you are accepting responsibility for your own education, and you are informing the professor that the assignment will be turned in soon. This is a good thing.
Finally, complete the assignment to the best of your ability and without panicked emails to the professor asking for an explanation of the assignment. Panic does amazing things to your ability to read. It destroys it and makes the simplest of instructions seem daunting. Breathe, folks. take a good look at what you should have done and calmly begin doing it.
Have you ever missed and assignment during your college days? How did you handle it?
Best,
Dr. Sheri
Sheri Dean Parmelee
Sheri Dean Parmelee has a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Regent University. She writes books on practical tips for people who become unexpectedly unmarried and is working on her second novel in a series of contemporary romance/suspense novels. She teaches at three colleges, working with students from freshmen to graduate students. Her hobbies include running 8 miles a day and reading biographies and fiction.
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It is important to read the syllabus and weekly assignment. In order to know or clarify their due date and time too. As student it is my obligations to do this from the start. This helps to avoid unforeseeable conditions like this.
But sometime things do happen and when it does how and when you handles this matters is vital. So bring matters to the professor in a timely and cordial manner is of the essences. But it is till the decision of the professor to make the final judgement.
Mary, you have understood what it takes to be successful in college. I am glad to see one of my online students posting to the blog!
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for forwarding my blog to your former roommate. Oftentimes I find that students freak out if they forgot to do an assignment. They need to keep in mind that the instructor is usually willing to work with them, if they have the right attitude. Thanks for sharing!
Hey there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
Thanks so much!
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
Thanks for your compliment of stopping by. I post new blogs on Tuesdays and Fridays, though I occasionally post a third time during the week.