All the work has not been turned in . . . what do I do?

Recently I was discussing with a professor a concern they had regarding a specific student who was there for the class sessions but had fallen behind in turning in their assignments. The end of the class was approaching and it looked like the work would not be in, possibly even by the time the finals were due. The question is whether or not to turn in the grades on the contract date or wait an extra week or two to give the student time to get the work turned in.

There are at least three factors which weigh into this decision:

1. Unknown to most faculty, many of our students are turning their grades in to their employers for reimbursement - thus delaying turning in the grades actually punishes those who have been faithful to follow the guidelines for the course.
2. Instead of actually helping the student you might be enabling their lack of discipline by not taking into account the student's history of excuses and academic tardiness, and
3. You deprive yourself and your family of the timely payment for the services which you rendered.

The best choice is ALWAYS to turn in your grades in ON TIME giving those students who have missing work an 'I' and see if they have the will to catch up before the grade becomes an 'F.' Honestly there is a time to rescue, but more often there is a need to set a high standard and hold to it.