Jun 12 2008
Why Your Professors Need Proof
Why Your Professors Need Proof
The late work policy for each of your classes can vary. Some instructors accept late work with point deductions applied. Other instructors hardly ever accept work, barring documented medical or sometimes military reasons. If an instructor accepts late work at all, they will often ask for proof of your excuse – a doctor’s note, a military duty sheet, etc.
It’s not about trust
Many students feel offended that they are asked for proof because they feel the professor is questioning their integrity. In essence the request for proof is not really a personal issue at all. It’s about showing students that there is a uniform application of class policies.
Why is proof so important?
Consistency. Instructors want to be fair to all students; so they often make rules and policies that apply to the entire class. Instead of picking and choosing which late work excuse makes more sense to accept, an instructor might choose to simply say that those who can provide acceptable documentation get extensions.
This way, no student could say that an instructor showed any favoritism in the way they applied rules. The paperwork is the great equalizer.
