Title: Am I Being Unreasonable? A Student’s Dilemma Over Holiday Homework
As a dedicated student, I’ve always prided myself on maintaining a strong academic record. However, I’m currently faced with a situation that’s left me questioning whether I’m being unreasonable or if my professor is setting expectations too high.
With Thanksgiving approaching, my Calculus II professor has assigned an astounding 80 calculus problems, along with a quiz, to be completed during our break. Here’s a breakdown of the assignments:
- 14 questions due Wednesday before Thanksgiving
- 1 quiz (2 questions) due on Thanksgiving Day
- 28 questions due Friday after Thanksgiving
- 38 questions due Saturday after Thanksgiving
In total, that’s a staggering 82 problems—many containing multiple parts—all due within just five days while we’re supposed to be enjoying Thanksgiving break!
Given this workload, I reached out to my professor, kindly requesting an extension for the assignments due on Friday and Saturday, pushing the deadlines to Sunday or Monday. The reason for my request is simple: my parents are visiting, and we have plans to attend a basketball game on Friday and a football game on Saturday. While I know that involving sports in my excuse may come off as trivial, it’s an important event for my family, especially for my dad, who is an avid follower of our college teams.
I believed this was a fair request, especially since our next class isn’t until Tuesday, and I noted that the assignments are graded automatically. However, I received a response from my professor at 1:52 AM on Thanksgiving Day, which made me start to second-guess myself. I wondered whether I’m not taking my studies seriously enough or if my professor is being overly strict.
My main question is: does it really matter if the assignments are submitted by Friday and Saturday as opposed to Sunday or Monday if they’re all graded automatically and don’t affect the class meeting until Tuesday?
In a nutshell, I’m grappling with whether I am being unreasonable in my request for an extension on my holiday assignments given the circumstances, or if my professor’s expectations are simply out of touch with the realities of student life during a holiday.
What do you think? Am I justified in asking for more time, or should I just prioritize my studies and buckle down to complete the work as assigned? Share your thoughts below!
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, and it’s commendable that you’re trying to balance your academic responsibilities with family commitments during a holiday break. Let’s break down the context and explore both sides of the argument, as well as how you can navigate this situation moving forward.
Understanding the Professor’s Perspective
Academic Rigor: Professors often assign a significant amount of work to ensure that students are engaged with the material, especially in a challenging subject like calculus. The timing of the assignments (over the Thanksgiving break) might be intended to keep students in the rhythm of coursework. Your professor may believe that consistent work during breaks helps reinforce learning, which is particularly important in subjects that build on one another.
Logistical Considerations: Submitting assignments by a specific date can be crucial for maintaining a syllabus timeline, especially if the professor has other courses to administer or grades to finalize. If the work is due right before the next class, it can help keep students accountable and on track with the curriculum.
Equitability: Professors need to maintain fairness across the board. If one student receives extensions or accommodations, it could set a precedent that might lead to similar requests from others. Your professor may feel that granting weekend extensions could open the floodgates for other students to ask for similar adjustments.
Your Position and Request
Family Commitments: It’s totally reasonable to want to spend time with family, especially during holidays. Family is important, and our commitments to them should be respected, just as academic commitments are.
Academic Performance: As a straight-A student, your dedication is evident, and it’s clear that you take your studies seriously. It’s understandable to feel that your track record warrants a bit of flexibility, given your proactive approach in requesting an extension.
Reasonable Request: Asking for an extension from Friday to Sunday or Monday doesn’t seem unreasonable, especially since you’re not asking for an open-ended extension. However, it’s possible that the professor’s viewpoint contrasts with your own, focusing more on the process and fairness than on the individual circumstances of students.
Moving Forward
Communicate Respectfully: If you wish to continue communicating with your professor about this, be sure to maintain a respectful and understanding tone. Acknowledge their point of view and express how balancing family commitments with academic rigor is important for your overall well-being and productivity.
Alternative Solutions: Consider proposing a compromise. For example, you could offer to complete some of the assignments earlier in the week to demonstrate your commitment, or suggest submitting the two-question quiz earlier if possible.
Use Campus Resources: If this situation feels overwhelming or if you feel unfairly treated, consider speaking with a student advisor or academic counselor. They can provide support and potentially advocate on your behalf if they believe your request has merit.
Manage Your Time: If the assignments remain due as planned, prioritize your workload. Block off time for studying amidst your family activities to ensure you complete the work without being overwhelmed. You can also opt to work on assignments before the holiday to alleviate some of the pressure.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while it’s understandable to question whether you’re being unreasonable, both you and your professor have valid points. Balancing respect for academic requirements with personal commitments is important, and seeking clarity and compromise can help in situations like this. Make sure to keep communication open and focus on finding a workable solution that respects both your academic obligations and your family time. Good luck!