At what point can I ask my professor why stuff is not being graded?

When can I reach out to my professor about the grading timeline? I’m currently enrolled in a half-semester course, and while the professor has shared several reminders about effective time management and reassured us that the course workload is lighter than a full semester’s, I’m starting to feel concerned. We have significant projects that remain ungraded, including a three-page midterm essay from about a month ago. We’re expected to submit our final paper this week!

Each week, we have just one assignment following approximately four hours of reading and one hour of lecture, with only three short discussion posts graded so far. With grades for the class due next Sunday, is it appropriate to inquire about when we can expect our work to be graded?

One Reply to “At what point can I ask my professor why stuff is not being graded?”

  1. It’s completely reasonable to reach out to your professor about grading concerns, especially given the tight timeline of your half-semester course. You might consider sending a polite email expressing your concerns about the ungraded assignments and how it impacts your ability to prepare for the final paper and overall course performance.

    Here’s a suggested approach for your message:

    1. Start with appreciation: Acknowledge the professor’s advice and support.
    2. State your concern: Clearly mention the ungraded assignments and how this affects your understanding of your progress in the course.
    3. Ask for clarification: Politely inquire about the grading timeline or any updates regarding when you can expect feedback on the assignments.

    Here’s a sample email you could use:


    Subject: Inquiry about Grading Timeline

    Dear Professor [Last Name],

    I hope this message finds you well. I want to thank you for the valuable advice you’ve shared throughout the course; it’s been helpful as I navigate the challenges of the half-semester format.

    I wanted to reach out regarding the grading of our assignments. I noticed that the midterm essay and several discussion posts have not yet been graded, and with the final paper approaching, I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my progress in the course.

    Could you please provide any updates on when we might expect feedback on these assignments? Understanding this would greatly help me manage my time as we wrap up the semester.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your support in our learning.

    Best regards,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Class/Section]


    Sending something like this soon would be wise, especially since grades are due shortly. Good luck!

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