Marc Cortes, Academic Dean and an assistant professor of theology at Western Seminary, recently shared a picture of a piece of paper containing a list of reasons for which a professor will not accept late work. This one of a kind list includes:
- computer glitches
- bad planning
- embarrassing messages from “Mom” on your Facebook wall
- seeing your new brother in law on Cops
- unforeseen cataclysmic acts of God
- undergoing enhanced interrogation techniques
- paralysis of analysis
So What?
At the heart of the long and diverse original listing is a simple truth: students are expected to do the work contained in the syllabus in a timely manner. While life itself is not organized as neatly as are most syllabi, it affords each person innumerable opportunities for action or for reasons to excuse inaction or delayed action.
- What are some unusual and unacceptable excuses others have given you for their lack of appropriate and timely action
- What are some reasons you have given to yourself and/or others for your own failure to proceed as promised?
- What practical tips have helped you be faithful to the many contracts, covenants, and obligations in your life (no matter how large or small – how formal or informal)?