I’m an international student, and my father passed away a little before the end of the semester, so I literally had to leave the country, missing several exams and assignments, with almost no notice as it was sudden. While most of my professors were understanding and allowed me to reschedule, one professor (who is in a different department than the others) did not. I have a massive essay due in a few days, and between planning a funeral, dealing with the insurance, putting up with an endless stream of visiting relatives, and settling medical bills, I’ve had very little time to work on it. When I asked for a week extension he responded to just get the assignment in on the original due date, as he is “under different constraints” with international students (it sounds like BS, since final grades don’t have to be in until the end of January, and I’ll have it in long before that). He also told me to contact the university, which I did weeks ago, and I know for a fact that he was informed that I had a family emergency. I don’t want to sacrifice half my grade to late penalties and I won’t have it in on time. Should I go to the university again? Or should I try the department?
I’m so sorry for your loss.
It sounds as though you just need to get it done. The time you’re spending trying to find an alternative could probably be better spent just getting the work done.
Whatever his reasons-- how valid or invalid they are-- it doesn’t sound as though you’re getting an extension. So get the thing done and handed in.
Does your university have a policy to allow “I” (incomplete) grades? Some do. Then you get the work in even after that January date. The prof then has to agree, though.
Talk to the Dean of students. Ask if you can take an “incomplete” in the class. This is allowed if something happens near the end of the semester…ifyou are passing the class you can finish up in the next year. But go through the proper channels.
Whatever you do, try to do it in person if your in town (or at least a phone call if your not). Emails and texts are easy to say “no” to. Personal conversations usually go quite different. Good luck.
If your school has an office dedicated to international students you could check in with them to see about skirting the “special constraints” and maybe help with the communication with administrators.
Yes, what @StPaulDad says…my neighbor is a director of International Students at a university and this would be his job…to help you with the logistics and academic arrangements that need to be made.