One of my professor has a very specific way of how she wants our assignments done. But her specific way is really just her preference. I have no problem with that but recently I was told I would be receiving zero for an assignment because she wanted the file as a java extension rather than what I submitted. The assignment is still valid and she can still grade and view everything I did but it was simply not the extension she wanted it in. Also nowhere in the syllabus or the assignment instructions or assignment rubric does it specify the files have to be a certain extension. She only revealed that data 3 days after the due date and is claiming this information is available on the instructions (which it is not) and she told the class what extension she wants in class (which she did ONLY AFTER the due date). Is this allowed? Does this count as an unfair grade or does her actions seem reasonable? Btw can she simply take points if it doesn’t match her preference?
Did other students know to turn in the assignment as a Java extension, or did everyone else also receive a zero for this assignment?
I am not fully aware of what extension the others used, but on the previous assignment when a student did use the wrong extension (like me) she did not receive a zero.
First, I would make certain that that instruction is not listed in the places you mentioned. Don’t rely on your memory, but try to look at the actual documents again.
If you see no evidence the specification was made, I would calmly ask her where it is listed because you don’t remember hearing the instruction and you don’t see it in the two places you mentioned in the first post here. Either she should be able to tell you how your class was informed and you will have to accept her judgement, or she will realize she didn’t make the specification clear and she will modify your grade.
Caveat: If she says she verbally spoke on this in class and it’s possible you missed one or several classes, that might be a complicating factor.
Caveat 2: If nearly every other student did the assignment the correct way, it undermines your position that the instructor did not make that specification.
The last thing I’ll say is if you come to realize she actually made the specification and you forgot about it, then you should simply admit that to her. Ask for a second chance, accept a deduction if she deems it necessary, ask for extra credit work, all that. But if you realize you made a mistake, don’t try to make it seem like it was her fault. That probably won’t go over well.
Understood. I have checked multiple times to be certain of the guideline and then emailed her after saying the specification was only mentioned after the due date (didn’t mention that neither on the instructions or syllabus does it specify, as it might sound like I have an attitude) and I am sorry for the trouble as I realize it was in the wrong extension. Unfortunately, she is quite strict with her grading policies. So I will simply have to take the zero. I have no intention of blaming her or forcing her to do something even if I am in the right. I just wanted to know if something like this was simply allowed or is this an unfair grading. Thank you for reaching out! I hope she just overlooks this because the content work is correct. Thank you again
The most fun times are with fools 
When you go to work, you will find that there are rules on how people want reports formatted and what templates to use and how to develop software, etc.
Would a java extension mean that it is Java as opposed to what you did?
How would she be able to load/test your program?
I would go to the professor’s office (or virtually) and explain that you did work, but were unaware that you were supposed to use that extension so could she please let you know where that was specified in the assignment because you did not see that and wanted to make sure you understood how to do it in the future. Approach it as you want to learn not that she is incompetent.
Or if your issue was that you were not using java at all, make sure you understand the assignment. So if the assignment was to make a java program and you made a C++ program, then you may have gotten the assignment wrong.
Or is it that this is understood by people that this is the norm…like you put a .docx on a Microsoft Word file even though maybe you COULD have a different extension and then open it with MS Word and it would be okay.
If she says she said it, then ask what class it was in. Then if there is a video of that class review it. If not, contact someone in the class and ask how they figured out what to do.
After (and only after) you do ALL of this, and you really think that you are within the norm and she really didn’t specify then talk to the Department Head and ask how to approach this.
Also decide how much this assignment is worth…if a HW maybe live and learn but if a major assignment put more effort.