I have not tried this late policy with my undergraduates, but I use it with my 
(first-year) graduate class to good effect.  There are two different kinds of homework 
assignments, and they're allowed to turn in one of each kind up to a week late.  My 
only additional requirement is that the late option is not allowed on the first 
assignment (b/c I wish to discourage a slow start to the semester) nor on the last 
assignment (b/c I don't want to turn in grades late).  If you are able to keep track 
of who's already used the late option and you normally return stuff about a week 
later, I highly recommend it.  This is a pretty easy policy to implement, and the 
students really do like it.

Charlotte

> > Exactly, and lying doesn't work with me because I require documentation for
>> all makeup work, including proof of granny's funeral.
>
>I have to say, I have problems with this.  After all, there are many
>circumstances under which a student might legitimately miss an exam (or
>turn in a paper late), but not be able to provide documentation.  Maybe
>they were too sick to come to class, but not sick enough to warrant a
>doctor's visit.  Or they couldn't afford to go to the doctor.  Or their
>child was sick, or their babysitter canceled.  The list goes on and on.
>
>I've tried a number of different policies regarding missed assignments and
>exams, and I agree with others who have said that it's not always fair
>(not to mention stressful) to have to attempt to distinguish between
>legitimate and phony excuses.  So the fairest policy I've been able to
>come up with is that my students are allowed to turn in one assignment up
>to a week late, with no penalty and no explanation needed.  But after
>that, I don't accept late papers, no matter what.  This allows for those
>hard-to-document emergencies, and also allows them a bit of flexibility in
>scheduling their time (for that week when they really do have five papers
>due).  But on the other hand, it does hold them to a standard of
>responsibility--they can't just flake on every single assignment.  And for
>exams, I just tell them that any make-up exam will be much harder than the
>original--and I stick to it.  This has greatly cut down on the number of
>people who miss exams.  And, perhaps most importantly, my students view it
>as a fair policy, leading to both greater respect/liking for me and to a
>lot fewer whining and complaining students!
>
>Rachelle Lipschultz
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Anne Arundel Community College
>Arnold, MD
>
-- 
===============================================
Charlotte F. Manly, Ph.D.                 Psychological & Brain Sciences
Assistant Professor                           317 Life Sciences Bldg
ph: (502) 852-8162                            University of Louisville
fax: (502) 852-8904                           Louisville, KY  40292
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.louisville.edu/a-s/psychology/
http://www.louisville.edu/~cfmanl01

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