My dog ate my homework!

Professors share the most memorable student excuses for late work

JESSICA MILLS / ASST. FEATURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Sometimes turning in late work is unavoidable. Whether there’s an issue with traffic, an alarm doesn’t go off, or the occasional forgetfulness, missing an assignment due date is a dreadful experience shared among many college students.

While college deadlines are typically immovable, many professors welcome open communication regarding missing and late work. 

Over the years, USD students provided both honest and entertaining excuses for assignment mishaps. Most excuses tend to be reasonable, but some are deemed unforgettable by professors, serving as a source of great entertainment. 

USD associate professor of English, Dr. Carlton Floyd, also referred to as “Floyd” by colleagues and students, shared the most memorable student excuse that he came across in his 22 years of teaching at USD. 

“A student called me to say that even though they knew a paper assignment was due, that the surf was too good to miss, and that if I could wait in my office for a while, their mom would drive down and deliver their paper,” Floyd said. “Of course, their mom lived about an hour away.”

Adjunct Instructor and Internship Director in the Communication Studies department, Gregory Ghio, has been teaching at USD for what he refers to as a “long, long, long time.” Ghio found that while most of his students adhere to his no late work policy, one student’s excuse almost seemed too good to be true.

“He was flying in his dad’s jet to the MTV music awards,” Ghio said.

Assistant professor of Strategic Communication, Dr. Aziz Muqqaddam, has taught at USD for two years. Out of the many unique excuses he’s heard, Dr. Muqqaddam felt one really stood out. 

“The deadline was approaching for a group project and one student was notably slacking compared to their partners,” Dr. Muqqaddam said. “They came into my office and I agreed that they could submit the project a day later, which happened to be on a Tuesday, to which the student said ‘I do have yoga on Tuesday and I really need it, so can I turn it in on Wednesday?’” 

Dr. Muqqaddam appreciated the student’s sincerity, and because they had built a rapport throughout the semester, he agreed to accept their work late.  

Lecturer in the Communication Studies department, Michelle Kennedy, reflected on her past two years at USD and the many unforgettable interactions with students. 

One student’s excuse, however, left her speechless.   

“I got an email once from a student that said it wasn’t just diarrhea but explosive diarrhea,” Kennedy said. “They used those exact words.” 

Professor Kennedy also shared a cautionary tale for college students who use social media. 

“I received a message from a student saying their grandmother had died and they wouldn’t be able to come to class that day,” Kennedy said. “But, we were connected on social media through a former student and a picture came up of them with other students at a concert.” 

While every professor has unique experiences with late work excuses, they all agree on two things. 

One, most students do turn in their work on time. Two, they all appreciate honesty from their students. 

“Honesty goes a long way, more than a lie or a random story that’s hard to believe,” Kennedy said. “Sometimes we do need a day off, and I value students’ honesty when vocalizing the need to prioritize their mental health, especially during COVID.” 

While some excuses for late work may seem dramatic or absurd, advocating for oneself is anything but. 

Most professors understand the taxing pressures surrounding college life, having been in students’ shoes as college students themselves. 

Although many professors maintain their no late work policy, providing open communication from students can allow for compromise. 

It’s encouraged for college students to find a healthy balance between academic and social life, but there is an appropriate time and place for fun. 

However, if you do decide to skip out on an assignment for a beach day with friends, just make sure to keep it off social media.