Is this a valid excuse for a later assignment?

[Anonymous]

I have two assignments(not anything big) due tomorrow, and I stepped up on my glasses getting out the shower. I do not have contacts or a back up pair. I am sitting at the computer trying to do the work and I literally cannot see and I am getting a migraine. I plan on going to the frame shop tomorrow to see if they can be repaired or at least give me something temporary. I feel ridiculous sending a professor that I haven’t done the work because I can’t see, but I don’t know what else to do. My astigmatism makes everything on the screen insanely blurry and now my head is killing me. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

That is a poor excuse. If I was your professor, I would not accept the late work

[Anonymous]

As someone who has serious eye issues, I think this is a valid excuse.

[Anonymous]

You should contact your professor as soon as possible, explaining your situation: You broke your glasses, which you need for reading and working on the computer, and are unable to see well enough to complete your assignments. You will go to the frame shop tomorrow for a repair or a temporary replacement. You will complete your assignment by X date.

They can reduce your grade on the assignment, but your odds are better if you notify them ASAP.

Are your glasses for reading? You can likely buy a pair of reading glasses that are at least close to your prescription at a drugstore.

[Anonymous]

Do you have an old pair? If you have had the assignment for a few days not an excuse.

[Anonymous]

I would of course give you an extension.

[Anonymous]

If your vision is that bad, you need to get a back up pair of glasses, or at least have an old pair on hand in case of emergencies like this.

[Anonymous]

Valid? Yes. But it could also sound like an excuse. From now on keep a back up pair. There are places that offer cheap glasses .

[Anonymous]

It's a valid excuse. Hopefully your professors are understanding. Were these assignments assigned previously and you waited until the last minute? If so, this should be a good lesson on procrastination. you may also find your teachers are less understanding if you had 3 weeks to get them done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has serious eye issues, I think this is a valid excuse.

Former professor @ Georgetown here and that would definitely be considered a valid excuse... especially for an assignment that isn't of critical urgency.

Your email should reflect everything you've written in this post -- if your professor pushes back, simply state that you'll send him/her the receipt from your visit (however, I don't believe that will be necessary).

Don't listen to the PP who said that it was a poor excuse, they've obviously never worked as a professor before.

[Anonymous]

You need to always have a backup pair. When I travel I bring my glasses just in case, PLUS an extra pair of contacts just in case the ones in my eyes rip or something.

The professor can go either way. Email immediately and explain, apologize, say how you plan to fix things, and ask for what you need.

[Anonymous]

Years ago, I had a professor who required that I provide a copy of the death certificate for my relative who passed. I missed two assignments that were nonessential due to his sudden death. I was shocked by the request.

[Anonymous]

Professor here. Depends on the assignments. I have a policy for late assignments in each of my courses, I would probably default to that.

[Anonymous]

Why do you keep your glasses on the floor?
How are you able to type and read posts on DCUM?

Yes, email the professor. If it’s something you can do with pen and paper, do that and take a screenshot of your work to send in?

[Anonymous]

If it is not time for end of semester grades, most professors I know will give you an extension. They are trying to work with students to be successful in college during these trying times.