I had wondered what would be the best way of dealing with students who constantly have excuses for incomplete assignments etc and how to determine if they are telling the truth or fabricating excuses. I appreciated the point that it is better to give the benefit of the doubt because it would be worse to deny accomidation to a student in genuine need then to allow accomidation to a student that is making excuses. That kind of behaviour will not serve them in the work place and will eventually cause them issues that they will need to be accountable for.

The most common reason stated for not having an assignment done on time was not knowing when it was due. Being clear with assignment due dates and policy for late submissions provides clarity for students and allows students with heavier course loads to manage there time more effectively and get the most from these assignments.