get an assignment extension

The Study Blog :

How to ask for an extension for your assignment [examples + template].

By Evans Jun 15 2021

Time management is one thing you should get better at within your academic life, particularly when it comes to assignments.   However, regardless of how much you plan your time or stay organized, things might get out of hand. Read the article below to find why and how to ask for an extension. It also provides examples of how to ask for an assignment extension for your reference.

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What is an Extension Deadline?

An extension deadline for your assignment is the additional time you should request from your supervisor or tutor to finish your task. Most projects have a specific due date, and you should complete them on time. However, there are times when you can fall behind for numerous reasons and can't stay on schedule. At this point, you should reach your instructor and request an extension.

You should request an extension immediately you realize you won't be in a position to meet your original deadline. The deadline might affect other parts of your project, like other team members' abilities to complete the work and the project's completion date. Requesting an extension can offer the supervisor more time to readjust your assignment's workflow and schedule. Some of the situations in which you might request a deadline extension include:

·          The assignment needs more research or work than expected

·          Your project's timeline did not put all factors into consideration

·          You're waiting for essential materials to complete your project

·          You had prioritized the completion of another task

·          You were unable to access the required equipment

·          You had an emergency that stopped you from finishing your assignment

How to Ask for Your Extension

To ask for your extension effectively, kindly do the following:

Determine Whether You Can Get the Extension

Whether it is possible to get an extension depends on your work's scope. While some projects have rigid schedules, it will not matter if you submit a couple of days later when it comes to other projects. Please make sure you understand the flexibility in the deadline and develop a plan for completing your work.

Ask for the Extension

Once you realize you will be behind the deadline, notify your lecturer immediately. Choose the most convenient contact method. You can call them, ask in person, or send an email. Some instructors are too busy to check their mail from time to time, making a text message or phone call a more effective method.

When contacting your instructor, show them that you care about your grades. You can start with a statement about your goal and then why you require the extension.

Determine How Long Your Extension Will Be

Your extension should give adequate time to complete your paper based on how long you have taken to work on it.

Consider your facilitator's personality when determining the duration of the extension to request. If the instructor is strict, leave it to them to decide the time to grant. If you can negotiate with them, you can ask them for a three-day extension and expect the professor to negotiate down. And if the professor is lenient, ask for a specific extension.

Provide Evidence

If you offer proof, your professor will be impressed with your preparedness and is more likely to grant you the extension. Some of the evidence lecturers accept include:

·          A doctor's letter

·          A letter from an employer

·          An email from a child's teacher

·          A receipt from your car or computer repair shop

·          Newspaper clippings

Adhere to Your New Deadline and Ensure It Does Not Happen Again

Analyze your work schedule, avoid procrastination and manage your time better in the future. If possible, scale back on some assignments.

Thank Your Tutor

Express your gratitude for the extension granted and apologize for the inconvenience caused.

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Email Template for Requesting More Time to Complete Your Assignment

Feel free to adapt or use this email template to ask for an extension for your assignment

Dear (Title of your Professor, Dr. Mr. Ms., followed by their last name), My name is (name), and I'm a student in your (name) class. I'm writing you to ask if it might be possible to be granted additional time for the (name of assignment) due on (date). Regrettably, I'm behind with this assignment because (reason). I hope to complete this assignment by (date). I look forward to hearing from you about the same. Kind regards, (Your name and student ID number)       

Here are more examples:       

Dear Dr. Andrea,

I'm writing this email to request an extension on the deadline for the web application development assignment. I'm already done with coding, but the testing and debugging are taking more time than I expected. I have also discovered some errors that I'm working on.

I should submit the assignment on June 23, but I will appreciate it if you extend the due date to June 26.

Thank you for your consideration.

Warm regards,

Dear Professor John,

My name is Jackie, and I'm in your chemistry 101 class. Due to a family emergency, I will be traveling over the weekend without the research materials for the assignment due on Wednesday. Consequently, I would like to request an extension and submit my paper on Friday. In the attachment below is a draft that shows the progress I have made so far.

Many Thanks,

Dear Dr. Peterson,

My name is Jane Stephanie, and I'm in your literature class. My assignment is due on the same day as a presentation at my workplace. Do you provide extensions? If you do, I can submit the assignment on July 20 instead of July 16. I understand that late projects receive grade penalties, which I would like to avoid.

Many thanks,

Dear Professional Kellen,

My name is Ivy Johnson, and I'm in your 11 a.m. English class. From the syllabus, I can see that I should submit my assignment on August 13. Unfortunately, I have three other tasks due on that date for other classes.

Is it possible to get a three-day extension on the deadline and submit it on August 16 instead? If you do not grant extensions, can I get the assignment topic early to work on it in advance?

Warm Regards,

What to Do If You Do Not Get an Extension

Most lecturers understand that students are human beings with jobs and lives outside of class. And many instructors will approve any extension request. However, sometimes the professor might say no. Here is what to do should it happen.

If it is a few hours or days to your deadline, ensure you understand the late penalty and determine whether it is more practical to submit your assignment late or rush to meet your deadline. Ensure you deliver pure gold and don't plagiarize your work; it could result in poor grades.

If you had planned early, you have options. You can rearrange your schedule to make time to write your paper, ask your tutor for the paper topics before, or ask for an extension in another class. Alternatively, you can hire an expert writer from our urgent writing service to complete the assignment for you.

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Professor shares secrets on getting an extension (w/ template)

About the author

Hi there. I am the prolific professor with 15 years of experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. Thanks for visiting.

You are going to want to read this.

I have some secrets to tell you.

I was a professor for 15 years. And I received countless emails for extensions on assignments.

I have heard every excuse, some real and some completely made-up. And I had to turn lots of students away.

You are going to get the low down on the key to getting an extension. It may not work for everyone because let’s face it, not everyone deserves an extension.

But with these tips and my email template asking your professor for an extension, you’ll be better prepared.

Should you ask your professor for an extension?

It may be appropriate to ask your professor for an extension when you have a valid reason like a hospitalization, severe illness, death of an immediate family member, or something similar. Otherwise your professor is unlikely to give you an extension unless you have some additional documentation to support your need for an extension.

I would not ask for an extension if you could have avoided this dilemma to begin with.

If you could have completed the assignment with adequate planning, don’t ask your professor for an extension.

For example, if you took a vacation and lost track of time, don’t ask. If you decided to work extra hours and have been too busy, don’t ask. You get the point.

If you are asking for an extension at the last minute, you should really have a very good excuse and necessary documentation to support it.

Remember, your professor likely has hundreds of students. And may get dozens of requests for an extension. They can’t give them to everyone that asks so it needs to be something really serious.

But if something serious has happened, that was completely out of your control, it could be helpful to ask for an extension.

So, before you ask for an extension, answer these questions first.

Could I have taken the necessary steps to complete this ahead of time but planned poorly?

Can I still complete the assignment with some expedience?

Am I missing the proper documentation to support my excuse?

If you answered yes to all these questions, you probably shouldn’t ask for an extension.

But you know your professor best, and perhaps they are lenient and will oblige.

Something that I need to mention is that sometimes things can happen that are serious enough to warrant an extension but aren’t talked about often.

If you have a mental illness and have had some recent issues related to your health, you might talk to your professor.

You probably have a lot of questions about this, and I have a complete article dedicated to talking to your professor about your mental health.

What’s a good excuse to ask for an extension?

I need to tell you something important. When you need an extension, it should be for a REAL reason. You don’t want to make-up lies to get an extension.

And you should follow your professor’s policies and not abuse their discretion.

Read their syllabus and see what their policies are. Maybe they already have a policy that answers your questions. I would abide by their policies, especially if they have a zero-tolerance policy.

So, I would never advise that you make-up an excuse to get an extension or exaggerate your circumstances.

Now, you might be wondering when professors are more likely to give an extension on an assignment.

Here are some situations where I would consider an extension or make-up assignment. This isn’t a complete list but a few of some of the most common situations.

Funeral - If you had a death and a funeral in your immediate family, this would be an acceptable excuse. But if you had a funeral for a third cousin, I am not certain every professor would give you an extension.

Hospitalization - If you were physically hospitalized, this usually warrants an extension on an assignment. Be prepared to have some documentation. This usually includes your own hospitalization, not family members.

Severe illness - We aren’t talking about a little cough and a few sniffles, but a serious illness. And usually something that can be verified with a doctor’s note. If you can’t personally make it to the doctor, see if you can do a virtual visit instead.

Student-related activity - If you are traveling for a sport, student organization, professional conference, etc, usually you’ll get a pass.

Military related duties - In some instances, you might be given orders to travel for the military. I can’t find a time when you wouldn’t immediately get an extension granted.

Natural disaster - Sometimes mother nature can be cruel. I have seen students’ homes be devastated by hurricanes and tornadoes. And they couldn’t travel to the campus, or they didn’t have access to their internet.

Disability - If you have a documented disability, you might be able to get an extension. It is even better if you have accommodations through your college.

Most other situations can be predicted, and you can work on the assignment early.

As you can see, most of these situations aren’t easily predicted and don’t come with advanced warning.

If you could have adequately planned to work ahead, and complete it before the deadline, you probably won’t get an extension.

What’s the best way to ask a professor for an extension?

The best way to ask your professor for an extension is in person because this is more personable and I think your professor will have a harder time saying no when they see you face-to-face.

How to ask a professor for an extension through email

Ask as early as possible

Be detailed

Send documentation

Example of how to ask for an extension by email

I have an email template below to help you write an excellent email to your professor asking for an extension. This can also work for makeup exams and assignments too. Just remember to be honest and alter the email to fit your personal circumstances.

Dear Professor Smith. I am in your ENGL 1301 class and I have been enjoying the recent discussion regarding proper grammar usage. I know we have an assignment due soon over this topic, and I am concerned about having the adequate time to complete this assignment. I am committed to this course, and with my current situation, I would be rushed to complete the assignment. I am worried that I wouldn’t do my best on the assignment, and would miss the opportunity to learn and apply the skills I have learned so far. I recently experienced a death in the family of my maternal grandmother. I have the obituary attached to this email to provide you with some documentation. These recent days have been filled with grief and many meetings for funeral plans. With this in mind, I am asking for an extension. I would like a few days to spend time with my family and gather myself emotionally to have the dedicated time to complete this assignment. It is important to me that I learn the material and spend quality time working on this course. Please let me know if you need anything else. I appreciate your time.

I know your email is going to vary based on your circumstances, so I have general information for you below to use as an outline for your email to your professor asking for an extension.

First introduce yourself. Don’t assume your professor knows who you are. Make sure they can place a face with a name. Give them some information so that they can remember who you are.

Then give a polite comment about the course regarding your dedication to the class. Make sure they know that the course material is of the upmost importance to you.

You should make note that you aren’t merely worried about your grade, but want to really understand the material and take the proper time to complete the assignment to submit your best work.

Then explain what happened in your personal life that warrants an extension. And then provide them with as much documentation, or at least offer it.

Finally, thank them for their time and understanding.

Before you send this email, I want you to understand that your professor cannot grant every student who asks an extension.

If they say no, and they are following their course policies, thank them for their time and move on.

Be as polite as possible because your professor has a job to do too.

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How to Ask a Professor for an Extension + Example Emails

May 10, 2023

So, you want to learn how to ask a professor for an extension, but you’re afraid of sounding like a slacker, or of getting on your professor’s bad side. Luckily, we have some dos and don’ts that should cover your questions. The first one is simple: please do not, under any circumstances, use the example below as a template.

This Is Not How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment

Dear Professor S.,

I’m so so sorry but I won’t be able to turn in the final assignment on time. There’s an issue going on in my dorm room and it’s really, truly and utterly gross (I won’t go into the details). I’ll make sure to get the assignment to you soon. Please know that I’m really bummed to be doing this, because your course really was my favorite course this semester.

While Charles wrote his email in earnest, he made multiple gaffes that only added more awkwardness to an already confusing request. (In fact, Charles forgot to phrase his request as a question!) Yet asking for extra time should not become an additional crisis on top of other stress. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to ask for an extension on an assignment.

What’s Your Excuse?

Turning in an assignment late can cause anxiety for students. Many fear getting points docked or a lower final grade. Some view it as doing something “wrong” and end up feeling preemptively guilty or undeserving of the extra time. These anxious feelings can manifest in the request itself. (Just look at Charles’s overly effusive apology.) However, a lot of valid reasons for an extension exist. The first successful step in how to ask a professor for an extension requires clarifying your situation.

Let’s say you have a funeral to attend, you fall sick, or, as was Charles’s case, you discover a bedbug infestation. All of these reasons qualify as unexpected crises you couldn’t plan for. In urgent circumstances like these, professors tend to take an accommodating stance for last-minute requests. They have lives outside of academics too, and know how the real world can intervene.

Less urgent circumstances that require you to know how to ask for an extension might involve a conflict of deadlines in different classes, or a wedding to attend. To increase your chances, make your request as far ahead as possible, as soon as you learn of the conflict.

Professors may not accommodate every request, especially if the student simply procrastinated. But whatever your circumstances, do give your professor the real reason. Honesty always comes across as most genuine and requires fewer justifications. Plus, treating the situation in a mature manner will result in the professor responding in kind, and taking your request more seriously.

How to Ask for an Extension on an Assignment to Improve Your Work

A less typical, last-minute, yet non-urgent request can arise when students find they don’t understand how to accomplish the assignment. Similarly, they may find they aren’t satisfied with the quality or direction of their work. Asking for more time to improve your work can sound reasonable to a professor. The trick here involves specifying exactly why you need more time and what you wish to improve. Consider asking for suggestions as well before going forward. Most professors prefer grading a student’s best effort rather than a sloppy, punctual paper, and will be willing to help those who show enthusiasm for their subject.

Act Accordingly

With the various types of impediments and conflicts identified, let’s consider the best approaches for how to ask for an extension. If in doubt, and especially in an emergency, send an email. When emailing, include these three vital pieces of information:

1) Explain the situation you’re facing.

2) Suggest a specific alternative deadline. This date should be reasonable, both in terms of reorganizing your own schedule, and with respect to the teacher’s semester. Avoid an overly-optimistic deadline; you won’t impress your teacher if you’re forced to ask for an extended extension.

3) Ask about the teacher’s late policy, if you don’t know it already. If this information is included in the course syllabus, acknowledge the late policy in writing. Perhaps your teacher docks points regardless, in which case, you’ll want to know how many for each day the assignment is late. You may need to weigh your priorities, and decide which to sacrifice, promptness or quality.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension During Office Hours

If you’re trying to juggle multiple courses’ assignments, or want an extension with more guidance, send a preliminary email asking to meet with your professor. Do email first, because waylaying your professor after class can stress everyone out. Once a meeting is scheduled, the face-to-face chat may prove more successful, simply because it’s harder to say no in person. This meeting also gives your professor a chance to put a face to a name, and will give you a chance to say something about what you’re working on. Extra guidance like new leads and library references may also speed up your progress.

Putting the How in How to Ask a Professor for an Extension

Let’s return to Charles’ email, and imagine how his professor might react. Reading about a “really, truly and utterly gross,” mystery situation doesn’t give the professor any idea of the student’s trouble, nor of how severe it is, or how long it will last. The professor has no incentive to act leniently, and no opportunity to sympathize. If anything, the vague description evokes confusion, pity, and doubt.

Imagine instead that Charles wrote, “I just discovered a bedbug infestation in my dorm room. According to pest control, I’ll need to spend the weekend bagging up my possessions before an exterminator arrives. Then I’ll have to find a different place to sleep and study for the coming week.” Here Charles goes into enough detail to delineate the situation. It becomes clear that a bedbug infestation is time consuming, as well as psychologically and physically taxing. Though unusual, Charles’ reason for wanting an extension now sounds perfectly legitimate.

You can avoid Charles’s main mistake by articulating your situation clearly and concisely. With a big emphasis on concisely. If you’re going to a funeral, you don’t need to convince your teacher that you loved your grandmother. If you’re sick, you don’t need to list your symptoms. A brief email saves your harried professor some time, and gives students practice in establishing their own personal boundaries. Overall, a brief email will sound professional and sincere.

Another must when learning how to ask a professor for an extension involves tone. The right register will come across as respectful and somewhat formal. Change phrases like “I’m really bummed” to “I regret.” Apologize, but don’t overdo it. One apology appropriately recognizes the inconvenience the professor may experience.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension, Example 1

Now let’s take a look at Charles’ improved urgent request.

Dear Professor Sassin,

I’m Charles Yu, from your Modern Architecture seminar. I’m writing to let you know about a situation that’s come up. I just discovered a bedbug infestation in my dorm room. According to pest control, I’ll need to spend the weekend bagging up my possessions before an exterminator arrives. Then I’ll have to find a different place to sleep and study for the coming week.

Because of this, I’m afraid I won’t have time to work on the final assignment until next week. Would you consider a one-week extension, with a new deadline on May 25? If so, please let me know how this extension might affect my grade.

I apologize in advance for the inconvenience, and am open to other suggestions you may have.

Best regards,  

In his amended version, Charles makes it clear why his particular situation requires more time. He asks for (rather than dictates) an extension, and shows that he’s both concerned about his grade and happy to consider an alternative plan. The writing sounds polite, clear, and formal—a complete reversal from the previous chaotic and informal tone. Charles’s chances look good.

How to Ask a Professor for an Extension, Example 2

In the following example represents a less typical situation. Time is of the essence, but the situation itself cannot be called urgent.

Dear Professor Napier,

I’ve been hard at work on my research essay for your class, the English Romantic Novel. Initially, my plan involved comparing early Gothic novels, analyzing recurring motifs, and rooting them in British culture of the time. However, the more I’ve read, the more I’ve realized that my interest lies in the parodies of Gothic novels, particularly in the works of Wilde and Austen, and in the significance we might pull from the distortions they make.

I believe I could write a more compelling paper on this subject, but the deadline is fast approaching. I won’t have enough time to refocus the research and finish writing by Friday. Would you mind if I turned the paper in next Tuesday, October 3, instead? I understand that your late policy is strict. However, I think this new theme may inform my senior thesis, so I wonder if an exception can be made.

I’m happy to meet and discuss during your office hours tomorrow. Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Tatiana Gorns

Here, Tatiana takes a risk. She knows her situation won’t seem urgent, but she appeals to her professor’s academic side. To do so, Tatiana must expand. The email is not concise, nor is it fluffy. Her investment in the assignment appears genuine. Furthermore, she explains the stakes, that this extension could positively affect her future course of study. This appeal will be hard for most professors to turn down.

How to ask for an extension – Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more advice on how to navigate the college work-life balance, how to better communicate, and other college know-how, you may find the following links to be of interest:

• Communicating with Professors: Ten Practical Suggestions
• What Does it Mean to Audit a Class in College?
• Best Gap Year Programs – 2023
• The College Transitions Dataverse
• College Success

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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how to ask for an extension

Communicating with your professor when you need more time.

Maybe you started out the semester with the best of intentions, planning to stay on top of all of your work. But here you are, a month in, and you've got a week full of projects due and no time to spare. You're worried that you won't be able to finish one of your assignments on time, and the thought crosses your mind to ask your professor for a deadline extension. But is there any chance they'll actually approve your request? 

The good news is that many teachers are willing to do so—if you go about asking for one in the right way. Let's take a look at how to do so.

What Is an Extension?

So what exactly is an extension? In a basic sense, it means asking for more time to complete an assignment, beyond its original due date. An extension requires graciousness from your professor—who will be making an exception to their policies for your sake. It also implies a commitment from you: a promise that you'll use the extra days wisely to deliver a finished, quality assignment by the (new) submission deadline. 

That said, it's important that such a request be reasonable: You need a good reason for asking for one, and the amount of extra time you need shouldn't be excessive.

Why Should You Ask for an Extension?

When you have an assignment due and you are short on time, whether because you're overloaded, something's happened in your personal life, or just poor planning (hey, it happens!), what are your options? You could turn in a late submission and lose points, if it's even accepted. You can turn in unacceptable work and get a grade you aren't happy with. You could try to get everything done with no sleep and turn in sub-quality work (and possibly collapse from exhaustion). 

Because those options aren't great, you usually don't have anything to lose by asking for an extension, as long as your instructor has not explicitly stated that they never permit them. Whatever the valid reason for your request, oftentimes asking for an extension is a reasonable solution to a problem of time.  

How to Ask for an Extension: Step by Step

Step 1: act now.

If you are thinking about asking for additional time, the sooner you do it, the better. Asking for one at the last minute doesn’t speak well to your ability to manage your schedule and might irritate your teacher. 

Step 2: Check Your Course Policies

But first, you should check the course's syllabus or website to see if your professor has any stated policies about extensions. Do they outright say that they never give them? Do they only give them in certain circumstances, like illness or a death in the family? Do they only consider extending deadlines if given a certain notice, like at least 48 hours before the due date? 

If your instructor has policies like this, pay attention to them. If they explicitly state they do not give extensions, then it's probably only worth asking for one in the case of an extreme, unplanned emergency.

Step 3: Write an Email to Your Professor

While it's often preferable to ask for an extension in person, like visiting your professor during their office hours, this isn't always possible. The next best thing is to write a brief email to your instructor as soon as possible. Here are a few things to consider:

Explain why you need the extension. 

• Is it for a personal reason? For instance, are you behind schedule because of an illness, a personal crisis (like a family issue), or your job's schedule?
• Is it for an academic reason? For example, do you have multiple major assignments from your classes due on the same day or in the same week? 
• Is it because you procrastinated? If that's the case, then it's better to be truthful and just say so. Don't be tempted to lie to your teacher and make up an excuse. 

Keep it professional. 

There's no need to go overboard with personal details. Your professor doesn't need to know your exact temperature or how many boxes of Kleenex you've gone through if you're sick, they just need to know you're behind because of an illness. 

Provide a plan and new deadline.  

Will you be able to finish the assignment in one extra day, for instance, or do you need more time? 

It's better to be realistic about your time and not overpromise. If there's no chance you'll be able to finish an assignment in 24 hours, don't promise that. 

Accept responsibility when appropriate. 

You can't help it if you are sick or if there has been an unavoidable personal crisis. But if you're asking for an extension because you managed your time badly or because of something else that was in your control, acknowledge that fact. 

If this applies to you, let your instructor know that you'll take steps to avoid the problem in the future. For instance, you might say that you're going to start visiting your school's writing lab once a week to stay accountable and finish assignments by their deadline.

Thank your professor. 

Make sure to close your email by thanking them for considering your request, and let them know you understand if it is not possible. They will appreciate your humility and recognition that the decision is up to them. 

If your request is approved, make sure to thank your professor right away.

How to Increase the Chances of Approval

• Ask as far ahead of the original deadline as possible.
• Give a specific reason for your request, but don't go crazy with details.
• Admit it if you need the extension because you planned poorly.
• Provide new due date.
• Offer a plan for how you will finish your work. 
• Thank your professor for considering your request.

Sample Emails

Scenario 1 (an overloaded week).

I've been working on my draft for the English 102 essay, but this week has been really difficult for me. In addition to the essay due Thursday, I have a sociology exam on Monday, and my chemistry professor just bumped our midterm from next Tuesday to this Thursday. I'd planned to finish my essay on Tuesday and Wednesday and study for my exam over the weekend, but now I also need to study for my chemistry midterm earlier in the week. Would it be possible to have an extension for my essay to Friday at midnight?

I could really use the extra days to make the essay the best it can be while also balancing studying for my exams. Please let me know if you would like to meet during your office hours to discuss this further. I appreciate your consideration of my request. 

[Your name]

Scenario 2 (Illness)

Dear X, 

My name is [insert your name], and I am a student in your 1 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday Chemistry 110 class. I know that our next exam is this Thursday, and I've been studying regularly, including visiting the Science Learning Center on Mondays and Wednesdays for extra practice. However, I've been sick with the flu since Saturday and have fallen behind. Would it be possible to schedule a make-up exam for next Monday or Tuesday? I should be better by then and will use the extra days to be as prepared as I can be. I understand if this is just not possible, but I appreciate your consideration of my request. 

[Insert your name]

Scenario 3 (A Death in the Family)

I am sorry to say that last night my Aunt Exene passed away suddenly. I am now traveling home to be with my family. I know that my Marketing 202 presentation is scheduled for Friday, but I will not be able to return to campus until Sunday, after the funeral. Is it possible to have an extension to early next week for my presentation? I will be able to give the presentation next Monday or Wednesday. I understand if this is just not possible, but I appreciate your consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, 

Scenario 4 (Procrastination)

My name is [Insert your name], and I am a student in your Sociology 201 breakout session. I know that our take-home exam is due in two days, but I am wondering if I can have a short extension for the exam. I will be honest and say that I have simply procrastinated and fallen behind in preparing for the exam. However, this class is important to me, as a prospective sociology major, and I want the exam to reflect my best effort. 

Would it be possible for me to have an extra day for the exam? I have just signed up for the optional study group sessions and will be attending those moving forward so that I stay accountable and do not fall behind in the future. I understand if it is not possible, but I truly appreciate your consideration of my request. 

What to Do if Your Request Is Denied

In the best case scenario, your request will be approved right away, you'll thank your professor, you'll get the work done by the new deadline, and all will be right with the world. But there's always a chance that your instructor will deny your request. 

If that happens, the best thing to do is to accept it and respect their decision. Complaining will not help the situation and will probably irritate your teacher. If your request is denied, thank your professor again for considering. Do the best you can with the assignment and focus on the future. It's only one assignment, after all, and life will go on. 

The exception is if you are asking for an extension for a very serious extenuating circumstance, such as a death in your immediate family or a severe injury or illness. These kinds of situations are often handled differently. If you truly need more leeway for a very serious reason and your instructor will not compromise, consider talking to an academic support office.

Depending on your school, this might be a Dean of Students office, your academic advisor, a counseling center, or a similar office. If you are going through a serious personal situation, it's a good idea to be in touch with this office anyway so they can provide support.  

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13 No-Fail Ways to Get an Extension on a Paper

Procrastinators, rejoice.

Image via Complex Original

There are a myriad of reasons why you may not be finish your paper on time: sickness, family emergency, a broken heart, a sudden car wreck. While your professor may not find it as a legitimate excuse, there are some possible ways to steer your professor's decision in your favor, giving you some extra time to nail that mid-term paper. 

It can be a scary and intimidating to ask for an extension on your paper. From finding plausible excuses to being the teacher's pet, here are 13 no-fail ways to get an extension on a paper. 

13. Be upfront about it.

This is the only option when you really can't offer a valid excuse. In some instances it may be better to be upfront about your mistake and take responsibility. If so, try and finish your essay, and turn it in the day after the paper was due. When you turn it in, make sure you take responsibility for your actions and apologize for the inconvenience. If your professor hasn't graded the essays yet, your professor may be willing to let this one slide. But, if your teacher doesn't give you credit, it's important to ask for feedback on the essay anyway.

12. Be emotional about it.

This one is likely a hit or miss, but in some cases, it does work. Seeing a student cry is uncomfortable for any teacher, which is why we all have a friend that can attest to the effectiveness of this technique. So, if you come in teary-eyed and make up some sob story as to how your mid-term essay completely went off your radar during the last few weeks, your professor may give you a chance. Let him/her know that making up this grade is of the upmost importance to you. You may want to offer a solution of starting off with a B rather than an A. It's not perfect, but it's better than failing.

11. Don't ask for a long extension.

This should be common sense. If you're asking for an extension, don't ask for anything longer than three days. If you do, you're professor will likely think that you procrastinated the whole semester. To prove that you haven't, it may be to your advantage to send in a rough draft to prove that you have at least been working on it.

10. Be specific in your reasoning.

When informing your professor of a situation, it's very important to be specific. If your reasons are "stress" or "an emergency," chances are your professor won't give you the extension. Asking for an extension is already an inconvenience, and if you're not specific you will likely not get a response, just a failing grade. However, if you fully explain the situation and its specifics, you will increase your chances on that extension. The truth will set you free from that looming deadline.

9. Reach to your professor's heart.

If you want to incite your teacher's sympathy and your excuse is less-than tear-inducing, it might be appropriate to tell a creative rendition of the truth. Been spending way too much time on Facebook? Let's say you have had technical problems and your WiFi gave out. Did you just break up with your significant other and haven't had the time to write anything? Let's say it was a family emergency. It may not work, but your chances often depend on how well you can explain the situation.

8. Ask in person whenever possible.

Going to your professor in person is the most professional way to ask for a paper extension. It may actually be to your advantage if you come off with the perfect combination of placating and modesty if you approach your professor in person. However, if you're lying about the situation, it's probably best if you send an email, lest she see right through your B.S.

7. Offer a solution, not an excuse.

The only time to offer a solution is when you know you screwed up, but still don't necessarily feel like it's your fault. For example, someone stole your USB that had your paper, or your computer crashed and your paper was erased. These situations suck, but if you take responsibility and offer a solution rather than excuse, chances are your professor will work with you. For example, if someone stole your USB and you only have the rough draft, aplogize for the inconvenience and that you will submit an earlier draft of the paper. I did this once, and my professor gave me an extra six hours to formulate the final draft to the best of my ability.

6. Something unexpected happened.

There are just some situations that are out of your control: a funeral, car wreck, or jury duty, for example. These are the sorts of events that come up unexpectedly that would make it excruciatingly difficult to turn in a paper right before it's due. It's absolutely important that you inform your professor as soon as you can. However, your professor will likely ask for proof, so don't attempt to use these situations as a last minute excuse.

5. Make a good impression.

The actual first step to getting an extension on your paper starts on the first day of class. It's important that you show your professor that you're a good student who's  attentive and involved. Participate in discussions and go to office hours. Bottom line: professors are always more inclined to give extensions to students they like.

4. Plan ahead.

Planning ahead is probably the most important thing to remember in asking for a paper extension. In most pressing situations, like in the case of having a full-time job or game days (football players would know this), that professors will grant you a paper extension if you ask ahead. If you ask for a paper extension 12 hours before it's due, chances are your professor will think you just procrastinated and came up with an illegitimate excuse. Don't be that person.

3. You are preparing for a standardized test.

This is applicable for nearly every junior or senior in college. If you have post-college plans including law school or medical school that means you have to take some form of standardized test. Any test like the LSAT, MCAT, or GRE requires a lot of preparation. If you know that your taking any standardized test around a paper due date, politely explain the situation to your professor. In situations like these, they often understand that standardized tests require a lot of mental and physical preparation. However, since standardized test dates are often posted nearly a whole three months before, notify your professor as soon as possible.

2. You have other papers due at the same time.

Every college student knows that papers are the worst to write: they're time consuming, and they're all due at around the same time. It's very common to have close to four papers all due within a two-day time span. If you have any other commitments (like sports or a job) and other papers due on the same date, that is the perfect reason to ask for a paper extension. Inform your professor of your prior engagements—preferably with proof—and do this as soon as you can. Since most professors give a syllabus early in the semester, if you have two projects due on the same day for different classes, ask if you could possibly turn it in a day or a couple of hours later.

1. You have a full-time job.

A full-time job is a big commitment. Not only that, but your big mid-term papers are usually due at a time when your job may need you to work a couple more hours. If you realize you're going to have to clock in from nine to five the whole weekend a paper is due, politely ask your professor for an extension. Say something along the lines that your full-time work schedule won't permit you the time to work on a paper that showcases the best of your ability. Professors understand that some students are working their way through college, and will likely offer you a solution.

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How to Write a Letter Asking for an Extension

Last Updated: May 10, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,080,980 times.

Tips for Writing an Extension Letter

Write the date, your address, and the recipient's address in the upper right corner. State what your letter is about (like "I'm writing you concerning the essay due for class next week") and give a few details to explain why you're requesting the extension (like a "family emergency").

Sample Letters

Sample Emails

Following Formal Letter Writing Conventions

• If you are sending your request via email, you can omit the date and address portions and start with your salutation. However, make sure to use an effective and clear subject line. For example, if you are emailing a professor, your subject line might read, "Mike Smith HIST 359 Paper Extension Request."

• Even if you know them informally, this is an official request so keep the tone and content formal. Do not write “Hi, Jim,” for example.
• Try to find some specific person that you can address your letter to. Otherwise, it can appear like a form letter. For example, “Dear Senator Smith,” is preferable to, “To Whom It May Concern.” [2] X Research source

• To open your letter you might state, “I am John Smith a student in your HIST 456 MWF morning class.” This will jog your professor’s memory and save them time looking you up.

• It is best to close with an official “sign off” before your name. Some of the better options are: “Sincerely” “Best” “All the Best” “Best Regards.” [3] X Research source
• If you need a reply by a certain time, you should include that information at this point as well. You can always pair it with your thanks. For example, “Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you next week.” Just be careful not to appear overly pushy. [4] X Research source

Crafting the Content of the Letter

• Depending on the situation, you might need to consider your letter as part of an ongoing negotiation. In that sense, it is better to ask for a longer amount of time so that you can compromise and meet in the middle. [7] X Research source
• Gauge your pace based upon your current progress and what parts of the project have yet to be completed. For example, if you have worked on a consulting project for three months you should have a pretty good sense of how much is left to do.
• Be aware of the time constraints facing the recipient as well. They may be under their own deadlines that will now need to be pushed back. For example, college professors are often required to submit midterm grades and schedule their paper deadlines accordingly.

• A good reason might be the desire to be thorough or cautious in your work. For instance, if you are completing a project that could potentially impact the safety of others, pointing this fact out when asking for extra time could work in your favor.
• If you have multiple reasons for your request, choose the best one and focus on it. For example, if you are delaying a job offer you might want to tell them that you would like to conduct additional research into the transfer costs (if this is indeed true) instead of letting them know that you are also waiting on another offer. [9] X Research source

• For example, if your grandfather dies two days before your college essay is due, it is best to describe the incident as a “family emergency” as opposed to a general “emergency.” You may also want to mention his passing and some information about your travel arrangements. [11] X Research source
• Have your paperwork in order before submitting any request. You may need to lay out a timeline of prior actions and applications, especially if dealing with the government or another official entity. Showing that you have followed all steps of the process up until this point can only work in your favor. [12] X Research source

Sending the Letter to the Recipient

• If you are going to mail off a hard copy of your letter, make sure to print it out using a high quality printer with a good ink cartridge. A handwritten extension request is generally not acceptable. [14] X Research source

• Your recipient may be able to see the exact time that you sent the email. Be aware of this if you like to send off emails very late at night.
• Keep your email formal and that includes the address that you use as well. Send this email from a professional-sounding account. For example, sending a work email from “[email protected]” is appropriate.
• If you send your letter via fax, make sure to hold on to the confirmation page showing that your transmission was successfully sent and received.

Expert Q&A

• Try to keep your letter at one page of length or less. This makes it appear complete, yet easy to skim through. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be aware if your recipient will send you something in return, such as a confirmation letter. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Be realistic in the promises that you make. You do not want to get an extension only to spend the extra time completing additional work. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Make this one-time extension request count. You do not want to try for another one. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Check to make sure that you’ve included all necessary forms with your request. And, some groups will require that you use their form letter as a template. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
• ↑ http://www.uwgb.edu/UWGBCMS/media/career-services/files/pdf/Professional-Letters-Guide.pdf
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/how-to-write-a-business-letter
• ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-a-deadline-extension-without-losing-your-street-cred
• ↑ http://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/delaying-a-job-offer-ca
• ↑ http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/09/how-to-get-an-extenstion-on-a-paper/be-specific
• ↑ http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/recourse-recours/extensionoftime-prorogationdedelai-eng.html

About This Article

To write a letter asking for an extension, start with a formal salutation, like "Dear Professor Montgomery." Then, in the body of your letter, state that you'd like an extension and explain why you need one. You should also include a new, realistic deadline that you think you can meet. Remember to keep the tone of your letter positive so it doesn't seem like you're whining or complaining. Also, try to limit your letter to 1-3 paragraphs so that it's short and straightforward. To learn how to end your letter, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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31 Best Assignment Extension Excuses

Students need extensions on their assignments all the time. There are good excuses for an extension … and there are not so good excuses. I’m a professor, and I’ve heard them all. So has your professor. Here are the best ones I’ve heard.

The Best Assignment Extension Excuses

Introduction.

>>>BONUS: GET YOUR FREE ASSIGNMENT EXTENSION REQUEST LETTER TEMPLATE

For the rest of this article, I’m going to explain exactly how to ask your professor for an extension – with a focus on just 9 extension excuses.

Some of these are good excuses for turning in a paper late. Others are ones you’ll want to avoid.

Read on to learn which ones to avoid and which to use!

Professors like myself get a lot of extension requests, so knowing how to ask in a way that will get your teacher to grant the extension is very important.

>>>Related Article: 15+ Tips on Requesting an Extension

1. Your Team Members screwed you Over in a Group Assessment

>>> Related Post: 17+ Alternatives when College Isn’t for You

This extension excuse gets a lot of sympathies.

A little secret: teachers hate group work assignments , too. We usually set them because we have to embed it into a degree as an ‘employability skill’.

So, when you come to your teacher 3 days before submission and say “Teacher, one of my teammates didn’t pull through!”, your teacher will roll their eyes, but totally understand.

What you need to make this excuse work is a paper trail showing evidence that you pulled your weight. Evidence can be:

• Email and Facebook chains of conversations;
• Meeting minutes;
• Completed drafts of sections that you were assigned

If you can show that you’ve put in the effort and genuinely tried to be a good team member, chances are your teacher will want to help you out.

Just beware: you still might lose points for teamwork. It’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes our team members bring our work down and we can’t do anything about it.

But, if you can show you’re a good student and have worked in good faith, this one might just help you pull through and win you that precious extra few days to work on your piece.

2. You’ve had Writer’s Block

>>> Related Post: How to Write an Essay at the Last Minute

This extension excuse gets points for honesty. If you come to your teacher and say “Look, I’ve read all of the readings, but the creativity just hasn’t come” then your teacher might just give you a little extra time.

This reason for asking for an extension on a paper will probably be respected more than most.

Teachers hate when a student comes to them with an obvious lie like:

• Your dog ate your homework,
• Your grandma died (again), or
• your boss is a jerk

These are time-tested lies that we get all the time . It’s rarer for a student to step up and confess: “Look, it’s just a really tough assessment.”

For this excuse to work, it’s best to provide evidence of three things:

• You’ve tried really hard;
• You’ve sought help;
• You’ve come up with a solution so it won’t happen again.

First, show you actually have put hours into the assessment.

Bring to your teacher (either in person or via email) evidence that you’ve read through a lot of readings on the topic.

Bring to the printed readings with highlighting and notes in the margins.

Talk to them about how you thought you might be able to use the information in these pieces for your work.

Second, show that you’ve sought help.

This excuse works best if you’ve primed the teacher already with a few emails spaced out over the previous few weeks asking questions about whether you’re on the right track.

If you’ve already managed to email the teacher a few times about the assignment, send your extension request as your final reply to that email chain of discussion.

Another way of showing that you’ve sought help is showing that you’ve accessed help from the library or another member of the university staff.

Explain to your teacher that you attended a library workshop , talked to your academic advisor, or had ongoing conversations with a Teacher’s Assistant about the assessment.

Third, show how you’ve developed skills to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Explain to your teacher that you’ve thought up some study solutions that you’ll put in place during the week or so in which the extension would take place.

For example, you could note how some study skills you’ve thought might help you out of this situation might be:

• You’ve found a spot in the library to dig in and do the work;
• You’ve freed up some time in your calendar over the next 7 days;
• You’ve found a study tip that you want to put in place

Make sure you not only tell, but show your teacher you’ve tried hard, you’ve sought help, and you’ve identified solutions. If you do this, you’re more likely to have your extension request granted.

3. Work called you in for Extra Shifts

>>>Related Post: Professor Reveals 21+ Excuses for Skipping Class

Here’s another reason to ask your professor for an extension on a paper that gets a lot of sympathies.

We teachers have been there. Poor, living off microwaved noodle. In fact, many of us are still there with you.

When explaining that work has called you in for extra shifts, make sure your teacher knows you needed that money. You don’t need to cry poor or ask for a sympathy card. But let them know:

• My boss asked me to take on extra shifts; and
• I pay my own way through life, so the extra money meant a lot to me.

This extension excuse strategy works best when you give advance notice. Let your teacher know as soon as you pick up those extra shifts. Send them an email making them feel like they were a part of the discussion ( Click here to download all my Assignment Extension Request Letter Templates ).

You can say:

Hi [Teacher] ,

My boss has just gotten in touch asking me to cover some extra shifts at work for the rest of this week. I’m pretty short on money at this point of the semester with a few bills coming through, so I’d love to be able to take them.

Obviously this gets in the way of the time I’ve set aside this week for completing the upcoming assignment.

I’m wondering, would you please consider giving me an extra three days to submit my assessment so that I can pick up these shifts? It’d mean a lot to me.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely, [Your name] [Your class]

4. You’re taking a pre-planned Vacation

>>> Related Post: How to Study a Boring Subject

This reason for asking for an extension on a paper needs to be flagged very early on.

I’ve granted extensions for this extension excuse, but usually only when students let me know in the first week or two of the semester.

The trick here is to show:

• That the vacation was booked well in advance and was not intended to interfere with the course;
• That you really want to complete the course this semester in order to meet a personal goal.

Your personal goal might be to have graduated by a certain date, before your child starts (or finishes) school, or in order to qualify for an internship in a Master’s program that has an application deadline of a specific date.

If you show you’re ambitious and taking your studies seriously, this excuse will go down well.

Teachers don’t always grant this one, so be prepared to be told that your extension is not granted. Your teacher might insist that you submit it before you head off on your vacation, or simply deny the extension.

Something else you need to take into account is that you’re admitting you might miss some classes as well.

It might be worthwhile pointing out that your intention is to complete the weekly readings or tasks in advance of heading off on vacation.

One time when I don’t grant extensions for pre-planned vacations is when the vacation clashes with group work assessments. Your chances are higher if your vacation isn’t putting anyone else out.

Good luck with this one!

5. Computer Issues

This extension excuse gets eye rolls.

Blaming technology issues is a cliché excuse that teachers tend not to take too seriously.

It’s used too often and we expect that more often than not it’s a lie rather than a genuine problem.

If you want to get sympathy for this excuse, provide evidence. Here are some valuable forms of evidence, in order from best to worst:

• A receipt or quote from a computer repairman that contains the current date;
• Evidence you’ve been to see the university’s IT department to see if your data can be recovered;
• A photograph of the broken computer equipment.

Your teacher may even expect you to provide a backup of earlier drafts. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of saving your assignments onto a personal internet cloud like Google OneDrive. Personally, I email drafts to myself to ensure I have regularly saved versions.

You should also expect that your teacher will inform you that the university computers are there, available for you to use.

It’s a good idea to get ahead of this response by letting your teacher know you’ve set aside some time to use the university computers to get back on track.

6. You’re a Carer

>>>Related Post: How to Impress your Professor

Something that has blown me away as a university teacher is just how many students care for their chronically sick or disabled parents, partners or children.

Carers are, frankly, inspiring people, and you’ll get sympathy from your teacher.

I’d recommend letting your teacher know in advance about your situation.

The best way to do this is to ask your student advisor or the course leader to give your teacher a heads-up on this one. Most universities these days assign student advisors to each student for support on issues like this.

Most universities also have a course leader who takes care of a specific degree program or major. If you know who this is, get in touch with them asap and let them know your situation.

Ask them to let your teachers know that you’re a carer which may mean you need special consideration.

Contact the teacher personally towards the start of the semester. Talk to them in person after the first class, or if you’re a distance learner, send them an email early on.

These early emails help to prime your teacher for when you ask for an extension.

If you haven’t informed the teacher of the situation, I’d recommend talking to them in person as soon as possible, telling them what your situation is, and asking for some additional time on your assessment.

As always, some form of evidence of your situation is really helpful. Doctors, social workers, or other support networks should be able to write a letter for you that you can pass on to your teacher.

There are two illnesses that I hear about the most. It’s either your child who’s been sick or you who’s been sick. Let’s take them in order:

1. Your Child’s Sick.

The ‘My Child’s been Sick’ excuse is one that I get a lot, but also one that I usually find believable.

One reason it’s so believable is that often five or six of my students who are parents will come to me explaining that an illness is going around the school.

It’s also an excuse that is easy to sympathize with. Children take up a lot of time, and with many of my students being single parents, I understand that children come first.

This is one that crops up late, but as usual, try to ask for an extension at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the submission deadline.

A letter from a doctor goes a long way here but is not always necessary. If you can’t get a letter from a doctor, copy in some evidence that your child has taken the last few days off school. Attach a copy of your sick note to the school when you email your university professor .

2. You’re Sick.

If it’s you who has been sick, a note from a doctor is usually expected. It also requires some advance warning. If you got sick 6 days before the due date, why did you only email your teacher on the day it was due?

If you didn’t give advance warning, it looks pretty bad.

Similarly, if you got sick 3 days before the due date, what have you already done? Shouldn’t you just have finishing touches to do with 3 days to go?

Therefore, when you contact the teacher, you should also attach your most recent draft. You need to say:

• This is what I’ve done;
• This is what I had planned to do in the next 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 days before submission;
• This is why I’m so sick that I can’t do it.

So remember, if you’ve been sick, the two key things to include are:

• A doctor’s note to prove it’s true;
• Your latest draft to show you’ve not left it to the last minute.
• A List of Late Homework Excuses
• 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

8. There was a Death in the Family

This is the most common reason for extension requests. Let me be clear: every teacher is bamboozled that there seems to be a spike in the deaths of grandmas whenever assessments are due.

We’re skeptical about this one, to say the least.

If you’re going to use this extension excuse, evidence is a must. Teachers understand that this is a sensitive topic. I’ve accepted a range of evidence for this one, though. This includes:

• Notice of death in the local newspaper;
• A scan of the booklet of funeral proceedings;
• A letter or receipt from a funeral home;
• A copy of the flight to or from the funeral location.

This is obviously a very sensitive issue, and it’s pretty sad that people abuse this reason. Teachers don’t want to offend you: but they also need to know you’re not pulling the wool over their eyes.

Another worrisome point for this excuse is that often the death occurred a month or more before the assessment is due.

Be prepared for your teacher to say: okay, there was a death a month ago. What have you done in the month since the funeral on your work?

If you’re going to use this reason, explain how it’s caused hardship (failure to focus, busy making funeral arrangements, travel to funerals, etc.). You also must think about how you can provide clear evidence that this death did, in fact, happen.

Related: How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

9. You have a Learning Disability

If you have a learning disability, you need to tell your university in advance. There’s really no other way around this one.

Nearly every university these days has support plans for students with learning disabilities .

The most common one is dyslexia . This is the condition in which students struggle with accurate and speedy reading and spelling. It can make university really tough, but universities try to be accommodating for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Other common personal issues that can qualify for extensions include common migraines and issues with concentration.

Talk to a student advisor at the university about how to get a diagnosis if you think you’ve got a learning disability. Once you’ve received the diagnosis you’ll be able to get a support plan set up.

Support plans are usually sent straight to your teachers at the start of the semester. However, you should also make yourself known to your teacher at the start of the semester. There are additional benefits to this, including that your teacher will be careful not to ask you to read content out loud in class.

If you haven’t told your teacher already that you have a learning disability, but you still want an extension, you’ll need to get in touch as soon as possible.

Highlight how:

• You have made every effort to ensure you got your work done on time;
• Something has happened (did your migraines flare up recently?) that has prevented you from completing on time.

When you ask for the extension, include the support plan, diagnosis, or doctor’s note to increase your chances of receiving the extension that you requested.

Extensions are commonplace, but you need to state your case. We have provided an outline of exactly how to ask for the extension that you might want to consult if you think you qualify for an extension. This outline explains that you need to take some key steps, including the steps in the infographic below (plus some more!):

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Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Tasks for Canvas™

126 ratings

A better to-do list sidebar for Canvas.

RELOAD CANVAS AFTER INSTALLING NEW: Sync your Gradescope assignments directly to Tasks for Canvas! Ever had trouble finding your weekly assignments? Wish you had a nice progress bar to motivate you to complete everything? Then this extension is for you! The Tasks browser extension for Canvas™ updates the Canvas dashboard sidebar with a convenient todo list to show all of your weekly assignments and track your progress throughout the week. The sidebar includes: - A colorful chart with various rings color coded by course. As you complete your assignments throughout the week, the rings will show your progress! - A better to-do list of all active assignments that are counted in the rings. Each task item has the name, course, type, due date, point value, and link for the assignment. - A list of recent class announcements - The option to create custom task items - The option to filter assignments by course - The option to view rings and assignments from past and future weeks - The option to view completed or incomplete assignments -The option to manually mark assignments as complete This extension also contains an options page accessible from the sidebar where you can customize various aspects of the extension. Notes - Works in Card View, List View, Recent Activity View, and on course pages! - Only courses that have active assignments will be shown - All active assignments that have no submissions and are ungraded are displayed in the to-do list (the section titled 'Unfinished'). - 0-point assignments (i.e. extra credit) are shown in the to-do list but are not counted in the rings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Version History 1.3.10 (4/1/24) - Fixed old Gradescope tasks being synced incorrectly after previous update - Fixed example courses being synced to Gradescope in rare cases 1.3.9 (4/1/24) - Fixed dates overlapping course dropdown on large font sizes - Fixed old Gradescope tasks not appearing 1.3.8 (3/11/24) - New Gradescope integration: automatically sync Gradescope assignments to Tasks for Canvas! - Fixed assignment grades not being rounded 1.3.7 (2/2/24) - Fixed dates overlapping course name in list view for some users - Added tooltips for buttons 1.3.6 (1/14/24) - Fixed announcements not being able to mark complete 1.3.5 (1/9/24) - Fixed custom tasks not showing up under a course - Fixed courses failing to load occasionally 1.3.3 (1/8/24) - Add links to custom tasks - Display grades on completed tab - Instructor mode improvements - Settings changes are immediately reflected in the extension - Colors now update immediately with dashboard cards - Assignments graded zero points don't count as complete - Smoother animations 1.3.2 (10/13/23) - Fixed announcements making rings show up for classes without assignments 1.3.1 (10/12/23) - For instructors, each individual ungraded submission now adds up in rings - Fixed assignments not showing up in rings 1.3.0 (9/23/23) - Redesigned tab bar - New section for class announcements 1.2.9 (7/2/23) - Removed outdated options from options page 1.2.8 (5/4/23) - Fixed sidebar showing on assignments/grades pages sometimes 1.2.7 (5/1/23) - Fixed problem with classes not respecting the chosen theme color - Fixed sidebar not showing when mixed with other extensions 1.2.6 (2/14/22) - Make ungraded assignments an option that can be toggled 1.2.5 (2/11/22) - Create recurring tasks that repeat every week - Ungraded assignments now show up as a task for teachers and TAs! - Redesigned task icons - Fixed error with quizzes not showing up in task list (apologies for inconveniences this may have caused!) 1.2.4 (1/21/22) - Enhanced dark mode support - Fixed error with tasks unable to be marked complete - Fixed course name overflowing dropdown when creating a new task 1.2.3 (1/7/22) - Updated animations and chart graphic - Option to choose a custom theme color - Enabled on all Canvas sites now - Fixed sidebar stuck in the middle of the screen on large screen sizes 1.2.2 (11/29/22) - Added more schools to list - Updated branding and assets - New welcome page on download 1.2.1 (9/5/22) - Added more schools to list 1.2.0 (8/29/22) - Fixed previous and next week arrows not appearing - Faster load times - Sidebar now loads even when no assignments exist in the account - Create custom task items - Revert completed tasks back to unfinished - Tasks marked complete are synced across devices - Option to use a “rolling period” where only tasks due on or after the current day are shown - Confetti! 1.1.1 (12/4/21) - Now works in List View 1.1.0 (9/21/21) - Better compatibility with dark mode extensions - Fixed assignments with no point value displaying as "null" - Fixed next and previous buttons being clickable before load - Assignments can now be manually marked as complete by clicking the x button - New completed items list to view finished assignments and their grading status - Chunked assignment list based on due date (today, tomorrow, etc.), option in settings to enable/disable - Option to show/hide locked assignments - Button to go to settings page from the sidebar - Redesigned settings page ui - New loading animation 1.0.7 (8/30/21) - Downgrade manifest to v2 to be compatible with older versions of Chrome, including those on many school devices. 1.0.6 (8/22/21) - Support for all .edu and some other URLs - Less intrusive loading animation when navigating between weeks - 100kb (38%) size reduction - Minor fixes/optimizations 1.0.5 (3/28/21) - Fixed quiz icon not appearing for LTI quiz assignments 1.0.4 (3/7/21) - Fixed issue that occurred when there were assignments from courses not on the dashboard 1.0.3 (3/6/21) - Locked assignments that were previously submitted/graded are included in rings - Larger dropdown menu 1.0.2 (2/25/21) - Selecting a course from the dropdown now highlights its ring and hides all other rings - Minor fixes 1.0.1 (2/23/21) - Support for Recent Activity View - Only courses with active assignments are now shown in the chart (old behavior is still available in options) - Minor fixes 1.0.0 (2/20/21) - Initial release -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tasks for Canvas™ is an unofficial extension that is unaffiliated with Instructure's Canvas LMS. It is not endorsed or supported officially by any party other than myself. Please use the developer contact information in the Chrome Web Store for support. This extension uses browser storage to save your chosen preferences from the extension's options page. It does not collect or share user data and only communicates with the official, secure Canvas API supported by Instructure.

4.8 out of 5 126 ratings Google doesn't verify reviews. Learn more about results and reviews.

LUIS F May 14, 2024

Layla Simmer May 1, 2024

don't know how people do college without this honestly

Cora Reed Apr 12, 2024

I love this extension, makes everything super easy and convenient.

• Version 1.3.10
• Updated April 2, 2024
• Report a concern
• Size 170KiB
• Languages English (United States)
• Developer Website Email [email protected]
• Non-trader This developer has not identified itself as a trader. For consumers in the European Union, please note that consumer rights do not apply to contracts between you and this developer.

This developer declares that your data is

• Not being sold to third parties, outside of the approved use cases
• Not being used or transferred for purposes that are unrelated to the item's core functionality
• Not being used or transferred to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes

For help with questions, suggestions, or problems, visit the developer's support site

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Assessment Extensions

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If you should find yourself in difficulties and are unable to submit an assignment by the due date, it is important that,  before that due date, you request an extension.

Please note: An extension cannot be granted by the School, through its procedures as set out below,  beyond the end of the assessment and examination period for that trimester . For an extension beyond the end of the examination period, students must apply for a  Special Extension of Time .

An extension of up to 7 calendar days can be granted without supporting documentation (although it may be requested). Most units in the School of HASS, with the exception of honours and reading or project units, use the automated extension tool that allows you to self-register for a 7-day extension via the unit myLearn page for most assessments. In the first instance, please use this extension tool. Where the automated extension tool is not available, please use UNE’s extension application portal .

Please note the extension tool will grant 7-days from the original assessment due date, not from the date that you register for the extension.

An extension beyond 7 calendar days will require supporting documentation. These assessments must be applied for through UNE’s extension application portal .

Please note, that should the extension be for beyond the end of a teaching term’s assessment and examination period, a  Special Extension of Time will be required, that must be applied for through the appropriate forum submitted through AskUNE .

Note: Assignments that have received an extension may be returned with a significantly reduced level of criticism and commentary. If an extension is obtained for the final assignment, it is unlikely that the work will be returned before the examination period. Assignments submitted late without an extension may receive a mark only, without commentary.

Assignments received after the due date  WITHOUT an extension of time having been approved will be penalised.

• Where an assignment is up to 10 calendar days late, a penalty will be imposed of 5% of the total marks for the assessment per day or part thereof. The penalty will accrue on both weekdays and weekends including public holidays (ie. 35% per week).
• An assignment received more than 10 calendar dates late will receive no marks.
• Tasks that are mandatory to submit that are submitted more than 10 days late but within the relevant teaching period will be deemed to have been submitted, although receiving no marks.

Students should be aware that late assignments submitted more than one week late may be returned with a significantly reduced level of, or no, feedback.

Please note that if an extension is obtained for the final assignment, it is unlikely that the work will be returned before the examination.

All coursework assignments must be submitted before the end of the examination period for trimester units unless the student has been granted a Special Extension of Time.

Special Assessments

UNE offers Special Assessments where students are unable to meet assessment requirements under specific circumstances.  The Assessment Guidelines state:

Part D - Special Assessments Due to personal health issues, unforeseen technical issues, unexpected work or family commitments or other extenuating circumstances, a student may: a. have an adverse perfomance in an assessment task or examination; or b. be unable to sit an examinatin or complete an assessment task within the relevant teaching period.

Please read the Assessment Guidelines , Part D, to ensure you apply correctly.

If you are unable to sit your exam or if your performance in the exam was severely affected, you may apply for a Special Examination. This is subject to approval, so it is always best that you attend your examination if you possibly can.

If your circumstances do not merit a Special Examination, you may apply for Special Consideration so that the Unit Coordinator can apply some discretion when marking your paper. If you have not sat/will not sit the exam you MUST apply for a Special Exam.

A student who is enrolled in a unit which is not subject to formal examination, or which the formal examination is the basis of a part of the total assessment, and who has been prevented through illness or other unavoidable circumstances from completing, by the specified date, work which the School considers essential, may seek a Special Extension of Time in which to complete the work. Special Extensions of Time apply to an assignment(s) that is unable to be submitted prior to the last day of the relevant examination period.

Forms for applying for any of these Special Assessments are available on the Forms and Procedures page. You can find them towards the bottom of the list under "s".

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© University of New England, 2024

The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

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Home > myGriffith > Student Review and Appeals > Information sheets and resources > Assignment extensions

What this information sheet covers:

• assignment extension
• when you can and can’t apply
• the application process
• options for review and appeal of an unsuccessful assignment extension application.

What is an assignment extension?

Where you are unable to attempt an assessment item which is not an exam, you may apply for an extension of time to submit the assessment item. This includes case studies, essays and reports.

When can I apply for an assignment extension?

You can apply for an assignment extension if you are unable to complete an assignment by the due date on medical or other grounds (e.g. disability, family or personal circumstances, employment-related circumstances, unavoidable commitments).

When can’t I apply for an assignment extension?

An extension of time is not available for an assessment item for which the opportunity to resubmit has been given.

What is the difference between an assignment extension and special consideration?

Essentially if you are unable to complete an assessment on medical or other grounds, you may apply for an assignment extension. If; however, you have attempted an assessment item, and your performance was seriously affected or you were seriously disadvantaged when the assessment item was attempted, you may apply for special consideration. Please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students for more information on special consideration.

What is the difference between an assignment extension and deferred assessment?

An assignment extension provides additional time for you to complete an assessment item (e.g. case study, essay or report) if you are unable to submit the assessment item by the due date and time. Deferred assessment is awarded where you are prevented from completing the assessment task, such as an exam, on the scheduled date. Please refer to the Assessment Procedure for Students for more information.

How do I apply for an assessment extension?

Submit an assignment extension form online.

For individual assessment items, supporting documentation is not required for extensions up to and including three calendar days, unless you are enrolled in a course through Open Universities Australia (OUA) *. For group assessment, all OUA assessment and extensions greater than three calendar days your application must include appropriate documentation to support the grounds on which you are requesting an extension.

Students registered with Student Disability and Accessibility can apply for assignment extensions on disability grounds for up to and including 10 calendar days without the requirement to provide supporting documentation.

* Note: For students not registered with Student Disability and Accessibility, accumulation of more than three approved extensions for individual assignments of three or less calendar days will trigger the supporting documentation requirement for the remainder of the trimester, after which the count will be reset.

Supporting documentation may include a medical certificate (issued in-person or online), bereavement notice, copy of accident report etc. You can find other forms of appropriate supporting documentation at Assessment Applications . Please note that when applying on medical grounds, the medical certificate must outline the period for which your performance was impacted.

How long do I have to submit my application?

Applications for an assignment extension must be submitted online before the assignment due date.

What is the maximum period of extension I can apply for?

The maximum period an extension will be granted on medical grounds is 14 calendar days.

The maximum period an extension will be granted on disability grounds is 14 calendar days.

The maximum period an extension will be granted for bereavement is 14 calendar days.

The maximum period an extension will be granted for personal safety reasons is 14 calendar days.

The maximum period an extension will be granted for other personal, professional or exceptional circumstances is three calendar days.

What happens after I submit my application?

The application will then either be approved or declined and you will be notified by email of the decision. For applications exceeding three calendar days, you will receive an interim approval of three calendar days before your application undergoes further review by your Course Convenor for the full extension days requested*.

* Note: For students registered with Student Disability and Accessibility this is extended to 10 calendar days.

What if my application for an assignment extension is declined?

Decisions made regarding assignment extensions do not constitute an academic decision under the University’s Student Review and Appeals Policy and Procedures . Therefore, you are not able to seek a review of decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of your application. If you believe your application has been declined in error, contact your Course Convenor or Student Connect .

What if I need to apply for a further extension on an already approved applications?

If you require a further extension on an already approved application, you can now do this via the online application. Documentation will be required to support an additional extension and you cannot exceed the maximum allowable extension period for the reason selected.

Let us know if you have any further enquiries.

Student Connect Further help

Application for assignment extension, deferred examination or special consideration

If you have special circumstances that are impacting on your ability to complete your assessment, you may be eligible to apply for a concession.

Assignment extension

Apply for an assignment extension if special circumstances prevent you from completing your assignment by the due date.

Apply for an assignment extension

Deferred examination

Apply for a deferred examination if you're unable to sit an examination due to medical or other special circumstances. This is available for the end-of-semester examination period or an examination organised by your unit coordinator during the semester (in-semester).

Apply for a deferred examination

Special consideration

Apply for special consideration if you believe your performance in an examination or assignment was adversely affected by medical, compassionate or other special circumstances.

Apply for special consideration

Lodging your application

Start by selecting the link above relevant to your circumstances. You'll be asked to log in to HiQ.

Lodge your application as early as possible.

It may take up to five working days to receive a response to assignment extension or deferred exam applications. You should continue working on your assessment while your application is being processed.

Supporting documentation

All other applications will be processed as normal and will need supporting evidence.

You must provide relevant supporting documentation by scanning or photographing documents and uploading them to your online application form.

Applications won't be processed until your documentation is received.

The original supporting documentation must be available to be produced on request. Medical certificates must make it clear that your doctor thought you were unable to study.

Multiple assessment items

A separate application is required for each assessment item.

Further advice

Check our assignment extension , deferred exam and special consideration advice for full details on applying, including when to apply and requirements for supporting documentation.

How Do I Get an Extension?

If your instructor allows you to ask for extensions in WebAssign , open the assignment and click Request Extension . Customer Support can not help with extension requests.

• Current Students
• Assessment extensions

An assessment extension may be offered if you cannot submit your assessment item due to reasons out of your control such as: 

• Family/ personal

How to apply

Once assessed you will be advised of the outcome of your request (approved or declined) via email.

If declined, you may provide further information and supporting documentation in a new request for consideration.

If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may request a review of decision in accordance with the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure .

Have a question but not sure who to talk to? UniSQ’s support services are in one place with iconnect. Reach out to our iconnect support staff to help you solve issues or point you in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

Welcome to Extension

Extension is a plug-and-play, zero-config, cross-browser extension development tool for browser extensions with built-in support for TypeScript , WebAssembly , React , and modern JavaScript .

Designed with practicity and fast prototyping in mind, running a single terminal command is enough to start developing your extension and requires no extra knowledge to get started.

Create cross-browser extensions with no build configuration.

Create A New Extension

Extension has a default create command that allows you to generate the foundations of your next extension project (see demo above). It also supports templates via --template flag.

For a list of all supported templates, see Templates .

Usage With An Existing Extension

If you have an existing extension which is using a package manager, you can install the Extension package and manually create the scripts used to run your extension. See the demo above or follow these instructions to get it done:

Step 1 - Install Extension as a devDependency

Step 2 - Link your npm scripts with the executable Extension commands

Done. You are all set!

• To develop the extension, run npm run dev .
• To visualize the extension in production mode, run npm run start .
• To build the extension in production mode, run npm run build .
• Learn how to Create Your First Extension .
• Have an idea in mind? Check the built-in Templates available.

🧩 Extension • create cross-browser extensions with no build configuration.