Managing Deadline Extensions

Flexibility Starts with Structure

One common misconception about flexibility is that it means chaos or unpredictability. On the contrary, research shows that structure is the foundation of equitable flexibility. Regan Gurung, a psychology professor at Oregon State University, noticed that relying on students to request extensions often benefited those confident in navigating academic systems, potentially disadvantaging first-generation students or those from marginalized groups. To address this, he implemented a structured system: a 24-hour buffer on all assignments, with a simple Google form for students to request two-day extensions.This process leveled the playing field by ensuring that all students had access to extensions without needing to navigate complex or intimidating conversations.

Similarly, Raechel Soicher, an instructor in the School of Psychological Science, uses a Google form available in her course menu, for longer extensions. The form allows students to propose a new due date (within one week of the original deadline) and answer a few follow-up questions about their needs, such as whether they would benefit from additional resources like tutoring or counseling.

A Universal Grace Period 

Mark Sarvary, who teaches a large introductory biology course at Cornell University, faced a flood of extension requests each semester. To address this, Sarvary introduced a dual-deadline system. Assignments had an “ideal” deadline and an extension deadline with no penalties. Most students continued submitting work by the ideal deadline, but the extended deadline significantly reduced anxiety for those facing challenges.

Rethinking Late Penalities

The debate over late penalties often boils down to one question: Do they actually motivate students? For many educators, the answer is no. Amy Hasinoff, an Assistant Professor in the communication department at the University of Colorado Denver, eliminated late penalties in her courses after realizing they caused more harm than good. “Research shows that people who procrastinate aren’t, as many believe, lazy or lacking self-control. Instead, they need better skills for managing negative emotions. If that’s the case, the threat of a late penalty might be counterproductive.”


Instead of penalizing late work, Hasinoff focused on creating incentives for timely submissions, such as offering faster feedback or allowing students to revise assignments submitted on time. The result? Most students still met deadlines, and those who didn’t were able to submit higher-quality work when they were ready.

Empowering Students With Choice

One way to balance flexibility and accountability is to give students more control over their deadlines. Michael Ekstrand, a computer science professor at Boise State University, uses “late-day passes” to manage extensions which allowed students to extend assignment deadlines without needing to provide a reason. Each student received six passes per semester, each granting a 24-hour extension. This approach allows students to prioritize their workloads without needing to justify their requests. Ekstrand also noted that the system shifted the tone of deadline management from punitive to supportive.

Tools for Managing End-of-Semester Crunch

Instructors often feel the weight of grading during the semester’s final stretch. Tools like SpeedGrader and Gradescope can help lighten the load:

  • Anonymous Grading: SpeedGrader and Gradescope both allow you to hide student names, ensuring grading fairness.

  • Rubrics: Both platforms support rubric-based grading, making feedback more consistent and transparent.

  • Horizontal Grading: Gradescope enables grading by question, ensuring consistency across responses.

Final Reflections: Supporting Students—and Yourself

Balancing flexibility with structure isn’t easy, especially during the semester’s final weeks. But, whether it’s using tools to streamline grading or adopting a grace period, small changes can make a big difference. As you navigate these final weeks, don’t forget to extend some grace to yourself, too. Your well-being is just as important as the success of your students.