Catch up when you’re falling behind

Sort the deadlines that matter, take one small step, and ask for help while you still have options.

Start here

Spend 15 minutes finding your next move

Open your course calendars and list what’s overdue or due in the next seven days. Beside each item, note the date and any deadline you can’t move, such as a group meeting or a quiz that closes automatically. Pick one task to start today and one person to contact if you need help.

Put it into practice

  1. Decide what needs attention first

    Check each course outline for grading weight, late submission rules, and which tasks other people depend on. Give priority to an approaching deadline that carries a meaningful consequence or blocks someone else’s work. Put lower-priority catch-up work on a separate list so it doesn’t take over your next block.

  2. Name what’s making it hard to start

    If the instructions are unclear, write one question you can send. If the task feels too big, define a visible first step, such as copying the assignment criteria into a draft and writing three rough bullets. If work or caregiving leaves no usable block, check the extension process or ask about course options.

  3. Make a plan for the next two days

    Put one or two short blocks on your calendar around commitments you already have. Give each block a finish line, like ‘solve question one’ or ‘send my part to the group’. Leave room for delays and keep the first block short enough to begin.

  4. Send an early message if a deadline may slip

    Check the syllabus for where to ask, then name the task, its deadline, and the specific help or new date you’re requesting. If you have already missed the deadline, ask whether late submission is still possible. Until you hear back, work on what you can and plan around the original deadline.

  5. Reassess after the first block

    Cross off what you did and check which deadline now needs your attention. If a task still feels stuck, choose a different first action or ask a tutor, the writing centre, or the teaching team for targeted help. Keep going to upcoming classes when you can, even while older work is unfinished.

Two deadlines and a week of missed reading

It’s Wednesday, your group needs two slides on Thursday, and your individual paper is due Friday. Use your first 25 minutes to outline and send the slides so your group can continue. Check the paper’s late policy and, if needed, send a specific extension request today while starting your outline. Use the course objectives to decide which missed reading to return to after the immediate deadlines.

Ask about an extension or a late submission

Hi [name], I’m writing about [assignment] in [course], due [date]. I’ve completed [brief progress], and my next step is [specific action]. Would it be possible to submit by [realistic date], or should I follow another process for late work? Thank you, [your name].

When to bring in campus support

If several courses are affected, bring your deadlines and course outlines to academic advising. Ask about the dates and consequences of dropping a course, requesting a deferral, or changing your course load before deciding. If health, disability, financial pressure, or caregiving is disrupting your term, ask student services which supports apply to your situation.

See more support options

Resources to go further