But you never know. I once had a student of mine miss a final exam. She simply never showed up for it. Automatic zero, right? That would teach her to be more organized next time.
So when she asked for a make-up, I asked for details (which I later verified). Her drunken mother had locked her out of the house late on the night before the exam. She roamed the neighborhood until she found a friend who would take her in.
Teachers are not drill sergeants. We are supposed to be firm, and fair. Not push-overs. But not drill sergeants.
His excuse was he’s “bipolar.” That’s a psychological diagnosis and can be treated. If it’s so severe that this student couldn’t get his work done, then by definition he can’t pass the course. Bending the rules to accommodate his situation simply lowers the bar.