Q: Before you actually ask your professor, read over the class syllabus and any other course policies. Sometimes professors will say if they automatically grant extensions, are willing to consider them in certain circumstances, or have a no-extension policy. Knowing what your professor’s rules are, and what they’re willing to do, will help you phrase your request correctly. A serious illness, like the flu, is a reasonable cause to ask for an extension. You don’t have to go into great detail about your illness; most professors won’t want to hear about this. Be aware that some professors to ask for a doctor’s note or other evidence, evident. Keep it simple. For example: “Professor Thompson, I came down with a bad flu over the weekend and need more time to work on my paper. Could I have an extension please? I’d be happy to show you documentation from the University Health Services." If there is a death or grave illness in the family, or some other unexpected hardship, this is a good reason to ask for a paper extension. Many professors would be willing to grant extensions in genuine cases of personal emergencies, but don’t abuse this possibility.  Try something like "Dear Professor Thompson, I'm sorry to say that last night my great Aunt Maude passed away. I'm with my family right now and will be attending the funeral. I was planning on completing my paper for your class tomorrow, but given the circumstances, could I ask for a two-day extension?" A professor may or may not ask for some kind of documentation of the emergency, so don’t go this route if you’re unable to back up your story. Professors understand that you may be taking several classes at once, and have other things going on in your life as well. Sometimes you need an extension because you are overloaded. It’s worth trying to ask for one if this is the case. Stress that you need this kind of extension to write a good paper, e.g. “I’m requesting an extension because I’m overloaded with three exams all taking place on the day the paper is due. I want to do well on this paper and give it the attention it deserves, and another day or two would really help.” A group of students could collectively ask a professor for an extension if they all have an exam or other commitment that is taking away from the time they need to spend on a paper. If several people all ask a professor for an extension, it can be more convincing than asking on your own. Say something like “Professor Thompson, 7 of us in your class are also enrolled in CHEM 220, and we have an exam on the same day the paper is due. Could we have a one-day extension so we can have enough time to write strong papers?” Whatever your reason for asking for an extension, don’t wear your professor down with endless explanations. Just get straight to the point, ask why you need an extension, and thank your professor for considering. If you need an extension because you caused yourself to get behind in your schoolwork, accept responsibility and ask for the extension anyway. Most professors will appreciate the honesty.
A: Double-check your course’s policies. Show evidence if you say you are sick. Be honest about personal emergencies. Let your professor know if you are swamped with work. Go the strength in numbers route. Keep it simple.

Q: Sometimes a stiff neck is a symptom of a deeper problem, just as a slipped disc in your spine or a pinched nerve. This type of injury may not go away on its own. If you have been experiencing stiffness for more than a few days, call the doctor to find out if you need medical attention. Your doctor might administer an anti-inflammatory injection.  Cortisone injections can be given directly at the site of the stiffness and they will reduce inflammation of the neck, which may be contributing to stiffness. A stiff neck can be caused by extreme tension in the body, often as a result of the buildup of anxiety. If you think your anxiety is contributing to a stiff neck, you might want to visit a doctor or counselor to talk about treating anxiety. Having a stiff neck is one of the primary symptoms of meningitis, a serious bacterial illness that causes swelling around the brain.  A stiff neck may also indicate that you are having a heart attack. Get immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:  A fever. Vomiting and nausea. Difficulty touching your chin to your chest. Chest pain or pain in the left arm. Dizziness. If you have trouble sitting up, standing, or walking, see a doctor immediately.
A:
See a doctor if you have pain that won't go away. Check your anxiety level. Get medical attention if you notice severe symptoms.