What to do if you're having problems managing the class

Although I would strongly suggest students understand and adjust to their true limitations when it comes to effectively managing their courseload, there are always students who want to try up to fill up their time to the absolute limit. For those students, you must understand that I don't adjust the content of my courses to make up for your lack of time, pressures, or inability to secure the resources you need in order to complete my class. 

Although I can't speak to any students in particular, if you know you're going to have issues regarding time, etc. you (the student), will need to find a way to adjust properly. If you do not, please note that your excuses, no matter how valid they are to you, will not change the content of the course or the way I evaluate your work. For many students, this is problematic (perhaps due to some misplaced sense of entitlement or blame displacement), and they will result to post-facto arguments in an effort to have me change my standards for them (or, perhaps, the entire class).

"I really want to learn, but I know I might have some issues with course or time management. Is there anything we can do?"

Perhaps, yes, but I need to know about your issues beforehand, not afterwards, when you're already frustrated because you expected me to somehow psychically sense you needed help or after I've assigned you the low grade that you earned. It's up to the student to propose solutions to their situation (rather than assigning blame to me after the fact). 

For instance, one incredible online student who sensed problems beforehand sent me this incredible e-mail:

Professor Arnold:

Since I tend to keep rather odd hours being a single [parent], etc...would you please e-mail to me the discussion questions for this upcoming week so that I can begin preparing my discussion answers?

In fact (if you do not mind), would you please e-mail to me the questions for the upcoming week, every week on Friday [note: Normally, questions were given out on Sunday night]?  The reason that I ask this is because the weekend is the optimal time for me to devote to you (your class).

Once my Mon-Fri week begins, I find myself too rushed and I would better absorb your information and relay it to you if I could devote my weekends to your studies.  I have essentially two full time jobs; you already know that I am a single mother of two.

I totally understand if this is an ureasonable request.  Please do not fault me for asking.  I want to learn from you...not just take a class that is required.

Many thanks,

[Awesome Student Who Takes Charge of, and Responsibility For, Their Education]

I adjusted the class' structure (not content) slightly in order to assist this student in their studies (I changed it for the entire class, so that this particular student didn't have an unfair advantage). One e-mail was all it took, and this student's issues were resolved to both of our satisfactions.

We won't always be able to find a satisfactory solution--each case is unique and will require separate consideration, but I will, in all honesty, try as hard as I can to make the class work for you given your constraints.