I agree with honesty. A kid in my class was supposed to come by my office to take a make-up. Sat there 15 mins, a no show. I emailed him and he got back to me and was honest - told me he just completely forgot. I reward that kind of honesty more than the kid who told me he had pink eye but then showed up 2 days later with no redness/puffiness.....nada. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes. That's what college is for!!!