What to Reply When a Group Project Member Isn't Contributing
Dealing with an uneven group project workload can be frustrating, especially when grades are on the line. This situation gives you firm, professional, and calm ways to address a non-contributing group member.
Use these when
- When a group project member is falling behind or not contributing
- When you want to address it directly without a big conflict
- When you're setting clear expectations and deadlines
Skip these if
- Don't do their part for them repeatedly without addressing it
- Don't let it go unaddressed until the deadline is at risk
- Avoid embarrassing them in front of the whole group unnecessarily
12 replies to choose from
I need you to complete your part by the agreed deadline.
We need everyone to contribute fairly for this to work.
Can we sync up on where you're at with your section?
Let's make sure everyone's tasks are clearly assigned and tracked.
I noticed your part hasn't been submitted yet, is everything okay?
Let's check in on how things are progressing with your section.
This grade affects all of us, so I need everyone to pull their weight.
We can't move forward until your part is finished.
Where are you at with your section?
We need your part completed soon.
Please send your part soon.
We need this finished by tomorrow.
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How do I address a non-contributing group member?
- Check in directly and calmly, setting a clear deadline for their part.
- What if they still don't contribute after being asked?
- It may be worth involving your instructor if the deadline is genuinely at risk.
- Should I just do their part myself?
- It's better to address the issue directly first rather than enabling the pattern by doing it yourself.
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