Alanna,
I'm sorry, but I don't think that is a "smiley face" situation. What you are saying is the student is stuck with the failing grade and there is nothing that can be done about it. I am facing a similar situation and I would like to be able to discuss my paper with an instructor. Students benefit best from feedback when they can ask questions. I want to discuss the grading criteria as I feel it does not match what was stated in the assignment.
Is there any way we can contact our instructors to discuss assignments?