[astockwell]

This is probably the right answer. Similar to "dont fight the police on the street, fight them in court". Can even quiet-quit during the project if you need to.. software can take an awfully long time to build..

Also, track your time during the work. And keep all correspondance. Paper trail, paper trail, paper trail.

[Over2Chars]

Yes, very clever. Have them deliver the diploma while you deliver the software... ever...so...slowly... and then, charge for consulting fees to make it work after you graduate!!!!