Attendance

Policy: Student attendance in all classes is expected. Teaching and learning is a reciprocal process involving faculty and students. Faculty members have an expectation of meeting classes on a regular basis and students have an obligation to attend classes on a regular basis. Faculty determine the specific attendance policy for courses under their direct supervision and instruction. Attendance procedures must be stated in written form and distributed to students at the beginning of each semester. If attendance is required and will impact grading, this expectation will be included in the syllabus.

Absence due to personal reasons

Any exceptions to the faculty member’s written attendance policy due to verified medical reasons, death of family member or significant other, or verified extenuating circumstances judged acceptable by the instructor or the institution, will be honored. Such exceptions must be communicated and negotiated between the student and faculty member prior to the absence whenever possible.

Absence due to approved university-sponsored trips

Faculty and administration will honor officially approved absences where individuals are absent in the interest of officially representing the University. These are considered officially “excused absences.” A single trip can not keep students away from classes more than five (5) consecutive class days. Students must present the completed approved trip absence card to the faculty member prior to the trip to have an official “excused absence.” Faculty members are not required to honor incomplete cards.

Students with official “excused absences”

Students with excused absences will be given appropriate make up work and equivalent opportunities for obtaining grades as students who were in attendance. Students with official “excused absences” are not to be penalized in course progress or evaluation. However, should excused absences be excessive, the faculty member may recommend withdrawal from the courses or a grade of incomplete.

Mediation on absence

Arrangements should be negotiated with the faculty member. If this is not possible the students goes to the department head and dean in that order. The student may contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs if conflict is not resolved at these levels.