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Because class attendance and course grades are demonstrably and positively related, the University expects students to attend all class sessions of courses in which they are enrolled. Each instructor has the responsibility to determine specific attendance policies for each course taught, including the role that attendance plays in calculation of final grades and the extent to which work missed due to non-attendance can be made up. On the first day of class, each instructor will make available to each student a written statement (in the syllabus) of the specific attendance policy outlining expectations for the student and the process for make-up work for that course. The opportunity to make up exams or other work is at the discretion of the instructor. Excessive absences, defined by the instructor in the course syllabus, may result in a failing grade. At the end of the second week of classes (first week of summer), students who have registered and paid for a class but are reported as never attended will be administratively withdrawn.
Students should be aware that if the University administratively withdraws them due to lack of attendance or non-participation, the amount of financial aid received may be reduced, graduation may be delayed or repayment of aid already received may be required. An administrative withdrawal does not mean students no longer have an obligation to pay any tuition and fees assessed by the University.
International students should be aware that their VISA status may be negatively affected by their failure to attend classes for which they are enrolled.
Faculty must be able to demonstrate student attendance or non-attendance in the first 10 days of class either through electronically recorded means or other means. It is strongly encouraged that faculty track all attendance for the entire semester for all courses. Faculty will be held accountable for documenting the last date of attendance for any student who withdraws or fails a course.
The University encourages instructors not to make attendance a disproportionately weighted component of the final grade. The University expects instructors to be reasonable in accommodating students whose absence from class resulted from:
- participation in University-sanctioned activities and programs;
- personal illness or
- family and/or other compelling circumstances.
Instructors have the right to request documentation verifying the basis of any absences resulting from the above factors. The University encourages students to communicate with the instructor regarding class attendance or in the event there are extenuating circumstances affecting a student’s attendance of which the instructor should be aware.
Because courses are offered in a variety of formats, attendance for the current formats are defined as follows:
- Attendance in a seated or hybrid course is defined as being physically present during the time the course is scheduled to meet.
- Attendance in an online course is defined as active participation in an academic activity.
- Examples of qualifying activities include, but are not limited to, exams, group projects, quizzes, discussion boards, emails of course content to instructors and submitted assignments.
- Simply accessing the course through Blackboard does not constitute attendance in an online course.
Approved by Faculty Senate October 5, 2018
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