Attendance & Absence Notifications

Class Attendance

College policy states that regular attendance at classes is expected of all students, regardless of whether attendance is a factor in a student's grade for a particular course. If attendance is used to compute the final grades for the course, that fact must be reflected in the course syllabus. For courses requiring a final exam, students are required to attend the exam, on the day and time scheduled by the Registrar’s Office.

Notification Policy

  1. A student who is absent from classes for illness, a family emergency, a death in the family, military service, jury duty, or other legitimate reasons must notify their instructors. A calendar of annual religious or other recognized holidays provided by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion will serve as notice to all faculty for students absent due to religious or cultural observance. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain communication with the instructor concerning class absences. If the number of absences affects the student’s grade or the instructor has a specific concern, the instructor should complete a Finish Line Report to the student outlining in detail their concerns and actions to be taken. In cases where a student has been absent for a high-stakes event such as a midterm exam, for 2 or more consecutive class meetings, or 1 class meeting for accelerated weekend classes or classes that meet once-per-week, faculty may require students to obtain absence notification through the Dean of Students prior to determining the impact of absences on the student’s progression in the course. Faculty members should develop policies in consultation with their respective departments for excusing students who miss classes or coursework for reasons beyond their control and should inform students about these policies, including options, if any, for submitting missed assignments. The department attendance policies should be consistent with relevant accreditation, program, or college requirements. Such specific attendance policies supersede the College’s general attendance policy and must be published and accessible to the student.
  2. Student absences due to participation in institutionally approved events such as intercollegiate athletics, theatrical or musical performances, academic conference, and study away or field trips must be verified by the event’s sponsor (e.g., coach or faculty member). Participation in such events does not constitute an automatic excused absence from classes. The instructor may require student attendance if, in the context of the course, this appears to be in the student’s best interest, based on the student’s academic standing and current performance in the course. In any case, the student is responsible to inform the instructor in writing of an anticipated absence at the start of the semester or the official start of each athletic/performance season. Students are responsible for making up any classwork missed for a verified absence.

To submit details and request and request notification to your faculty, go here: Absence Notification Form