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 College 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

Students may request documentation from the College to assist in communicating with their professors about absences. Unless otherwise indicated by the issuing party, the provision of any of the items below does not automatically excuse the student from missed class or work:

1. Participation in College-sponsored events or activities, such as conferences or field trips: Requires the College Sanctioned Absence Form signed by the supervising faculty or staff member.
2. Participation in Athletics matches: Student athletes are expected to obtain an Academic Conflict Notice from their coach and discuss any anticipated absences with their faculty at the start of each athletic season.
3. Disability accommodations: Students should communicate directly with Director of Student Accessibility Services and their faculty to determine coverage under any approved accommodations.
4. Title IX modifications: Students should communicate work directly with Title IX Coordinator and the faculty to determine coverage under any approved modifications.
5. Care Team interim restrictions: Faculty will receive notification regarding absences due to interim restrictions directly from the designated member of Care Team. Faculty will also receive notification directly from Care Team when the interim restriction is lifted. 
6. Religious holidays: A calendar of annual religious or other recognized holidays provided by the Home of Unity and Belonging will serve as notice to all faculty for students

In significant circumstances involving illness, bereavement, military service, legal obligations, or safety issues, students may request an Absence Verification from the Dean of Students Office. For more information, see the Student Handbook. Documentation is required and will be reviewed before an Absence Verification can be issued. The eligible circumstances and documentation requirements are:

1. Significant or Emergency Medical Concerns
   • Hospitalization or surgery: Discharge summary or hospital admission paperwork. 
   • Serious or highly contagious illness (such as measles): Doctor’s note specifying the condition and recommended absence dates. Routine illnesses (such as cold, flu, COVID-19, stomach bugs) are not eligible without significant extenuating circumstances.
   • Mental health crisis: Letter from a licensed mental health provider indicating the need for absence, discharge summary, or hospital admission paperwork. 

2.  Bereavement
   • Death of immediate family member: Obituary, funeral program, or memorial service card, plus a note on the student’s relationship to the deceased.

3. Military Service
   • Short-term duty or training: Official military orders with service dates.
   • Orders for extended service: Official military orders with service dates. 

4. Legally Required Absences
   • Jury duty or court appearance: Court-issued summons or subpoena.
   • Subpoenaed as a witness or victim: Documentation showing legal obligation and dates.

5. Safety Issues (such as a residence fire, natural disaster, or crime victimization)
   • Evidence of incident, which may come for sources such as police reports, news reports, or statements from involved parties. 

The following types of absences are not eligible for an Absence Verification from the Dean of Students:

• Common or non-emergency illnesses or medical needs such as medical appointments, cold/flu/stomach bug, COVID, strep, etc.
• Personal or family obligations such as vacations, personal trips, weddings, or dependent care.
• Work-related absences such as shift changes, work schedule conflicts, job interviews, or work-related travel.
• Other non-significant, non-emergency circumstances