The course instructor decides whether to require class attendance and what attendance policy to set. However, instructors are encouraged, particularly in lower division courses:
- to set a definite policy for attendance
- to publish the policy in the course syllabus
- to enforce the policy consistently and firmly.
If an instructor's absence policy differentiates between excused and unexcused absences, it should clearly describe what an excused absence is and how it is to be documented or verified by the student. The instructor should keep a record of which absences are excused and why.
Instructors have the option of enforcing a grade penalty for excessive absences and/or dropping the student from the course. The number of absences that the instructor will allow before these penalties are enforced should be specifically described in the instructor's absence policy.
Instructors are reminded that in order to enforce a grade penalty or to drop a student for excessive absences, the instructor must take attendance regularly and keep an accurate attendance record for all students. Otherwise, penalties for excessive absences may not be upheld if the student appeals the instructor's actions.
Excessive absence forms for dropping students who exceed the allowed number of absences may be acquired from the department secretary; the instructor sends the completed form to the Registrar's office.
Grade reports will reflect drops according to these general deadlines:
- By Week 3. Students dropped from a class for excessive Absences by the third week of the term do not receive a grade report for the class.
- Between Weeks 3 and 11. Students dropped between the third week and the eleventh week of the term will receive either a WP or a WF.
- After Week 11. After the eleventh week of the term, students who exceed the allowed number of absences may not be dropped and will be assigned an F (or NC in composition classes) on the final grade report, unless they have withdrawn from the University altogether.
Instructors should check the University Calendar each term to identify the specific deadlines for the above class-drop restrictions.
