Because class attendance and course grade 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 of the specific attendance policy for that class. 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: (1) participation in University-sanctioned activities and programs; (2) personal illness; or (3) family and/or other compelling circumstances. Instructors have the right to request documentation verifying the basis of any absences resulting from the above factors. Any student who believes that his or her final grade for a course has been reduced unfairly because of attendance factors has the right to appeal that grade under the process outlined below.
The process of grade appeal based upon attendance factors is intended to render a timely and peer-based judgment and is outlined as follows:
1The Attendance Appeal Board will consist of five members as follows: The Board Chair will be the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee. The Vice President for Student Affairs will also select one faculty member from among those serving on the Faculty Student Judicial Commission and three students from among those serving as Justices on the Campus Judicial Board.
Students are not automatically dropped for non-attendance. Failure to properly drop or withdraw will result in F grade(s) and a continued financial obligation.