Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy for Lecture Classes

Rationale

Central to the mission of Monroe College is the provision of career-focused higher education that prepares a diverse student body for positions in a wide range of professional work settings. Our educational approach is personal and hands-on.  Interaction among students and faculty in our classrooms supports the development of knowledge and skills for academic success and professional development.  Therefore, consistent attendance, punctuality, and active participation are highly valued.  The practices and guidelines outlined in this policy intend to support those values.  Inquiries related to this policy should be directed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Documented Absences

The College understands that situations arise that may interfere with attendance and are beyond the control of the student.  These include, but are not limited to, medical emergencies for the student or members of their family, an important legal obligation, military deployment, job-related obligations, or the unfortunate passing of a loved one. In such cases, a student may provide timely documentation for the related absence to the Office of Academic Affairs, which will review the circumstances and record the absence as “documented” when warranted (denoted on the student’s attendance record with a “D”).   The student will be permitted and encouraged to make up any missed exams or assignments.

Sanctioned Absences

Occasionally, a student may miss a class because he or she is representing the College or their School at a conference, an academic or athletic competition, or a co-curricular event. These valuable experiences enhance student learning and achievement. In such cases, the Office of Academic Affairs records the absence as “sanctioned” (denoted on the student’s attendance record with an “S”). The student will be permitted and encouraged to make up any missed exams or assignments.

Absence Guidelines

For undergraduate lecture classes, the College has set the following guidelines for absences that are neither sanctioned nor documented:

• Online/Module classes:  two absences
• Classes that meet once per week: two absences
• Classes that meet two or more times per week: four absences

At the discretion of the professor, students who exceed the above number of absences may have up to 10 points deducted from their overall course grade.

Lateness/Leaving Class Early

Students who arrive to class 10 minutes after the start time are recorded as late and those who leave before the class is dismissed are recorded as having left early.  At the discretion of the professor, a certain combination of lateness or early departures may be counted as an absence.  The professor’s policy is stated in the course syllabus.

NOTE:  Clinical and lab courses have more stringent attendance and punctuality policies that are included in the course syllabus.