POLICY ON STUDENT ABSENCES
AMP 232
APM 232-1
October 12, 2023
A student’s first responsibility is to attend class and learn. Hence, the University expects students to attend all classes for which they are enrolled. This APM sets the rules under which student absences may, or may not, be justified, and how faculty should act upon unplanned and planned student absences. Instructors may establish specific attendance regulations and make-up work policies governing their classes and must provide them to their students at the beginning of the semester in their syllabi (See APM 241). When a student can anticipate increased demands on their time, the student must judiciously schedule courses.
Authorizing Student Absences
Unplanned student absences
Unplanned student absences should be authorized when the student has a short-term
(up to a week of classes, during a normal 15 week semester)1 serious and compelling
reason2 that prevents them from attending class.3, 4 Faculty should make every reasonable
effort to accommodate the student via suitable make up work or some mutually agreed
upon arrangement. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor as soon
as possible and providing documentation supporting the reason for the absence. Missed
papers, tests and/or homework assignments should be completed by a date agreed upon
by both the faculty member and the student.
5When a student is absent for an extended time period (over a week of classes), a
viable make-up plan may not be feasible; in some extreme circumstances, other actions
such as dropping the class or withdrawing from the University for serious and compelling
reasons may be appropriate. Students should consult their academic advisors before
making drastic decisions like these.
1 For shorter semesters (e.g., summer school) logical equivalents will be determined.
2 A “serious and compelling reason” is defined as an unexpected condition that is
not present prior to enrollment in the course that unexpectedly arises and interferes
with a student’s ability to attend class meetings and/or complete course requirements.
The reason for the absence must be acceptable to and verified by the instructor of
record.
3 In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, absences must
be authorized for pregnancy and related conditions.
4 In accordance with Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and
Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, Section 1018. (G). (i), and (ii), absences must be authorized for military service related activities.
5 If an agreement cannot be reached, the Department Chair should mediate discussion.
Absences for University-sponsored activities
Faculty have the obligation to limit both class activities/assignments and official University-sponsored activities/events that require a student to miss other classes. Student absences for University-sponsored activities6 should be authorized7 only when: (1) the event is sponsored by the University; (2) the student represents the University at the event; and (3) the student provides written documentation of points one and two to the instructor at least one week prior to the event8. In anticipation of authorized absences due to University-sponsored activities, accommodations should be made so that the student can submit their work to the instructor prior to or immediately following the absence; this includes papers, tests, and/or homework assignments as determined by the faculty member.
Make-Up Work Policy
Faculty policies on attendance and make-up work must be clearly stated on the course syllabus and consistently applied (see APM 241). Faculty are expected to allow make-up work for authorized student absences, provided the necessary accommodations are not unreasonable.9 Moreover, the number of authorized absences during the semester and provided make-up work should be accomplished without substantial additional cost in time or resources to the academic department or the instructor. It must be recognized that not all learning activities and exercises during class times and laboratory periods can be replicated; in such cases, students are at risk when they are absent.
Recommended by Academic Senate Approved by the President
May 2004 March 09, 2020
August 23, 2004 March 23, 2020
October 24, 2022 November 8, 2022
October 9, 2023 October 12, 2023
6 Examples of student absences due to University-sponsored activities include, but
are not limited to, artistic performances sponsored by university performance ensembles
or artistic groups in which the student performs; athletic events in which the student
competes; field trips or competitions sponsored through an academic program, and attendance
at regional or national conferences.
7 Extra-curricular activities associated with campus student organizations/clubs that
are not part of an academic program do not qualify as authorized, university-sponsored
event absences under this policy.
8 This timeline is waived for the first week of instruction in any academic term.
9 In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, faculty must permit
students to make up coursework if students failed to complete the assignments due
to pregnancy and related conditions.
This PDF is provided as a print-only reference document and may not be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. For more information, please visit Title II Rule on Digital Accessibility page.