Centenary University Approved Attendance Guidelines
Centenary University Attendance Guidelines
Students are expected to attend punctually all class meetings (on-ground and/or virtual), laboratory sessions, and field experiences and to participate in all class assignments and activities as described in course syllabi. Absences are counted from the first-class meeting after the student registers. Students registering late are expected to make up all missed assignments in a manner determined by the instructor.
It is the student's responsibility to complete all course requirements even if a class is missed. Instructors are expected to provide students reasonable opportunities to make up their course work if class is missed for the following reasons:
1. Participation in university-sponsored activity*
2. Documented illness
3. Death or critical illness of a family member or loved one
4. Jury duty/Court date
5. Military duty
6. Observed religious holidays
*may include athletic competitions (games), class field trip or research trip, academic or board committee meeting, presentation at a conference, performance in a production if associated with major or course
Students taking online or hybrid courses are expected to engage with all course activities, assignments, and sessions as outlined in the syllabus. Failure to participate in required activities within the specified time noted in the syllabus will result in an absence for that day/session.
After reviewing the syllabus at the beginning of the semester, students should discuss anticipated absences with their instructors, providing documentation in advance where possible. In the case of unexpected absences, documentation must be provided as soon after the absence as possible. Students should be aware that excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may affect their ability to earn a passing grade.
The instructor of each class may establish specific attendance and make-up work expectations in their course syllabus. The policies must not conflict with the university attendance guidelines contained herein. Class attendance may be a criterion in determining a student’s final grade in the course if the instructor provides a statement to this effect in the course syllabus. Faculty are under no obligation to make special provisions for students absent for reasons other than those listed above or in cases where acceptable documentation was not provided. In cases where graded classroom activities cannot be replicated and the student has not exceeded the maximum number of allowable absences outlined in the course syllabus, the faculty should consider providing an alternative graded assignment that meets the learning outcomes of the original assignment to that student as a substitute activity.
If a student develops a pattern of excessive absence for any reason, including those noted above, the faculty should advise the student to talk with their advisor who will assist them in identifying the best resource to assist them. Students who miss the maximum allowable number of courses/sessions as outlined in the course syllabus may be withdrawn by the professor or encouraged to withdraw themselves. If multiple courses are being missed excessively, the student should withdraw from all courses for the semester(s) until the situation impacting the absences is resolved (note- this may mean taking a leave of absence). Should withdrawal occur before the official University withdrawal date, the transcript will indicate “W”. If the withdrawal occurs after the official withdrawal date, the transcript will reflect an “F”.
If special accommodations are needed due to a documented disability (temporary or permanent) or learning difference, students should seek assistance from the Disabilities Services Office (DSO). No accommodation should be put in place for a student without proper documentation from the DSO.