Attendance, Absences, or Unsatisfactory Work

Under University policy, students are not authorized to attend class unless they are on the class roll, or have been approved to audit and have paid audit fees. Students are responsible for satisfying the entire range of academic objectives as defined by the course instructor and ensuring that their class work and attendance are satisfactory. Students should understand that attendance policies and procedures vary among instructors and academic units, and they must observe any special attendance regulations stipulated by their college, school, department, program, or instructor. Reasons for acceptable absences may include illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g., judging trips, field trips, professional conferences), military obligations, severe weather conditions, and religious holidays.

Students also should be excused for participation in official University-sponsored activities, such as music performances, athletic competition, or debate. Students chosen for such events, including intercollegiate athletics, band, choir, and academically related programs, shall be listed on a Program Verification form. Program Directors shall provide each student with a copy of this form. It is the student’s responsibility to present a copy of this form to the faculty member(s) responsible for the class from which the student will be absent. This verification is to be provided prior to the class period when possible and no later than the first class following the event. A copy of the form listing students selected to represent the University and signed by the Program Director shall be filed with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (FC 155). If further verification is needed, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (FC 155; 407 823 6960) or, for athletic events only, Academic Services for Student-Athletes, Saber Center 123B; 407 823 3761.

Absences from classes for courtimposed legal obligations (e.g., jury duty and subpoenas) must be excused. The student may offer other sound reasons. When absences threaten a student’s satisfactory completion of a course, the instructor may report the absence to the appropriate Dean of the student’s college/school and may choose to call upon the college/school office to request additional information and insight into the significance of or reason for the absences.