Attendance Policy

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Attendance implies that you are physically and intellectually present for the class session. Lateness (except in special situations) will count as a partial absence. You will be required to sign in each class session. In accordance with the English department policy, you are allowed two absences without grade penalty. More than two absences will lower your final grade. More than six absences will result in a failing grade for the course. Attendance is calculated from the date that the course begins—regardless of when you add or begin to attend the course. Please contact me should there be a special situation (such as an extended illness, hardship, or emergency) so that we can best resolve matters.

The English Department Policy on Attendance and Academic Honesty

Attendance: Our classes are communities in which we emphasize the process of learning. In order to create and sustain an environment in which students may participate responsibly and cooperatively in the learning process, regular attendance is essential. The value the English Dept. places on community and process is reflected and supported by the following policy on attendance:

1) Absences: Students are counted absent when they miss a day of class. Absences are counted from the very first day that classes are scheduled to begin, regardless of when an individual student first begins attending class.

2) Undocumented Absences: For a class that meets twice a week, students are allowed two absences. Within these limits, students need present no excuse for their absence, nor will faculty penalize them. It is assumed that undocumented absences will be reserved for emergencies. Students are responsible for assigned work.

3) Documented Absences: Students who miss classes beyond the quota of undocumented absences must give their instructors a reason for their absence. In the case of illness, students must provide written verification. Instructors may request written verification for other reasons as well. Depending on the reason, and verification thereof, instructors may or may not penalize students for absences beyond the quota of undocumented absences (see #2) but not excessive (see #4). Students are responsible for assigned work.

4) Excessive Absences: Students who accumulate excessive absences, for whatever reason, will receive a grade of F in the course. For a class that meets twice a week, six absences are excessive.

5) Extenuating Circumstances: An extenuating circumstance, such as prolonged illness, may cause an extended absence. For students in such extenuating circumstances, instructors may file for a late withdrawal, provided that students present written verification. Specifically, students with an extended absence of six or more days should present instructors with an extended absence card obtained from the Counseling Office (see Student Handbook). Students with an extended absence of fewer than six days should provide instructors with a written verification, such as a doctor's note.

Academic Honesty: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious offenses. Dishonesty in written work will result in a grade of F in the course. In addition, dishonesty is adequate cause for disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs. See the section on "Academic Honesty" in the Student Handbook.