|
Class Attendance
Students are obligated to complete all assigned work promptly, to attend class regularly, and to participate in whatever class discussion may occur.
Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences. It is of particular importance that a student who anticipates absences in excess of 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions receives prior approval from the instructor before the last day to change schedule as published in the academic and refund calendars on the registrar’s Web site (http://registrar.sc.edu/).
It must be emphasized that the “10 percent rule” stated above applies to both excused and unexcused absences. Faculty members should notify classes, specifically in the course syllabi, the attendance policy which they intend to follow in each class. It is also recommended that the faculty include a policy statement in their syllabi requesting students to meet with the instructor early in the semester to discuss the consequences of potential excessive absences due to participation in University-sponsored events.
Faculty should consider the following events or circumstances as potentially excusable absences:
• participation in an authorized University activity (such as musical performances, academic competitions, or varsity athletic events in which the student plays a formal role in a University sanctioned event)
• required participation in military duties
• mandatory admission interviews for professional or graduate school which cannot be rescheduled
• participation in legal proceedings or administrative duties that require a student’s presence
• death or major illness in a student’s immediate family
• illness of a dependent family member
• • religious holy day if listed on www.interfaithcalendar.org
• illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class
• weather-related emergencies
The Student Ombudsperson in the Division of Student Affairs is available to assist faculty members with obtaining or verifying documentation when necessary. The faculty member has complete discretion regarding the specific nature of any accommodation offered in the event of an excused absence. Students should notify faculty members at least two weeks prior to the absence when possible. In all cases, students must contact the faculty member to request an accommodation upon return to class. |