Resources for Instructors
UWP
Policy Statement on
Attendance
Required Policy Statement
Every
syllabus used in the UWP should include the following statement on
attendance:
Attendance
is required. The policy of the University
Writing
Program is that if you miss more than six periods during
the term, you will fail the entire course. The UWP exempts from this
policy only those absences involving university-sponsored events, such
as athletics and band, and religious holidays.
Recommended Policy Statement
It is a good idea to explain the reasons behind your attendance policy
either in class or in your syllabus,
and you are strongly encouraged to create a graduated system of grade
deductions for absences up to the maximum. The example below is adapted
from Brenda Maxey-Billing's syllabus:
Attendance
Because much
of our work depends upon group discussion of the texts
and in-class writing activities, you should plan to attend every class
session. However, you may miss up to three classes without penalty
EXCEPT that you will lose credit for whatever in-class work you miss.
Every absence over the allowed three will reduce your overall grade by
50 points (½ of a letter grade).
IMPORTANT:
Turn in all work by the deadline, even if the deadline falls on a day that you are taking as an allowed absence. Take responsibility for getting any notes, handouts, or assignments that you miss due to absence. Inform me as early as possible in advance if you will miss class due to a university-approved reason (i.e. varsity athletics, etc.). Similarly, you should inform me in advance if you will miss class to observe a religious holiday.
Your first absences (for whatever reason) will count toward your "allowed" ones.
In addition to the instructor's policies above, the policy of the University Writing Program is that if you miss more than six periods during the term, you will fail the entire course. The UWP exempts from this policy only those absences involving university-sponsored events, such as athletics and band, and religious holidays.
Assigned Work Deadlines
You must submit assigned work on the specified due date even if you are absent and even if you are taking one of your allowed absences. Work submitted late, if I choose to accept it, will receive a significant grade deduction.
Special Dispensations
If you have a learning disability, hardship, or other special dispensation approved by the Office of Student Affairs, please meet with me to discuss your requirements as early in the term as possible.
Tardiness
Of
course,
you should come to class on time. If you do arrive late,
please come in as quietly as possible and begin work quickly. (After
class, you must make sure
that I change my attendance record to reflect
that you attended after all.) If you are more than 15 minutes late,
it will count as an absence for the entire class session. In
such a case, however, you may enter the class and receive credit for
in-class work that you complete during the remaining class time.
General Comments
The
detail with which you explain your attendance policy can vary greatly.
The most important thing to keep in mind when expressing your policy in
the syllabus (or in front of your class) is the policy's purpose: to
facilitate your students' learning. In a skills-based
course revolving around classroom
discussions, your students can only learn what
you have to teach if they attend class. If your students know that your
main
goal is to help them succeed, they are likely to understand and accept
your attendance policy.
