Class absences seriously disrupt progress in a course and visibly diminish the quality of classroom interaction. There is also a close relationship between the number of absences and a student’s final grade. Our data shows that 80% of students who miss the first day of class fail or withdraw from the course. Although an occasional absence may be unavoidable, it in no way excuses students from meeting the requirements of the course. Students are responsible both for completing any work missed and for preparing for the next class. An instructor may allow full credit, partial credit, or no credit at all for work completed late. Course Outlines specify the instructor’s attendance policy.
Attendance
Lewis & Clark is an institution that is not required to take attendance, however; faculty maintain class attendance independently. Attendance rosters in Colleague are accessible to instructors at the 25% point of each term.
Instructors flag courses for students who
- Never began attendance in one or more courses; or
- Attended class for one or more sessions but ceased attending.
Once a student’s record has been flagged, an automated process places a restriction on the student’s record to prevent disbursement of aid until class attendance is resumed and verified. Nonattendance notifications are sent to students listing the courses that were flagged and the necessary steps to clear their records for disbursement of aid. Students consult with their instructors to resolve absentee issues.
In addition, Academic Advising staff monitor nonattendance flags and contact students to discuss their reasons for nonattendance and ways for them to get back on track.
Leave of Absence
Upon notification that a student’s absence will be prolonged, the Dean of Liberal Arts, in collaboration with the Dean of Student Experience, will counsel the student on the student’s options regarding withdrawing or resuming attendance.