Course Attendance Policy
Attendance is critical to learning and academic success. Consistent attendance by all students benefits everyone and allows class communities to learn in an efficient and productive manner without disruption. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that there are times when a student must miss a class meeting. At Otis College of Art and Design, students will take responsibility for their absences and for meeting assignment requirements and deadlines. Student responsibility and proactivity are valued at Otis College of Art and Design. Students who have requests or accommodations related to a disability or religious observance, please refer to the Disabilities/ADA Policy and the Religious Accommodations Policy within the policies section of the Student handbook.
Students are not expected or required to disclose reasons for their absences.
Student absences are determined to be “excused” or “unexcused” per the following criteria.
- An absence is recorded as “excused” if the student completes and submits course work missed due to an absence.
- An absence is recorded as “unexcused” if the student does not submit course work missed due to an absence.
Each instructor will indicate the accepted timeframe for submitting coursework missed due to an absence on the course syllabus.
Some class meetings or experiences cannot be made up (“excused”), therefore an absence on those dates is automatically recorded as “unexcused.” The instructor determines which and how many class meetings or experiences cannot be made up (“excused”) and indicates them on the course schedule.
Consequences of “Unexcused” Absences:
During the fall and spring semesters, students must not incur more than:
- 3 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets once per week
- 4 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets twice per week
- 5 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets three times per week.
After 2 “unexcused” absences, an Academic Alert will be submitted by the course instructor.
During the 10-week summer semester, students must not incur more than:
- 2 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets once per week
- 3 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets twice per week
- 4 “unexcused” absences in a course that meets three times per week.
Students will be notified by email each time they have an unexcused absence.
After a student reaches the maximum number of “unexcused” absences, as quantified above, the student will receive a failing grade for the course.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early:
A “tardy” is arriving late for class or leaving class early. The instructor determines the timeframe for a “tardy,” the consequence of a tardy, and includes this information on the course syllabus.