Attendance and participation are essential. Students can miss up to 3 classes for any reason without detriment to their attendance grade.
After three absences a student’s attendance grade will drop as follows: A student with 3 or fewer absences receives 100% attendance credit. A student with 4 to 7 absences receives 50% attendance credit. A student with 8 or more absences receives 0% attendance credit.
In order to track attendance, a sign in sheet will be distributed at the start of each class. Any attempt to sign in on behalf of another student will be treated as a case of academic dishonesty and will have serious consequences for both students. See the “Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty” portion of the syllabus for details.
If a student does miss class, it is the student’s responsibility to catch up if class is missed. While every student is encouraged to use office hours to gain a better understanding of class material, office hours are NOT for helping students catch up on material they missed because they were absent.
Finally, please be advised that the instructor may, at his/her discretion, deduct additional points from the attendance/participation grade of a student. A student who consistently fails to contribute to course-related conversation or who engages in classroom conduct that impedes the learning of other student can expect such a point deduction. This deduction will be applied at the sole discretion of the instructor, and without warning. This deduction may be applied to any student, regardless of the student’s documented attendance record.
If this attendance policy presents a hardship due to illness or other dire circumstance, please inform the instructor and provide any requested documentation. Exceptions to the attendance policy are possible, but not likely.