Class Attendance / Absence Policy

Attendance Expectations

Students are expected to attend all classes. Regular attendance helps students understand course material and meet expectations. For courses that rely on participation, such as seminars, labs, and language classes, missing class can impact your grade. Instructors must clearly state their attendance policy in the course syllabus at the beginning of the term, including any penalties for excessive absences.

Excusable Absences 

• Health absences due to illness or injury when the student is unable to attend class. For repeated illness or long-term injury which prevents course completion, students may be advised to seek a medical withdrawal for that course. For illness-related absences, students are encouraged to contact the Student Outreach and Support office for additional assistance and resources.
• Wellness: Students may take one excused general wellness day to be excused from one class session per course.  Students may not use a wellness day during the final exam period, in clinical placements, internships, fieldwork or in placements at other external sites.
• Religious observance where the nature of the observance prevents the student from attending class.
• Participation in University activities at the request of University authorities (e.g., intercollegiate athletics, conference/s, dance company, etc.).
• Compelling, verifiable circumstances beyond the control of the student.

Students should inform the instructor about absences as early as possible. Documentation may be required for certain types of absences (e.g., participation in University activities, as noted above), but generally, medical documentation for short term illnesses is not needed.

Absence Limits

Instructors can set limits on the total number of unexcused absences allowed for their course. Exceeding these limits may affect a student’s grade.

Make-Up Work

If a student misses class they are responsible for any missed work. Faculty should provide a reasonable accommodation for missed work as a result of an excused absence; the instructor will determine the appropriate accommodation as per their syllabus.

Support Services

Students registered with Accessibility and Disability Services may be approved for an accommodation that provides some modifications to an attendance policy. The student’s individualized letter of accommodation will specify the modifications.

Please note that other relevant university policies and procedures may also apply and should be reviewed along with this policy.

Reviewed and endorsed by Academic Senate – Fall 2025