Attendance and Absences

General Attendance and Absences

As stated in the Guiding Principles of Professionalism, attendance is expected for all classes, practicum experiences (including observation, practicum, and externships), research activities, labs, exams, and other activities required by PACS and/or the degree program. Attendance is defined as the physical presence of the student in the classroom or other learning environment for the entirety of the scheduled time. Arriving late or departing early is considered equivalent to an absence.

For classes and activities that are scheduled to meet in person, attendance may not be substituted with a remote option, except under extenuating circumstances (e.g., approved University accommodation or requirement, inclement weather).

For absences due to a medical issue, the student may be asked to provide documentation from a medical professional. Information on the nature or details of the medical issue is not required to be disclosed.

Exceptions to attendance policies will only be considered under extenuating circumstances, and habitual absenteeism may be referred to the CAPES for remediation (e.g., probation or dismissal). Habitual absenteeism is defined as five (5) or more total absences from any required PACS course or activity in any given semester.

For courses and practicum experiences, any absence, anticipated or unanticipated, may negatively impact a student’s grade. Instructors will detail any applicable attendance policies on the course syllabus and/or practicum handbook, to include how class absences may impact a student’s grade.

For other required activities:

In the event of an anticipated absence, students must notify the activity coordinator well in advance. The student is responsible for making arrangements to make up the time missed, if such an opportunity is available. These arrangements must be made prior to the absence. Note that advance notification does not excuse a student from a reported absence.
In the case of unanticipated absences, such as sudden illness, students must contact the activity coordinator as soon as possible. The student is responsible for making arrangements to make up the time missed, if such opportunity is available. Note that making up the activity does not excuse a student from a reported absence.

Course Attendance

Regular attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and active participation are required components of each course. Students will be allowed two (2) absences per full-length semester course (fall/spring) without penalty, with the final grade reduced by 5% for each subsequent absence (i.e., starting with the third absence). For shorter terms, the number of allowed absences will be adjusted proportionally and communicated on the course syllabus.

Practicum Attendance

Regular attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and professional participation in fieldwork/practicum experiences are required. Students must follow both PACS policies and site-specific attendance policies. Students must notify their supervisor as early as possible, and no later than the start of the scheduled activity, that they will be late or absent.

Students will be allowed up to two (2) absences per full-length semester fieldwork/practicum rotation due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. For each absence beyond the allowed number, the final practicum grade will be reduced by 5%, as specified in the syllabus. In general, absences may not be “made up” through additional sessions, unless this is initiated/recommended and arranged by the site supervisor. For shorter terms, the number of allowed absences will be adjusted proportionally and communicated on the course syllabus.

For the externship year, a total of five (5) absences across all externship dates (or per site policy, whichever is greater). Additional absences reported by the site will result in the final grade reduced by 5% for each subsequent absence above the total allowed. Students must also comply with all attendance and leave policies of the externship site (e.g., procedures for sick days, vacation, or holidays). Failure to follow site expectations may affect both grades and evaluations of professional competence.

To ensure that minimal competency and hour requirements are met, any student who misses more than 25% of their fieldwork/practicum rotation will be referred to the CAPES and may receive an incomplete or failing grade. Please note that students with accommodations related to attendance must also meet this minimum requirement.