Attendance and Absences

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.

  1. Any absence, anticipated or unanticipated, may negatively impact a student’s grade and/or cause referral to the CAPES for professionalism concerns.  Instructors will detail any applicable attendance policies on the course syllabus, to include how absences to class may impact a student’s grade; required PACS events will be listed on the academic calendar.
  2. In the case of an anticipated absence, students must request permission from the activity coordinator well in advance.  If permission is granted, the student is responsible for making arrangements to make up the time missed.  These arrangements must be made prior to the absence.  Note that advance permission and/or making up missed class time do not excuse a student from a reported absence or from the instructor’s attendance policy and/or impact on grading, if applicable.
  3. 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 missed class time does not excuse a student from a reported absence or from the instructor’s attendance policy and/or impact on grading, if applicable.
  4. The student may be asked to provide documentation from a medical professional if a medical issue resulted in an absence. Information on the nature or details of the medical issue is not required or requested.
  5. In the event of illness or injury requiring hospitalization or extended absence, with proper authorization, the director of Student Health Services should be asked to contact a Program Director, who will determine on a need-to-know basis when to share such information and with whom.
  6. Habitual absenteeism, defined as five (5) or more total absences from any required PACS course or activity in any given semester, is grounds for automatic placement on probation by the CAPES.  Five (5) or more reported absences in any given semester while on probation will result in referral to the CAPES and is grounds for dismissal.

For classes 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). Reported attendance data will be tracked longitudinally by the PACS office and students demonstrating habitual absenteeism will be referred to the CAPES.