University Undergraduate Advising Handbook

Students are responsible for attending classes for which they are registered and are responsible for work covered. At the discretion of the instructor, the student's grade may be lowered because of class absence. Expectations for attendance should be established in course syllabi.

Absence for Illness or Emergency
Absence for University-Approved Religious Holidays, Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
Making Up Missed Work

ABSENCE FOR ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY

Students should inform instructors when missing classes for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, family emergency, etc.). If circumstances prevent a student from contacting instructors, Student and Family Services, 814-863-2020, will notify the appropriate departments. Students should make contact with instructors as soon as circumstances permit and provide documentation if requested.

University Health Services offers guidelines for verification of a student's illness.

ABSENCE FOR UNIVERSITY-APPROVED RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS, CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Instructors should provide make-up work for students who miss classes for regularly scheduled activities such as choir, debate, and field trips as well as athletic events. However, if this absence is considered by the instructor to be detrimental to the student's performance, evidence of this should be presented to the head of the department in which the course is offered and to the student's appropriate college dean. Within reason, instructors should provide make-up work for students who miss class for other legitimate reasons (e.g., religious observance). See Examinations for information on missed examinations.

Student Action

1. Complete a class absence form (or obtain a comparable letter).

2. Present the form letter to the course instructor at least one week prior to the first absence. (The instructor should be notified of unanticipated absence(s) as soon as you are aware that a conflict exists.)

3. Make arrangements with the course instructor to make up missed work (including examinations).

MAKING UP MISSED WORK

At the discretion of an instructor, a student's grade may be lowered because of class absence. However, instructors should provide, within reason, opportunities to make up missed work as well as quizzes or exams.

If there is a disagreement about opportunities for making up missed work, a student should try to resolve the problem with the course instructor. If the disagreement is not resolved in this manner, the student may seek resolution by contacting the head of the department offering the course. If the situation is still unresolved, the student may follow the additional steps described in Academic Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, E-11.

False claims by a student may be considered a violation of the Academic Integrity policy.

A student whose class performance is unsatisfactory due to missing classes or being too far behind in course work might consider late course drop, deferred grade, or withdrawal.

The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult a Penn State academic adviser for more detailed information.

This page is part of the University Undergraduate Advising Handbook, which is maintained by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, DUS@psu.edu.

Reviewed: May 2008
Last Update: August 2007