Do you take attendance? Yes, I do. I will notice if you are missing, and it will affect your participation grade. Class attendance and participation are important to doing well in this course.
What if I am late? If you are late for class, make sure that I update your attendance record so that you have not been marked absent. If you are significantly late, you will earn only 80% credit for the day.
What if I have to get to Shanks from some far-away building like Litton-Reaves? Talk to me during the first week of class and then follow up by sending me an email message with the details. The class is flexible enough to allow for reasonable accomodations, but you have to let me know in advance.
What if I have a really good reason for the absence?
If you miss a deadline because of an illness, death in the family, or family emergency, see the Student Advocacy page from the Dean of Students Office for details on how to document the situation.
If you have an issue that affects your ability to complete the course, you may qualify for Academic Relief. For personal medical issues, contact the Schiffert Health Center, and for psychiatric or psychological issues, contact the Cook Counseling Center.
How can I let me know about an absence or a similar issue? Go to the Attendance Notes Discussion in Canvas, and add a reply that tells me what’s going on. This forum can only be seen by you and I in order to protect your privacy.
Ideally, add notes in advance of your absence so that we don’t wait for you. If you don’t know in advance however, just add your message when you can.
How do I show you documentation for an absence? If you have supporting documentation (e.g., a note from Schiffert), you can take a photo with your phone and then add the image as an attachment. Remember to obscure your personal ID number and any other personal information to protect your privacy.
What if I have an official letter to give you? Students going on official trips for the university often from letters from an advisor to give to their teachers. Please add a note in the Attendance Notes Discussion in Canvas even if you are (or have) given me printed documentation. The discussion forum is the only place I will check at the end of the term when finalizing your Participation grade.