Attendance/Absence

Prompt and regular class attendance is the responsibility of all students. Students should be aware that excessive absenteeism, whether excused or unexcused, may affect their ability to earn a passing grade. 

In the course syllabus, every instructor is required to provide his/her policy on class attendance, missed work, and any other related matters that could affect student performance. However, individual course attendance policies must comply with the policy outlined herein (i.e., individual course policies may not supersede those outlined below). If a student is absent from class because of a University excused absence, as identified in UAR 131, instructors are required to allow the student the opportunity to make up work missed in a fair and equitable manner without any reduction in the student’s final grade as a direct result of such absence. 

This policy does not supersede program accreditation requirements and as a result excludes all academic programs/courses that require the completion of a certain number of clock hours, as in clinical experiences, practica, or internships. The maximum number of absences for these courses will be determined by the program’s associate dean, department chair, and/or coordinator in order for the program to maintain accreditation standards. 

University excused absences are grouped into five categories: 1) University-Sponsored Activities; 2) Student/Family Illness/Death; 3) Military Obligations; 4) Jury Duty or Subpoena for Court Appearances; and 5) Major Religious Holidays. For additional information regarding excuses absences, see UAR 131 at https://moreheadstate.edu/about-msu/leadership/policies/uar.