Attendance
Being present is an essential element of the academic life of the College. Consistent attendance for all academic obligations is required. Excessive absences can jeopardize a student’s standing in the class and can lead to course failure. Students are expected to notify faculty in advance when they must miss a conference appointment or class.
Faculty members are asked to notify the Office of the Dean of Studies about a student who has missed two classes or conferences in succession without prior notice or explanation. The office will notify the don of such absences. Illness does not excuse a student from academic work. Regardless of the reason for an absence, all missed work must be made up. When possible, faculty are asked to schedule field trips during or close to meeting time to avoid conflict. Students are responsible for arranging to be excused from an academic commitment (at the teacher’s discretion) if there are conflicts with a field trip planned for another course or any other College-sanctioned activity (i.e., athletic competition, theatre production, etc.). Missed conferences may be rescheduled at the teacher’s discretion.
Students may not leave early for or return late from school breaks. All academic appointments must be met, including class meetings, don and class conferences, physical education classes, and laboratory meetings.
Religious Holiday Observances
Although the College does not close officially for religious holidays, the right of any member of the community to observe these holidays is respected. Students who will miss class are asked to inform their teachers in advance. Faculty are asked to help students make up the work missed because of such observance and to avoid scheduling special activities for those days.
Short-Term Absence from Campus
A student may need to take a short-term absence from campus in the case of serious illness or family emergency. The don should be consulted and faculty contacted before the student leaves campus if timing allows. Work missed should be made up either during the time away or immediately upon return. Students should also notify the Office of the Dean of Studies who is available for assistance as needed. When the absence is illness related, the Health & Wellness Center should be notified; resident students should notify the Office of Residential Life if the absence is for more than a day or two.