Attendance Policy Task Force
The task: Devise a fair absence policy, getting input from all members of the class. Think not only of your own needs but of your expectations of other students. Devise a way of gathering suggestions and seeking agreement from everyone in the class, and present your findings to the class on September 8.
Attendance Policies
Some possibilities (but you may have other ideas; be creative and thoughtful about this; my objective is not to be punitive but to set up a structure that supports everyone`s best performance and most active involvement in the class):
` Absences are only excused if you have a note from a doctor, a coach, another faculty member, or another official person responsible for the event that makes you absent.
` Regardless of the reason for your absence, you are responsible for catching up on the course material.
` You may choose when to stay away from class based on your own judgment. No notes are needed ever, but only two classes per semester are excused for any reason.
` You may do make-up assignments for up to three classes per semester.
` If you are absent, notify the instructor.
` If you are absent, notify any students with whom you are involved in a joint project.
` If you are absent, write to the class as a whole and let us know when to expect you back.
Penalties for excessive absence
Some faculty drop students' grades radically after two or three missed classes; others keep no record of attendance but rather let the student's academic work indicate whether or not they have adequately participated. I have tried both methods. What do you think is a fair policy? Think not only of what would motivate you to attend every class you can make but also of how others' excessive absences affect you.
Lateness policy
What is a fair lateness policy? Again, think of your own needs as well as how chronic lateness of other students affects you.
` Anyone more than 5 (10, 15?) minutes late should be marked absent.
` Anyone who is likely to be chronically late should explain why to the class as a whole.
` The professor or the Attendance Policy group should meet with anyone who starts a pattern of chronic lateness to try to resolve the problem.
Leaving Early and Breaks
What should people do if they need to leave early, or to take a short break during class?
` Be quiet and discrete about it and come back quickly
` Get the instructor`s permission to leave
` Explain to the class as a whole why they are leaving
` Be marked absent