Regular attendance is a necessary part of passing English 150 and 250 because students need to participate in individual projects, small-group work, large-group discussions, and all other aspects of the class. Just as attendance is vital to performance on the job, attendance is also essential to success in academic work. Therefore, keep a systematic record of daily attendance. Do not give points for good attendance; rather, lower final grades for excessive absences. Instructors begin to reduce the final course grade when students have missed five classes in a MWF section or four classes in a TR class. Remind students that if they waste their absences, they won’t have them if an emergency arises.
Students who have excessive absences because they are ill or have family emergencies are expected to provide evidence (e.g., verification from the Dean of Students Office) of these emergencies. Sometimes students can make up the work they missed when they return to class; other times students need to drop the course because they have missed too much work. Remember to give students a midterm warning and an advance notice via email if they are in jeopardy of earning a C- or lower for the midterm grade.
The university does require that university-sanctioned absences (travel for athletics, required field trips for other classes) must be excused. You will receive a notice from the activity director. However, if these absences exceed the numbers above (approximately 20% of the semester’s class sessions), we are not required to continue to excuse them. Athletic program administrators and the supervisors of other programs and activities are sensitive to attendance polices and make every effort to have their students attend classes regularly. If you have a student who says he or she cannot meet your attendance policy because of such obligations, please inform the Director of ISUComm Foundation Courses, or Assistant Director.
An incomplete is NOT a viable option for a student who has missed a substantial portion of the course. Discuss with the Director of ISUComm Foundation Courses, or Assistant Director, any problems or concerns you have regarding excessive absences. Finally, note the official dates for Fall and Spring breaks. Classes are in session until 5 p.m. of the Friday before each of these weeks and attendance is expected.