/Institutions/Simmons-College/json/2021-2022/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Simmons-College/json/2021-2022/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog.json

Undergraduate Course Attendance Policy

Because there is a strong positive relationship between class attendance and success in the classroom, Simmons undergraduate students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for the work associated with all class meetings. Students should consult with their instructor as early as possible upon learning they may miss class time.*

At the beginning of each semester, instructors are encouraged to provide students with written guidelines on their attendance policy and possible grading penalties for failure to attend class or for late arrival to class. Simmons University policies adhere to federal and state regulations on absences due to religious observance, jury duty, military service, and other governmental obligations.

Eligible students with a documented disability are granted reasonable accommodations in Simmons courses and should consult the Policy for Occasional Absences Accommodation and other policies of the Office of Accessibility, in addition to the policy below.

On Campus Undergraduate (and on campus graduate) students with an absence due to a COVID-19 diagnosis (Updated, January 2022):
If a student tests positive for COVID-19 through the Health Center’s testing protocol, they will receive notification from the Health Center with instructions on the requirements for isolation. If a student tests positive outside of the Health Center’s testing protocol, they should contact the Health Center immediately to inform them of the diagnosis. Faculty will be alerted to the student’s absence; students are responsible for communicating with faculty to coordinate any missed work per this attendance policy. Both the student and the instructor will receive a notification and information about the clearance date.

Some academic programs may have additional expectations or requirements that students will need to adhere to before returning to the classroom. This is particularly true for students in practicum and clinical experiences, where sites may also have specific requirements. Students should contact their program director or academic unit head (or department chair) to ensure that they understand the requirements and the process to be cleared to return.

Extenuating medical circumstances may result in a student’s need to consult with an advisor or academic unit head (program director or chair) to discuss other options, which may include a leave of absence, a request for an incomplete, or a withdrawal. If this is the case, the student should consult with their advisor or academic unit head (program director or chair) immediately to explore available options.

Students with an absence due to a non-COVID-19 related illness are responsible for informing their instructors in advance of absence or tardiness. 

• The Office of Student Affairs, Counseling Center, and Health Center do not provide students with notes excusing them from class or other academic obligations. (Students' healthcare providers may provide them with documentation of illness.)
• Students who expect to be absent from class should notify their instructors in advance.
• Students missing more than the maximum allotted classes may not be able to complete the course and may be encouraged or required to withdraw.*
• Students absent from class for two or more days due to illness should seek medical care. If a medical provider recommends an alteration to a student's schedule or a change in activities as part of a treatment plan, the student should inform their instructors and advisor immediately. Students may be asked to provide the Office of Student Affairs written documentation (in adherence with federal and state privacy and public health regulations) from the appropriate health care provider.
• Athletes and students involved in other official Simmons games/meets or co-curricular activities should inform their instructors of potential conflicts between scheduled classes and scheduled programs or athletic contests at the start of each semester. The faculty member has sole discretion to allow an absence due to an event in conflict with class or lab time, including Simmons-sanctioned and outside events or commitments.
• Scheduled classes have priority when in conflict with the out-of-class exam or other activity scheduled for another course.

*Students should consult program-specific handbooks for additional policies, including those on placement and practicum attendance.