Attendance and Class Absences

Class Absences

Unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus or outline, or unless an absence is excused in accordance with this policy, students are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled class meetings. Students taking online courses are expected to show active participation in the course as defined in the course syllabus or outline. Faculty are expected to communicate class attendance and participation requirements in the course syllabus or outline. Students are responsible for meeting the attendance and participation requirements in each course. If there are any questions or concerns about the requirements, students should speak directly to the faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Notification to Faculty

Planned Absences. Students must notify instructors in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to planned absences, such as participation in an official university function, observance of a religious holy day, or active military service. If the absence is for the observance of a religious holy day, see Class Absences for Religious Observances policy below. If the absence is for military service, the student should provide each instructor with a copy of the military orders (see item 2.b. regarding extended absences due to military service).
Illness or other extenuating circumstances. Students should notify the instructor directly of absence due to illness or other extenuating circumstance.

Making up Missed Work

With instructor permission, make-up exams and assignments will be scheduled by the instructor within a reasonable time. Make-up exams and assignments will be equivalent to and no more difficult than the original assignments.
A student who misses multiple class periods should seek advice from the instructor about the advisability of continuing in the course or requesting an Incomplete grade (if the student is otherwise eligible for an Incomplete).

Withdrawing From a Course

Students who are not able to attend a course are responsible for dropping the course by the appropriate deadline. Instructors may not automatically drop a student from a course. Students who do not attend and who do not officially drop the course will receive a failing grade for the course.

Disputes and Appeals

If there are disagreements about absences that cannot be resolved between the student and the instructor, the student should contact the Office of the Dean of the college or school that has oversight of the respective course. The Student Complaint Policy is found in the UIW Student Handbook.

Class Absences for Religious Observances

The University of the Incarnate Word welcomes persons of diverse backgrounds and is therefore committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students wanting to attend religious observances even though they may conflict with university class meetings, assignments, or examinations. This policy is intended to ensure that both faculty and students are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in the accommodation of students’ religious observances.

Notification of Faculty
Students must inform instructors in writing at least two weeks before the religious holy days or religious activities, but preferably at the beginning of the semester, to enable planning and coordination of class assignments and examinations. In some professional schools the Dean’s approval will also be required.
Making up Missed Work
1. With instructor permission, make-up exams and assignments will be scheduled to be completed before the religious observance if possible or within a reasonable and specified time after the observance;
2. Make-up work must be equivalent to and no more difficult than the original assignments;
3. It is not appropriate to excuse a student from make-up work and consequently reduce the student’s grade;
4. Students are not required to prove attendance at religious observances in order to complete make-up work and complete a course;
5. Because of time limitations at the end of the semester, this policy does not apply to the final exam period; student do have the option of requesting an incomplete grade (IP) for the course if the religious observance occurs at the end of the semester.
Disputes and Appeals
Should disagreements arise over any aspect of this policy, the student or instructor should contact the Office of the Dean of the college or school that has oversight over the respective course. The procedures for the Student Complaint Policy are found in the UIW Student Handbook.

Leave of Absence Form

Withdrawal Form

Readmission

Up one level

Enrollment