Attending class is essential for academic success. The University expects students to attend all scheduled class times unless an absence is excused under this policy. An excused absence is one in which a student is absent due to an off-campus event (see below) or involves a legitimate extenuating circumstance (with documentation) which causes the student to miss class for three or more days, or miss a major assignment and/or examination.
Students should contact the Dean of Students Office for excused absences of 3 or more consecutive days or if their absence resulted in missing a major assignment, examination. Students do not need to contact the Dean of Students Office for excused absences involving fewer than 3 consecutive days. Students are expected to notify their instructors of any absences as soon as possible. Instructors have the discretion to excuse student absences for reasons other than described in this attendance policy.
Excused absences will be considered within 30 days of the requested dates (with proper documentation). Excused absences will not be granted after 30 days of the requested dates and/or the conclusion of the semester.
Categories of University excused absences:
- Off-campus events:
- Including intercollegiate athletics; fine arts performances; academic program-sponsored competitions; academic program-sponsored field trips; and similar official events where students represent the University in an official capacity.
- The instructor or staff supervising students participating in these events must provide notice to the students' instructors and the Dean of Students Office prior to the date of the activity. The notice must include the name of the activity, the date(s) of class absence, the name of the supervising instructor or staff, and the names of all participating students.
- Absences involving legitimate extenuating circumstances beyond a student's control.
- These include student illness or injury that prevents a student from participating in class; death or critical illness of a family member; wedding of an immediate family member or member of the wedding party; birth of a child; military duty; jury duty or subpoena for court appearances; and similar serious extenuating circumstances.
Students are responsible for notifying their instructors prior to missing a class and arranging a mutually-acceptable make-up procedure. In emergency situations, where students are unable to notify their instructors, students should promptly contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance.
Students with an excused absence shall be allowed to earn full credit for missing assignments by performing equivalent work, as long as the instructor deems that the learning objectives of the course can still be met. Where this is in question, it should be determined in conversation between the student and the instructor, if necessary in consultation with the Dean of Students. This conversation should happen as soon as possible. The substance of the equivalent work and the deadline for its completion shall be determined by the instructor. Instructors concerned with a student's excessive absence should contact the Dean of Students Office for advice and assistance.
The Dean of Students Office may be contacted by an instructor or a student for assistance in informally resolving any disputes under this policy. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the student may follow the Student Academic Grievance policy.
Senate Policy 102.1
Revised:
10/31/2024 - Updated to reflect Senate Policy 102.1
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: No changes made to content.
02/03/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions
is now policy@mtu.edu. The third paragraph from the end read: "Students with an excused absence will be
allowed to make up missing assignments or equivalent work. Any course-specific consequences
for excessive absences should be described in the instructor's syllabus." now reads:
"Students with an excused absence shall be allowed to earn full credit for missing
assignments by performing equivalent work, as long as the instructor deems that the
learning objectives of the course can still be met. Where this is in question, it
should be determined in conversation between the student and the instructor, if necessary
in consultation with the Dean of Students. This conversation should happen as soon
as possible. The substance of the equivalent work and the deadline for its completion
shall be determined by the instructor."
02/12/2014 - Updated Handbook banner.
01/29/2014 - Updated Michigan Tech banner, no changes made to content.
01/09/2014 - 2013 Annual Review: Entire section was revised to reflect
Senate Proposals 6-14 and 24-13 revisions to Senate Policy 102.1.
03/13/2013 - Annual Review: "(Senate Proposal 19-94; revised with Senate Proposal
20-95)" now reads "Senate Policy 102.1"
07/18/2011 - Annual Review: Was previously 3.2.9; to reflect current University titles
and practice, MTU is now Michigan Tech and the email address for questions is now
hbwebmaster.
02/07/2007 - Format changes made.