Regular class attendance is essential in all Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies courses. Students are expected to come to class on time and stay for the whole period. Students who arrive late or leave early will be considered tardy. 

NOTE: See definition of both unexcused and excused absences on the Academic Ombud website. No absence can be designated “excused” until documentation has been provided and verified.  Absences due to minor conditions (lack of transportation, slight discomfort, conflict with an appointment, etc.) are generally considered unexcused, as are absences for registration. 

• Students who accumulate excused absences in excess of one-fifth of class contact hours have the right to withdraw through the last day of classes.
• Students may accumulate three unexcused absences without any penalty to their final grade. After three, a half letter grade will be deducted for every subsequent unexcused absence.
• Students who accumulate unexcused absences in excess of one-fifth of class contact hours will receive a course grade of "E."
• Every three tardies will be counted as one unexcused absence.

Students and instructors are accountable for every class meeting, whether they are absent or present, for whatever reason. If the absence is excused:

• The Instructor of Record will give the student an opportunity to make up the work and/or exams missed due to an excused absence.
• Students must inform the instructor and submit appropriate written documentation when available.
• If the absence is certified as excused, the student will be given an opportunity to make up the work missed, if feasible, during the semester in which the absence occurred.

If the absence is unexcused:

• Outside assignments not turned in on time may receive no credit or grades of “E”.
• Missed in-class work cannot be made up for credit.
• Missed announcements, instructions, assignments, etc. due to the absence will not constitute acceptable excuse for failing to meet subsequent deadlines.