Attendance Policy
Language and clarification updates have been made to the Attendance Policy, effective in the Fall I Term 2014.
West Coast University emphasizes the need for all students to attend classes on a regular and consistent basis. In addition to research which demonstrates that regular class attendance enhances student success, consistent attendance and punctuality helps students develop good habits and behaviors necessary to compete in a highly challenging job market.
Students must be in attendance in class by the seventh day of the 10 week term. If at any time after the first week of class a student is absent from the University for more than 14 consecutive school days, excluding holidays and scheduled breaks of five calendar days or more, and no contact with an appropriate University official has been made during that period, the student will be withdrawn from the University.
The percentage is calculated on the basis of the clock hours identified in the catalog. For example, 30% of a three credit 45 hour (seat time) lecture course is 13.5 hours. Absences in excess of the applicable program policy will result in a grade of “F”. See sections for Class Repeats for Undergraduate or Graduate Students and Failed Courses.
Attendance for General Education and Areas of Study Courses
To maintain satisfactory attendance in all General Education courses and courses within the area of study, students may not be absent for more than 30% of a theory/lab course.
Attendance for Core Nursing Courses (NURS prefix)
Nursing students may not be absent for more than 30% of a NURS theory course. Absences in excess of 30% of any NURS theory course will result in a grade of "F". Nursing students may not be absent for more than 20% of a NURS skills lab or clinical course. Absences in excess of 20% in a NURS skills lab or clinical course will result in a grade of "NP."
Attendance for Core Dental Hygiene Courses (DHYG prefix)
Dental Hygiene students may not be absent for more than 20% of any DHYG course. Absences in
excess of 20% of any DHYG course will result in a grade of "F".
Attendance for Occupational Therapy Program (OCC prefix)
Students in the Occupational Therapy Program must be in attendance in class from the first day of the trimester.
Students should note that, in addition to the University Attendance policy, programs and courses may mandate additional attendance requirements. Please review the program handbook or course syllabus for further information.
Online and Blended Courses
For online or blended courses, attendance for the online portion is based on turning in assignments (in the online dropbox), assessments or exams, or weekly assigned discussion threads. If these components are submitted at times other than when assigned, attendance will be recorded as “Absent”. Students must submit a least one gradable activity per class every ‘class-week.’ A ‘ class-week’ for full online courses starts on a Monday of any given week and ends on the following Sunday at 11:55 PM PST.
A gradable activity includes, but is not limited to, the posting of a threaded discussion question, electronic submission of any course assignment to the ‘drop box’, electronic submission of a test / exam (if applicable), or any other course related activity that is graded.
Please Note: In Dental Hygiene blended courses, the ‘class-week’ corresponds to the week between the on-campus meeting times. For example, if the on-campus portion meets on Tuesdays, the related online portion begins that same Tuesday and ends the following Monday at 11:55 PM PST.
Bookend Courses
In bookend courses, the University is required by the Department of Education to verify the identity of students during the first week of classes, therefore physical attendance is mandatory. If a student misses the first day of a bookend course, they will be dropped from the course. In addition, any student who misses the last day of the class will be assessed a 10% penalty against their final course grade.
Military Duty
Students who are required to participate in military duties and are therefore required to be absent from their scheduled classes will not be penalized. The student must provide the appropriate academic administrator with written documentation verifying the required military leave and length of time requested; however, depending on the length of required military leave, a student may need to request a leave of absence.