Attendance Policy
Students whose academic calendar is built on a ten-week term of instruction must be in attendance in class by the seventh day of the term. If at any time after the first week of class a student is absent from the University for more than 14 consecutive calendar 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or more, and no contact with an appropriate University official has been made during that period, the student will be withdrawn from the University.
Absence percentages are 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 “WF”.
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" or "WF" if it occurs after the withdrawal date. Nursing students may not be absent for more than 20% of a NURS skills lab, clinical course, or simulation lab hours. 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" or "WF" if it occurs after the withdrawal deadline.
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.
Online/Blended/Distance Education Courses
For online or blended courses, attendance for the online portion is based on turning in assignments through Blackboard, 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 distance education students starts on Sunday and ends on the following Saturday at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
A gradable activity includes, but is not limited to, the posting of a threaded discussion question, electronic submission of any course assignment through Blackboard, electronic submission of a test / exam (if applicable), or any other course related activity that is graded. All assignments are graded throughout the term and the grades on the assignments/exams are posted in the learning management system where students can track their progress throughout the term. All assignments/tests and exams submitted by the due date are graded prior to the end of the grading period and will be reflected in the final grade for the course. All assignments/tests and exams submitted by the due date will be evaluated within 48 hours.
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 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Bookend Courses
Bookend courses are those in which students physically meet the first and last classes in the term of instruction. All other times, instruction is provided in an online modality. In bookend courses, the University is required 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, he or she 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 must 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.
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.