Mathematics Department

 Attendance Policy

Tri-County Technical College’s Arts & Sciences Mathematics Department will adhere strictly to the College’s Attendance Policy (please refer to your course syllabus).  Please be aware of the fact that this policy covers all absences, regardless of reason (illness, family emergency, work duties, etc.).  It is felt that an adequate allowance has been made for such eventualities.  It would therefore be wise to reserve these allowable absences for true emergencies.

The Mathematics Department will furthermore count three late arrivals by any student as equivalent to one absence.  The same will be done for students who leave the class before the instructor has concluded it.

In any case, students are responsible for all material covered and announcements made during their absence.  The instructor may require additional make-up work.

Tri-County Technical College believes that class attendance is crucial to student success.  Therefore, any student who accumulates more absences during the semester than the class meets in a two-week period is subject to being dropped from the class.  The number of allowable absences during the summer term or other terms of varying length will be 10% of the total number of class meetings.

A student who arrives late may, at the discretion of the instructor, be marked absent for that class.  A student who continually arrives late to class is subject to being dropped from the class.  In extenuating circumstances, a student may request re-admittance to class by meeting with the instructor and explaining the circumstances of the absences.  If the instructor agrees to readmit the student, the student will be informed of the requirements, which must be met to successfully complete the course.

Arts and Sciences Division Attendance Procedure

(Suggested, may or may not be adapted and used by individual instructors)  

1.  On your daily record of attendance, record absences by the number of the absence.

2.  As soon as a student exceeds the maximum allowable number of absences, submit a drop slip for that student.

3.  If the student returns to class, inform the student that he/she has been dropped due to excessive absences, but can be conditionally readmitted, if an application is made to you, the instructor, in writing, by the next class period.  The student is to outline in as much detail as possible the reasons why there were extenuating circumstances warranting readmission.

4.  If the student fails to bring this application letter to you by your deadline, do not allow the student to remain in class.  If you receive it, inform the student that you will review it and make a decision.  If you choose to readmit the student, use the “Conditional Readmission Form,” which must be signed by the student  (See below.) 

5.  Please keep in mind that the reasons students give may not seem significant to you, but presumably are so in their minds.  It is preferable to be lenient in accepting excuses, rather than appearing overbearing or insensitive (e.g., do not request official documentation for a death in the family).  If the student is already failing the class at the time of withdrawal, this will likely be a factor in your decision on whether to readmit.

6.  Advantages of this method:  By dropping the student right away, you have leverage.  By “conditionally” readmitting students, you avoid sending the message to others in the class that there is no consequence or penalty for irresponsible class attendance.  By forcing the student to apply in writing, you have documentation for your decision and also teach a valuable life skill.  If there continue to be problems with the student, they have agreed in writing that your decision will be final without any further appeal.

Conditional Readmission

Student’s Name:  ______________________________________

Social Security Number:  _______________________________

Semester:  _______________             Course:  ______________

 

Tri-County Technical College, the Arts and Sciences Division, and your instructor want you to be successful in your studies here, and believe that you can obtain the full benefit of the instruction provided only if you attend classes regularly.  Furthermore, the College has a policy setting a minimum attendance requirement, of which you were informed at the beginning of the semester. 

We understand that you have had problems attending the course, and were dropped due to excessive absences.  We trust that you now have been able to make arrangements that will allow you to attend classes regularly for the remainder of the semester.  If, however, you anticipate continued problems, please discuss these immediately with your instructor who will determine whether an accommodation can be made.

You can be conditionally readmitted to this class, provided that you agree to the following terms:

1.         You will make every effort to attend all remaining classes, be on time, and remain in class until it is dismissed by the instructor.

2.         You must submit acceptable documentation to your instructor for any future absences, tardies, or leaving class early.

3.         Your instructor will determine whether your excuse is valid and the documentation is acceptable.

4.         All class work missed as a result of absences must be made up, and additional make-up work may be required by your instructor.

5.         Failure to conform to these conditions will result in your being dropped from the class and receiving the grade of W or WF, without any further appeal by you.

Comments by the instructor:  

 

I agree to the above terms:        ___________________________                  ____________

                                                                    Signature                                                         Date