23.3 Attendance
Since presence at lectures, participation in classroom discussions and projects, and the completion of assignments are important components of most courses, students will serve their interests best by regular attendance. Those who choose not to attend must assume whatever risks are involved. In connection to this students should review the following sections.
The University recognizes that occasionally life events occur that require a student to miss term work, term examinations, or final examinations. However, excused absences are not granted automatically and will be considered only for acceptable reasons such as incapacitating mental and/or physical illness, severe domestic affliction, or for circumstances as described in the University’s Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy (including religious belief). This policy is available on the University of Alberta Policies and Procedures Online (UAPPOL) website at policiesonline.ualberta.ca/Pages/default.aspx. A multi-faith calendar is available at www.studentservices.ualberta.ca.
Unacceptable reasons include, but are not limited to personal events such as vacations, weddings, or travel arrangements. When a student is absent without acceptable excuse, a final grade will be computed using a raw score of zero for the work missed. Any student who applies for or obtains an excused absence by making false statements will be liable under the Code of Student Behaviour. Students should consult their Faculty for detailed information and requirements.
Failure to follow the policies outlined below may result in denial of a student’s request. Students with concerns should see §23.4(3) Procedures for Registering Complaints about Marking, Grading, and Related Issues. Students should also review individual Faculty appeal policies posted on Faculty websites.
(1) | Absence from Term Work
Approval for an excused absence from term work (e.g., classes, labs, assignments, quizzes, term papers, reports, or term examinations) is at the discretion of the instructor.
a. | To apply for an excused absence where the cause is incapacitating mental and/or physical illness and most other cases including severe domestic affliction, a student must inform the instructor(s) within two working days following the scheduled date of the term work or term exam missed, or as soon as the student is able, having regard to the circumstances underlying the absence.
| b. | For an excused absence where the cause is religious belief, a student must contact the instructor(s) within two weeks of the start of Fall or Winter classes; and within three days of the start of Spring or Summer classes.
| c. | All other accommodation requests covered by the Duty to Accommodate Procedure should be discussed with the instructor(s) as soon as the student is able, having regard to the underlying circumstance.
In all cases, instructors may request adequate documentation to substantiate the reason for the absence at their discretion such as a form from the student’s Faculty or a statutory declaration. Although a medical note cannot be required, if a student chooses to provide a medical note, the University of Alberta Medical Statement Form may be downloaded from the Online Services section of www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
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(2) | Absence from Final Exams: A student who has missed a final exam because of incapacitating mental and/or physical illness, severe domestic affliction or for circumstances as described in the University’s Discrimination, Harassement and Duty to Accommodate Policy (including religious belief) may apply for a deferred exam.
a. | To apply for a deferred exam where the cause is incapacitating mental and/or physical illness and most other cases including severe domestic affliction, a student must present supporting documentation pertaining to the absence to their Faculty office within two working days following the scheduled date of the exam missed, or as soon as the student is able, having regard to the circumstances underlying the absence.
| b. | To apply for a deferred exam where the cause is religious belief, students must inform their Faculty office within two weeks of the start of Fall or Winter classes; and within three days of the start of Spring or Summer classes.
| c. | All other accommodation requests covered by the Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy should be discussed with the student’s Faculty within two working days following the scheduled date of the exam missed, or as soon as the student is able, having regard to the circumstances underlying the absence.
| d. | In all cases, Faculties may request adequate documentation to substantiate the reason for the absence at their discretion such as a Faculty specific form or a statutory declaration. Although a medical note cannot be required, if a student chooses to provide a medical note, the University of Alberta Medical Statement Form may be downloaded from the Online Services section of www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca
| e. | A deferred exam will not be approved if a student
i. | has not been in regular attendance where attendance and/or participation are required, and/or,
| ii. | excluding the final exam, has completed less than half of the assigned work.
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| f. | Students with two or more deferred exams outstanding from a previous term may be required to reduce the number of courses in which they are registered.
| g. | The student must seek the approval of the dean or designate of the student’s Faculty on the application for a deferred final exam, If approved, students should refer to §23.5.6 for details on writing deferred exams.
| h. | In the case of an approved application for deferred final exam, the student’s Faculty will inform the Department responsible for the course of the approved deferred exam. The Department will then notify the instructor.
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