College Policy on Class Attendance
 

Abraham Baldwin College expects each student to conduct himself/herself in a responsible manner as an adult who understands that he is accountable for the choices he makes as a student. A student is expected to attend all class meetings scheduled in the courses for which he/she is registered. Instructors are expected to maintain an accurate written record of student attendance in class. Absence from class for whatever reason does not excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed. A student will be allowed to make up work only if the instructor excuses the absences. Class attendance and grades are directly correlated, and a student must understand the importance of regular participation in classroom and laboratory activities. The college believes that all class meetings are important and requires that a student abide by the attendance policies adopted for individual classes by instructors or divisions. The attendance policy will be presented in writing to the students at the beginning of the semester. A student missing more than ten percent (10%) of the scheduled meetings may be withdrawn by the Registrar upon recommendation by the instructor. One withdrawn before the conclusion of one-third of the course(s) will receive the grade of “W;” one withdrawn between the one-third point and midterm will receive either the “W” or “WF,” at the instructor’s discretion; one withdrawn after midterm will receive a “WF.”

Policy Change Effective Fall 2005

Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College are provided for the intellectual growth and development of students.  To attain maximum success, students must attend all their classes, be on time, and attend all scheduled course activities including, but not limited to, field trips, seminars, study sessions, individual conferences, and lectures.  This interaction with instructors and other students is an important element of the learning process, and a high correlation exists between class attendance and course grades. A student must understand the importance of regular participation in classroom and laboratory activities. The absence of any student affects not only his or her performance but the performance of the class as a whole. Absence from class, for whatever reason, does not excuse a student from full responsibility for class work or assignments missed. Students must accept this responsibility.

Instructors will keep accurate attendance records and must report the individual number of absences with midterm and final grades. Students whose number of unexcused absences is more than twice the number of class meetings per week (the equivalent of two weeks of instruction) will receive a grade of “F” for the course.  Fewer absences than twice the number of class meetings per week may result in grade penalties at the discretion of the instructor.  Specific attendance requirements applying to labs, clinics, accelerated classes or Learning Support will be adapted to the unique situation by the appropriate division.  Final determination of what constitutes an excused absence rests with the classroom instructor.  In implementing this Policy, faculty will not include in a student’s unexcused absences those absences incurred due to authorized and approved College sponsored events (or in the case of joint-enrollment students high-school sponsored events) in which the student represents the institution as part of a group or under the direct supervision of a faculty or staff member.

Whenever a student is absent, whether for official or personal reasons, the student must assume responsibility and provide notice to the instructor, preferably in advance, for making arrangements for any assignments and class work missed because of the absence. However, final approval for make up work remains with the individual instructor.

A student who stops attending class without officially withdrawing from the course is subject to this attendance policy and will receive a grade of “F” for the course.

At the beginning of each semester, instructors will explain clearly to their students specific attendance requirements (including possible penalties). Additionally, they will publish the attendance policy on their syllabi and web-sites.

A student penalized for excessive absences may appeal through the grade appeal process, as stated in ABAC’s college catalog and student handbook.