Class Attendance Policy

Constantin College of Liberal Arts

Class attendance is assumed. Unexcused absences from three class hours in any one course shall be reported to the Registrar, who then warns the student. If any further unexcused absences occur, an instructor may, at any time before the last day of classes, require that the student be withdrawn for excessive absences by notifying the Registrar in writing. A "W" is assigned through the withdrawal deadline, generally the 10th week of class. After the withdrawal deadline an "FA" is assigned. The Registrar notifies the student of the instructor’s action and invites the student to consult with the instructor. The instructor’s decision is final.

Student Absences due to Athletic and University-Sponsored Events

Up to two (2) hours of absences are to be excused for students who miss class owing to games and travel-related athletic and other university-sponsored events approved by the appropriate academic dean, provided that:

• The student has met with the instructor to discuss upcoming classes for which there are conflicts with the university-sponsored events and accepted the conditions set by the instructor (this meeting should take place as far in advance as possible, typically by the second week of class for events already scheduled for the semester);

• The student does not accumulate during the semester unexcused absences that total more than three hours of class time in a three-credit hour course (and similarly and proportionally for courses with fewer or more credit hours).

Instructors may grant further excused absences for athletic and university-sponsored events at their discretion.

For any absence that requires make-up work, the student should work with the instructor to make reasonable arrangements for the missed work, classes, and examinations. The student is responsible for completing the make-up work on time.

Regular class attendance of graduate students is fundamental to success in the programs of the Braniff Graduate School of Liberals Arts.  Therefore graduate students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to satisfy all course requirements within the time limits established by their professors, unless prevented from doing so by extraordinary circumstances such as serious illness. In the case of extraordinary circumstances, students must inform the instructor at the earliest opportunity. Absence from class does not excuse students from completing course assignments or meeting course requirements, and it is the student’s responsibility to initiate discussion about how and when missed work can be made up.

A professor who deems that a student has been excessively absent during the first half of the semester may recommend that the student withdraw from the course. If a student misses six or more hours of class time in a semester, a professor may assign a grade of FA (failure due to absence), or depending on the student’s academic performance, a grade of F.  Ultimately the instructor has discretion over the assessment of class attendance and its contribution to the final grade for the course.  Students are encouraged to review the attendance policies instructors set out in their syllabi.

Course Format Definitions 

To ensure shared understanding, here is how each course delivery format is defined:

• Online Synchronous: The course meets online for every class session at specific scheduled times (e.g., via Zoom or Teams). These live sessions are required and function like a virtual classroom. You are expected to actively participate in real time each week by logging in on time with the camera on, contributing to discussions and breakout tasks, and staying attentive for the entire session.
• Online Blended: This course is offered through a combination of synchronous and online asynchronous sessions. The synchronous sessions will comprise up to three scheduled live sessions (online or on campus/ground). The remainder of the course will consist of online asynchronous sessions during which students perform independent online work. Live sessions are required, and online modules are to be completed independently between meetings based on the course schedule.
• On-Ground: The course meets in person on campus during scheduled class times. The class meetings are required and in-class participation is expected.

Participation Requirements

Timely, full, and consistent participation in all course activities is essential for successful learning at the graduate level. Attendance is not limited to physical or virtual presence, which includes meaningful engagement with course content, assigned tasks, and learning activities. Participation is monitored and will directly impact a student’s final course grade.

Online Synchronous and Blended Courses 

Synchronous sessions in blended or online formats are required and designed to support Experiential Learning, where students apply concepts through real-time, practice-based activities such as presentations, simulations, and peer engagement.

• Attendance at all scheduled synchronous sessions is essential for full participation credit toward the final grade. These meetings include graded assignments that cannot be made up without prior, instructor-approved accommodations for documented emergencies.
• During synchronous sessions, students must have their cameras turned on and be fully visible, participating in a professional environment free from distractions such as children, pets, or non-academic activities.
• For Online Blended courses, a minimum of 10 to 12 hours of independent work per week is expected to complete readings, assignments, and online discussion activities.
• For Online Synchronous courses outside of scheduled weekly meetings, students should plan for 6 to 8 hours per week of independent learning.
• During online asynchronous sessions, Brightspace engagement data (e.g., video access, discussion contributions, on-time submissions) provide an objective record for consistent engagement, which is expected. Prolonged inactivity or late submission will reduce online discussion participation and assignment credit.
• Repeated or prolonged disengagement, whether in synchronous or online asynchronous components, will reduce the final course grade or other academic consequences in line with the graduate program’s academic policies.

On-Ground Courses

On-ground course meetings are structured for direct instruction, real-time feedback, and collaborative experiential learning.

• Attendance at all scheduled class meetings is essential for full participation credit toward the final grade. Missed sessions will result in lost participation credit or in-class graded assignments without prior, instructor-approved accommodations for documented emergencies.
• Outside of scheduled meetings, students should plan for 6 to 8 hours per week of independent learning.
• Participation includes preparation, contribution to class discussions, completion of in-class activities, and collaborative work.
• Insufficient participation due to excessive absences, based on the instructor's discretion, will reduce the final course grade or result in other academic consequences in line with the graduate program’s academic policies.