CLONINGER: ATTENDANCE AND GRADING POLICIES Absences and Tardies Student absences during the semester are not expected to exceed the number of times the class meets in one week. (Example: For a class meeting twice a week, only two absences for the semester are excused.) Faculty cannot be placed in the position of determining which absences are excusable and which are not. Thus, the allotted absences are always excusable; the unallotted absences are always not excusable. No documentation for the allotted absences is required. No documentation for the unallotted absences will be accepted. (This includes surgeon's note, psychiatrist's note, mechanic's note, mortician's note, etc.) Students failing to attend the first day of class may be dropped from the class by the instructor. Tardiness is defined as being ten minutes late for class, or departing from class before it has been formally dismissed by the instructor. Two tardies are counted as one absence. These allotted absences are to accommodate routine illness, weddings, car trouble, etc. Doctor appointments, advisor conferences, trips to supply stores and labs, employment, etc., should not be scheduled to conflict with class. Using the allotted absences is considered average. All students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Prolonged illness will require the student to withdraw from class. Notification of Attendance Problems Students whose attendance exceeds the allotted number of absences may receive written and/or verbal warning. It is advised that students also maintain a record of their absences. An absence or tardy accrued following what is allowed will result in the following: -- 1-3 absences OVER the allotted number of allowed absences will lower student's overall grade by -.1 to -.3 respectively (out of 4.0). -- At the 4th absence OVER the allotted number of allowed absences, the student will be dropped from the class. (If this happens before the official withdrawal deadline, the student's transcript will carry the word WITHDRAWAL. If it happens after the withdrawal deadline, the student will receive an F.) Preparation for Class Students are to be prepared at the start of each class with assigned work and supplies. Students who do not participate in class critiques or individual discussions with faculty when scheduled to do so should not expect private critiques with faculty at a later date. Obtaining Missed Homework Students who miss lectures and class discussions due to absences must obtain notes for the classes missed and assignments from a responsible classmate prior to the next class period (get a classmate's email address). While faculty will be happy to clarify information for students who are confused, instructors cannot repeat lectures or elaborate on project descriptions on an individual basis. Students should make every attempt to obtain general information from classmates before discussing details with faculty. It should be further noted that faculty are frequently called upon to recommend students for professional positions upon graduation and are contacted by potential employers as references. In such instances, reliability is always discussed. Students with a responsible record of attendance are likely to receive favorable recommendations. Grading Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Major assignments that are overdue but turned in within 24 hours will be deducted a full letter grade for lateness. An additional letter grade will be deducted per additional day late. This policy includes weekends, holidays, snow days, etc.