APC Document 1: Absence from Class Policy (Revision of SD2002S) (Handbook 3.1.4.3.4) 

Effective Date: Fall 2010

1. Delete on Page 42 of the Catalog:

Class Attendance

Students are responsible for regular class attendance. Students failing to attend the first session of any class may be administratively dropped by the instructor; however, this is at the discretion of the instructor. It is the students’ responsibility to notify the OneStop Student Services Office of any changes to their schedules. Students who miss class to travel on university-sanctioned business are given excused absences for the class time missed. Occasional absences of this kind will have no punitive impact on their grades. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of the travel plans at least one week prior to the sanctioned absence, and to make up all work missed within a specified time period, as agreed to by instructor and student. However, significant absences may affect academic performance and grades.

2. Add on Page 42 of the Catalog:

Class Attendance

Students are responsible for regular class attendance. Students failing to attend the first session of any class may be administratively dropped by the instructor; however, this is at the discretion of the instructor. It is the students’ responsibility to notify the OneStop Student Services Office of any changes to their schedules. Students who miss class to travel on university-sanctioned business, or for religious observances, are given excused absences for the class time missed. Occasional absences of this kind will have no punitive impact on their grades. It is the students’ responsibility to inform the instructor of their plans at least one week prior to the sanctioned absence, and to make up all work missed within a specified time period, as agreed to by instructor and student. However, significant absences may affect academic performance and grades.

3. Delete Faculty Handbook  3.1.4.3.4

Religious Holidays: It should be noted (but not specifically in class policies) that a student who misses a test or deadline due to a bona fide religious holiday must be allowed to make up the test or other work. Legal counsel of the University system advises that to refuse this may be a violation of the prohibition against religious discrimination.

4. Add Faculty Handbook  3.1.4.3.4

Religious Observances: It should be noted that a student who misses a test or deadline due to a bona fide religious observance must be allowed to make up the test or other work if the student informs the instructor one week prior to the event. Legal counsel of the University system advises that to ask for proof of religious affiliation or to refuse this may be a violation of the prohibition against religious discrimination.

Impact Statement:
This change will impact current attendance policies on syllabi and create the possibility for an additional time commitment for faculty due to make up work.

Rationale:
This rewording of the Class Attendance statement puts UNC Asheville in compliance with the mandated General Administration Board Directive on Excused Absences for Religious Observance. This change will also free faculty from having to arbitrate what is considered religious observance with students.