Student Needs

• A clear understanding of the rationale for mandating attendance or taking it into consideration when grading
• Recognition that sometimes students have important medical appointments that are booked months in advance
• Understanding that students might experience an unexpected and unavoidable flare-up of a health condition that can result in an absence
• Acknowledgement that mandatory attendance encourages students to be physically present when they are unwell
• Mindful consideration of any institutional policy statements on class attendance [1]

Solutions

• When attendance is essential, provide flexibility by giving everyone an opportunity to miss at least one class without consequence.
• Consider an option for students to makeup missed in-class opportunities (e.g. reflection paper).
• Use class time to examine concepts in greater depth or set them in context, rather than presenting content that is only available through attendance.
• Provide the opportunity to record, webcast, and/or access speaker’s notes.
• Consider whether alternatives exist such as online tutorials or an online discussion forum.

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