Attendance

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

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.