University General Course Catalog 2017-2018 
    
    Apr 25, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2017-2018 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Class Absences


It is the personal responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor regarding absence from class as soon as possible. Except as specified in this policy, the instructor shall make the final determination on allowing alternate assignments or whether missed work can be done at a time other than during the regularly scheduled class period.

Students are expected to attend classes in which they are enrolled unless absent for institutionally approved activities or other reasons allowed under institutional policy. Instructors may set course attendance requirements, which may include consequences for absences that are not institutionally approved, but such requirements must not conflict with institutional policies governing student absences. As indicated in UAM 6,501, it is the instructor’s responsibility to state course-specific policies regarding late work and make-up exams in the course syllabus.

Absence due to religious holiday observance

It is the policy of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) to be sensitive to the religious obligations of its students. Any student missing class, quizzes, examinations or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall, whenever possible, be given an opportunity during that semester to make up the missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in advance in writing, according to the policy of the institution offering the class, if the student intends to participate in a religious holiday that does not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the assignment at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the institution that could not be reasonably have been avoided.

Absence due to university approved extracurricular activity

For absences due to university-approved extracurricular activities, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor in advance and as soon as possibly regarding the absence to arrange for the completion of all missed coursework. University-approved extracurricular activities are defined as those sanctioned by a college dean and/or the Executive Vice President & Provost, and may include, but are not limited to, intercollegiate athletics, band, drama, forensics, and recruitment. Students who represent the University at such events shall be provided with alternate, timely make up exams, quizzes, or other coursework missed as a result of their participation.

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for written notice from the appropriate college dean or the Office of the Provost to their instructor of their participation in university-approved extracurricular activities within the first week of the academic term or as soon as the student is aware of the potential need to miss class.

Absence due to illness, family emergency, bereavement, or other compelling reason

In cases of absences due to extended illness, family emergency, bereavement, or other compelling reason, students should notify their instructors as soon as possible and within one week of the start of the absence. In such cases faculty are encouraged to develop plans and deadlines for students to complete alternate assignments that substitute for the missed components of the final course grade. Faculty have the right to request formal, written documentation in such cases as they deem appropriate. 

In the case of extended absence, students should review General Catalog policies for incomplete grades (4.2 Records and Grading: Grades, Marks, and Grade Point Average), withdrawal from the university (4.1 Registration: Withdrawal from the University), or grade appeal due to improper withdrawal (4.2 Records and Grading: Grade Changes, Grade Replacement, and Grade Appeals). Students are advised to check with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships on the implications of these actions.

Appeal

Any student who is denied a make-up assignment after appropriately notifying the instructor of a class absence, as described in the policies above, shall have the right to appeal that decision through the Academic Complaint System.