Class attendance is the responsibility of the student. The University expects students to attend and actively participate in all activities for a course. Regular attendance and engagement in class activities/assignments contribute to learning the content. When a student has a legitimate absence, the instructor may permit the student to complete missed assignments. In many cases, class participation is a significant measure of performance and non-attendance may adversely affect a student’s grade. When a student’s absences become excessive, the instructor may recommend that the student initiate a withdrawal. Instructors shall include a statement in each course syllabus indicating how a student is to make up assignments missed which result from a legitimate absence. Consult with your faculty member about the attendance and engagement policy for your course as well as the policies for your department and college.
Excused Absence for University Events or Activities
When it is necessary for students to miss a regularly scheduled class in order to participate in an official university event or activity, faculty sponsors and program directors will assist students to assure they have the opportunity to make up missed work. In doing so they are requested to observe the following procedures:
- At least one month prior to the date(s)* on which students will be absent from class, the faculty sponsor or program director shall send a memorandum to the Senior Vice President for Student Success. This memorandum shall include information concerning the nature of the event or activity, the dates(s) on which students will be absent from class, and the names of the students involved. The Senior Vice President for Student Success approves the requested student absence by initialing the memorandum and returning it to the faculty sponsor or program director.
- The faculty sponsor or program director provides copies of the memorandum to the students.
- Each student delivers a copy of the memorandum to the instructors, in person, at least two weeks* prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time with the student when the make-up assignment or equivalent work will be completed. Make-up work will be mutually arranged; however, availability of the instructor will be given priority in setting the arrangements.
- It is expected that students will not abuse the privilege of being absent from class for authorized university events or activities.
*Events scheduled within the first month of an academic term may require a shortened lead time.
Excused Absence for Religious Holy Days
UT Tyler will excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused under this subsection may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence.
Any student seeking to be excused for religious observance, must provide written notification to the instructors at least two weeks* prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time with the student when any make-up assignment or equivalent work will be completed. Make-up work will be mutually arranged; however, availability of the instructor will be given priority in setting the arrangements.
It is expected that students will not abuse the privilege of being absent from class for religious observance.
*Events scheduled within the first month of an academic term may require a shortened lead time.
Excused Absence for Active Military Service
A student who is in the Reserves or National Guard and receives orders to active duty for any purpose (including training) after a semester begins should immediately inform their professors of their activation and provide the Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC) a copy of their military orders. An active duty student who anticipates difficulty in completing their classes after a semester begins due to military service should immediately inform the MVSC to discuss options for continuing their classes.
Such students will be excused from attending classes, turning in assignments, taking examinations, or participating in any other required activity if the absence is for no more than 25% of the total number of class meetings (excluding final examination period). If the absence is for more than 25% of the class meetings, please refer to the policy on Withdrawal for Military Service.
Within 5 days of the student returning to UT Tyler from active service, he or she shall notify the Military and Veterans Success Center and course instructors. The student will be allowed to complete all assignments and examinations within a reasonable time as agreed upon by the course instructors and under the same requirements in effect when the student enrolled in the course.
Should any dispute arise as to the student’s inability to complete assignments or examinations within a reasonable time after the absence, the student should first contact the MVSC for an informal resolution with the academic department. If an informal process is not successful, the student may institute a grade grievance process after the final course grade is recorded.
Absence Due to Injury, Illness, Death, or Major Illness in a Student's Immediate Family
When a student has an injury/illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class or when a student experiences a death or major illness in their immediate family the student may request of an instructor that the absence be excused. Instructors are encouraged to review documentation on a case-by-case basis and allow students to make up missed coursework. Should an instructor(s) deny a request for an injury/illness or family emergency the student can contact the academic chair or dean the course reports to for further review.
Absence for Pregnant Students
In accordance with the requirements of Texas Laws SB 412, SB 459, SB 597/HB 1361 to meet the needs of pregnant students, UT Tyler provides a suite of support to pregnant and parenting students. Part of the supports for pregnant and parenting students includes excused absences. Students must work with the Parenting Student Liaison to receive these supports. Students should reach out to the Parenting Student Liaison at parents@uttyler.edu and also complete the Pregnant and Parenting Self-Reporting Form, (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofTexasTyler&layout_id=60).