Attendance Policy
| AC–REG-POL-005 Attendance Policy | |
|---|---|
| Department | Academic |
| Approval Date | August 30, 2022 |
| Effective Date | August 30, 2022 |
Organizational Scope
The policy applies to all full-time and part-time students in programs* offered in The Michener Institute of Education at UHN (“Michener”).
*Students in joint programs must refer to their program handbook.
Purpose
Michener believes that a student will make reasonable and informed decisions regarding their attendance in scheduled sessions and completion of compulsory evaluations. Theoretical course subject matter, which may be presented in lectures, seminars or tutorials, and practical laboratory or simulation or clinical experiences, are essential.
Learning Activities are designed to assist students in mastering the essential learning objectives required of professional care in the heath care sector. Achieving these levels of competency can be more readily attained when a student attends, participates and completes all learning activities.
Policy
Attendance
Attendance in all laboratories, simulation and clinical sessions is mandatory. Course outlines will identify any other specific attendance requirements in the syllabus.
Failure to attend scheduled laboratories, simulation or clinical session, except where supported with documentation of unavoidable cause, can result in a loss of marks, the awarding of a failing grade for a course, up to and including permanent withdrawal from the program. Permanent withdrawal may occur at any point during the academic session. (Students should also note that repeated late attendance to any of these outlined sessions may also influence their overall standing in the course.)
Missed Compulsory Evaluations
Students are expected to be present and on time for scheduled assessments/evaluations. Students who are late for an assessment can be refused entry (please refer to the Examination Invigilation Policy) and may be assessed as if they are absent depending upon the type of evaluation.
Absence from an evaluation may result in a mark of zero for that evaluation, and if required to pass the course, may result in a course failure. Students experiencing exceptional circumstances are encouraged to communicate with faculty to ensure evaluations can be completed.
A course faculty member may grant a deferral or alternative evaluation if the reasons for a missed evaluation are outside student’s control and sufficient documentation is provided. Students should note that not all reasons are valid for missing an evaluation. The date for alternative evaluation may be determined through consultation with faculty, health services, accessibility and the students on a case-by-case basis.
Missed final exams – due to unavoidable cause – are to be made up during the supplemental exam period immediately following the semester in which the absence occurred.
Students anticipating, they may need an extended period of absence due to unavoidable cause should refer to the:
- Leave of Absence Policy, once academic standing has been established, or
- Withdrawal Policy, when no academic standing has been established (or if they do not meet the criteria for a Leave of Absence).
Students who may need special accommodation for attendance or completion of evaluations should refer to the Accessibility and Accommodation Policy.
Example of unavoidable cause include:
- Serious illness or injury supported by medical certificate submitted to the Michener Health Nurse preferably in 72 hours or in consultation with Health Services;
- Delays due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., bad weather, issues with public transit, family emergency);
- Religious Accommodation (please refer to the Religious Accommodations Policy)
- Death of a member of the immediate family, supported by documentations (i.e., obituary, certificate, funeral itinerary).
