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Attendance Policies

Attendance Policies

Although the University does not require class attendance as a matter of institutional policy, course instructors may establish required attendance in their courses and specify penalties for student violations of such attendance requirements. Colleges also have this option and sometimes have adopted attendance policies for introductory courses and special learning situations.

Instructor Attendance Policies

At the beginning of each course, the instructor will inform students of any specific attendance regulations which apply.

Attendance Requirements of the Veterans Administration

In compliance with the requirements of the Veterans Administration (VA), all recipients of Veterans benefits, including eligible children of veterans, must certify their attendance at the University, under penalty of perjury through directions received with the students benefits.

Absence of Students for Religious Beliefs

Chapter 375, Acts of 1975 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires recognition of student religious beliefs as noted.

“Any student...who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirements, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided, however, that such make up examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”

Students should inform the course instructor in writing of the day(s) when they will be absent. This should be done as early as possible in the semester and always prior to the day(s) the student will be absent for religious reasons.