How can I ensure that students regularly attend my class?

University of Maryland students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled course meetings. Unfortunately, many students do not. In courses where the faculty member thinks that in-class participation is an integral part of the learning process, he/she can require attendance. In short, the decision to enforce an attendance policy is left entirely to the discretion of the faculty members.

In the past, instructors have taken roll; however, this approach can be time consuming. Instead, many University of Maryland faculty members include class participation as a portion of the student's grade and administer unannounced quizzes. Regardless of the policy, the instructor's plans and expectations should be clearly stated in the course syllabus. Occasionally, student absences are the result of circumstances over which the student has no control. When this occurs, the university will excuse the absence and permit the student to make up any missed work and exams. Excusable absences include:

• Documented illness
• Religious observance
• Participation in a university activity at the request of a university official (e.g., athletes, band, mock trial and so forth)
• Documented family emergency

In the end, the best method of assuring regular attendance is to conduct a lively, interesting course, which teaches important life skills such as critical thinking and effective communication.