OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

All absences are equal under the attendance requirement of 75%. With no action at all, an absence is considered unexcused. A professor may allow a student to make up missed coursework at their discretion but have no obligation to accept late work or allow assessments to be taken late. The Office of Academic Affairs can review the circumstances of an absence and determine that the absence should be declared “excused.” When an absence is “Excused,” the student may make up missed coursework with no reduction in grade. With advance notification from the Athletics Office, studentathletes are excused from class sessions missed due to games. Students who submit medical documentation to the Registrar may be excused from classes missed due to communicable illness, the day of an immediate family member’s funeral, or hospital stays. Only the Office of Academic Affairs may declare an absence excused and may only do so with proper documentation.

Students in every course have an allowable number of absences, 25% of the scheduled class sessions. Students must contact the professor to request an opportunity to make up missed coursework. A student who fails to attend a class 75% of the scheduled sessions is subject to administrative withdrawal and loss of credit for the course.

First, as believers, we extend grace, acknowledging that professors are humans facing all the complexities of life. However, you should expect a response within 48 hours, and if you do not receive one, send both an email and a Canvas message, politely noting that this is your second attempt, and respectfully stating again your concern. Remember that professors are expected to make “office hours” available to respond to students, so check your syllabus for any special instructions regarding communication. If the second attempt at communication with the professor is also unsuccessful, please contact your Advisor or the Office of Academic Affairs for assistance.

Note that a professor is an expert in the field and has full authority to draw conclusions based on his/her experience. Some grading is subjective, and students do not always agree but must accept the authority of the professor to assign grades. Check your heart in prayer. Legitimate grade concerns do arise and must be addressed. That process begins when a student sends an email to the professor respectfully stating the concern. Often, the problem is resolved at this stage because a straightforward mistake has been made, and once it is exposed, it is quickly resolved. A professor can correct a mistake with the Registrar through established faculty procedures. If the concern is not resolved with the professor, please contact your Advisor or the Office of Academic Affairs for assistance.