Mandatory Attendance Policy
The Policy
Where can I read the Mandatory Attendance Policy?
Read the Mandatory Attendance Policy online.
Why does TCC have a Mandatory Attendance Policy?
To promote attendance, participation, completion of assignments, and academic success.
Communicating with My Instructor
How do I communicate with my instructor?
- Check your student email and class announcements every day.
- Let your instructor know you need to talk to him/her, and your instructor will advise you on the best time to meet.
- Email your instructor using your student email.
- Call or visit your instructor's office during office hours or leave a message during non-office hours.
- Leave a message with the department secretary or the division secretary.
My Absences
How many unexcused absences am I allowed in a semester?
15% of the class meetings. Review the Instructor's Class Requirements (ICR) for the exact number of unexcused absences. This may vary according to session (i.e., Minimester, Summer I, Weekend College, etc.). The Mandatory Policy Statement and Table are in the ICR.
What happens if I have to miss class?
Always communicate with your instructor. Either let your instructor know ahead of time or communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Come prepared for the next class. An absence is not an excuse not to the do the work, readings, etc.
What if I had a situation (for example, a medical situation) where I could not contact my instructor, and now I am in danger of being dropped?
Contact your instructor as soon as possible. You will be advised by your instructor how to continue in the course.
What is the difference between an excused and an unexcused absence?
Unexcused absences count towards the Mandatory Attendance Policy. Excused absences do not count towards the Mandatory Attendance Policy. Consider your absence unexcused unless the instructor's ICR states what is considered an excused absence.
A Drop
What is "a drop"?
The instructor has removed (withdrawn) you from the class due to non-attendance and not keeping up with course assignments.
If I miss 15% of class meetings due to unexcused absences, does the instructor have to drop me?
No. Students in an on-campus course missing 15% of the class meetings (see table) and not keeping up with course assignments may be dropped at the discretion of their instructors. Meet with your instructor to discuss your absences and participation/completion of assignments when you receive an alert.
Is a drop the same as an F?
No. A drop means you did not complete the course, and a grade was not assigned. Your transcript will show a W (Withdrawn).
What are the consequences of a drop?
You will not receive credit for the class. A drop may impact your financial aid.
If I am dropped from a class, can I sign up for it again?
Yes.
How many unexcused classes may I miss before I am dropped?
15% of the total class meetings. Review your ICR and talk to your instructor. This may vary according to session (i.e., Minimester, Summer I, Weekend College, etc.).
How do I know how many unexcused absences I have?
Review your attendance in Hello!TCC. Hello!TCC will also send you an alert just before you reach the 15% limit and again when you reach the 15% limit.
Oh No! I Was Dropped! Help!
What if I was dropped, and I don't know why?
Review your attendance records, your assignment records, the Mandatory Attendance Policy and the ICR. Read your TCC student email. If your TCC student mailbox is full, empty it. You can also meet with your instructor.
What if I was dropped, and I don't agree with it?
Review your attendance records, your assignment records, the Mandatory Attendance Policy and the ICR. You can also meet with your instructor.
What if I was dropped, and I talked to my instructor, but I still don't agree with it?
If an agreement is not made, then you may consult with the appropriate discipline's department chair.
If after consulting the department chair you are not satisfied with the decision, then you may submit a formal complaint to the division dean.
Effective June 1, 2011, complaint forms may be obtained from any division or campus office. However, to ensure a faster response, completed forms must be submitted to the appropriate (where complaint originated) division office.
Hello!TCC Alert System
What am I supposed to do when I receive an attendance or assignment alert?
- Contact your instructor.
- Attend class.
- Find out if the late assignment will be accepted. If so, turn it in.
Alerts help you avoid being dropped.
Will Hello!TCC automatically generate alerts from the attendance records?
Yes, you will receive a notice of excessive absences. You will also receive email alerts from your instructor when you miss class and assignments.
Updated April 10, 2023