Attendance Statement

Attendance means more than simple physical presence in the classroom, but encompasses academic engagement as appropriate for the course: online discussions, conferencing technology, field experiences, etc. Students should refer to the course syllabus for an explanation of how they are expected to demonstrate appropriate academic engagement. 

All students are expected to regularly demonstrate academic engagement within each of their classes.

Verification of class enrollments

At the beginning of each term, students must demonstrate academic engagement during the add/drop period or have the class dropped from their schedule. Exceptions to this policy must be approved through the Provost’s Office. Students who are requesting an exception should contact the Provost's Office. 

Attendance and impact on grades

It is the responsibility of the instructor to set forth, in writing, at the beginning of a course any special conditions regarding absences in the course. In many classes (e.g., seminars, laboratories, studios, physical education, clinicals), participation in class constitutes a substantial part of the work of the course. Faculty should clarify how students are expected to demonstrate their academic engagement (whether physically in a class, virtually through conferencing, etc). 

NOTE: In the Summer of 2020, faculty engaged in discussion about providing flexibility for students to continue their coursework even when they cannot attend the class. In classes that require the physical presence of students, faculty should work with students who are unable to be physically present to determine whether and how students can academically engage with the course even while they are not able to physically attend a class session. 

Students with “Academic Flexibility” as an ADA accommodation will work with the instructor to determine whether and how any relevant attendance requirements may need to be adjusted. The instructor and the student may consult with the Accessibility Services Center, as needed.

Throughout the semester, if absences occur, it is the student's responsibility to make up the work missed. Permission to make up laboratory assignments, studios, quizzes, exams, and other such assessments are granted at the discretion of the instructor. As a matter of courtesy, whenever students find it necessary to be absent from class, they should inform the instructor as soon as possible and remain in consistent communication with the instructor to ensure all missed work is appropriately addressed and/or completed. 

Planned Absences

If a student expects to be absent for any of the following reasons, they must inform the faculty member as soon as possible in writing, ideally in advance of the class meeting itself. If a student reports that they will be absent for one of these reasons, the faculty members are then expected to work with the student to provide alternate arrangements for these students to demonstrate academic engagement:

  • Travel considered part of the instructional program of the University (e.g. field trips, research experiences)
  • Travel as part of a team or group that is representing the University (e.g. public performances, conference presentations, NCAA competitions)
  • Jury duty or other official civil services (such as National Guard duties or voting)
  • Religious observances
  • Family emergencies (such as caring for a family member who is ill)
  • Attendance at funeral services for immediate family members 

Absence due to health concerns

Students may not be able to attend class due to health concerns. In such a case, the student must notify the faculty member as soon as possible, ideally in advance of the class meeting. In turn, the faculty member should work with students to provide alternate methods for the student to demonstrate their academic engagement. Faculty should note that documentation may not be available (e.g. if the student has a migraine, they may not be able to provide documentation to support a claim). Typically, the Health Center cannot provide “excuse notes” for illness of students not in their direct care.

The Health Center, Moravian athletic trainers or team physicians, the Accessibility Services Center, or the Provost's Office may provide notification through Navigate of student absences due to health concerns. If a student will be absent for an extended period (typically more than three days), they should work with the relevant office to ensure communication with instructors and develop a plan to address issued assignments/assessments.

In the event of certain outbreaks (e.g.: mumps, COVID-19, influenza), students are expected to follow the guidance from the Health Center about leaving their residence or physically attending class. Students who receive instructions from the Health Center that they cannot physically attend class should inform their instructors as soon as possible. Faculty are expected to make every effort to provide alternate methods for these students to demonstrate their academic engagement with the course.

If a student will be absent for an extended period for a documented health reason, they can share that documentation with the relevant office listed above, who can then confirm to instructors that such documentation has been received.

Administrative Withdrawal

Prior to the announced last day for students to withdraw with a “W,” instructors may request an administrative withdrawal for a student who has failed to engage academically with their course for a period of three consecutive weeks or more.  The request must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will then consult with the Dean of the relevant school regarding the appropriateness of the request.  If a student's status changes from full-time to part-time as a result of the administrative “W,” the Student Accounts Office and Financial Aid will make appropriate adjustments to the student's account for said term. International students who would change to part-time status due to this policy will be referred to the Center for Global Education before action is taken.

Individual Class Cancellations 

Faculty are expected to post any class cancellations using the Class Cancellation Portal on AMOS.  Students should note any such changes to class meetings.

Changes in Class Format

Faculty are expected to notify students through the course’s Canvas shell whenever there is a change in format (for example, moving to an online class, even for a single class meeting).

Inclement Weather 

The University may be closed to certain on-campus activities, including in-person classes as a result of inclement weather. 

Under such conditions, faculty are encouraged to use appropriate online alternatives, rather than canceling a class, whenever possible.  Faculty must communicate to students at least 60 minutes prior to the start of class whether the class will be held in person, online, or both.

All persons should use their best judgment when making decisions about their own safety, whether driving or walking to and from work or class.

To communicate closures, Moravian University sends text and email notifications via e2Campus, sends a University email message, and posts on the University webpage. Public announcements are also made via WFMZ (website and television).