Course Attendance

In order to receive any letter grade, a student must have attended a minimum of one class meeting or the equivalent in the case of a distance learning course. In a distance learning course, initial student attendance is determined by course participation as measured by accessing and using course materials, completion of a class assignment, participation in a course discussion, or other evidence of participation.  Students who enroll in a course but do not attend a minimum of one class meeting or the distance learning equivalent by the census date or earlier date as defined and published by the institution must be administratively deleted from the course by the college.  Existing college policies regarding tuition refund shall remain in effect. (VCCS Policy 5.6.0 Grading System for Credit Classes)

Students should be present and on time for all scheduled class and laboratory meetings. Instructors do not have to admit students who arrive late. If students register after the registration deadline, they are counted absent from all class meetings missed.

If students are absent more than 15 percent of scheduled instructional time, attendance may be defined as unsatisfactory. Instructors may establish more stringent attendance policies, and students are responsible for understanding the attendance requirements for each course in which they are enrolled.

When instructors determine student absences constitute unsatisfactory attendance, students may be withdrawn from courses. Students will receive W grades during the first 60 percent of courses. If students are withdrawn after 60 percent of courses, grades of F (or U in the case of developmental courses) will be assigned unless students can document mitigating circumstances. Students who are withdrawn from courses because of unsatisfactory attendance are not eligible for refunds of tuition and fees.