Class Requirements

College classes operate differently than most high school classes. You will spend fewer and more concentrated hours in class and do more work outside of class, and you will need to take more responsibility for staying organized and keeping track of requirements yourself. Take the opportunity to build effective new habits and take charge of your own learning!

Class Evaluation

Excelling at attendance, participation, exams, and assignments will contribute to your success in any class, but the specific ways your work will be evaluated can vary from class to class. The course syllabus is your comprehensive guide to requirements for each class. Get to know it well! Every class usually includes written, oral, and practical work so that your professor is able to evaluate your progress. An unexcused absence from a pre-announced exam will most likely result in a grade of F. If you have a compelling personal circumstance, illness, or injury that will prevent you from completing an exam or assignment, you should speak with your professor immediately. 

For fall and spring semesters, the final examination period usually begins two to three days following the end of classes. The examination schedule is published at the time you register for classes, and you must take your exams at the indicated times. See the University Catalog for more information.

Class Attendance 

Class attendance is vital to success. Your professors will share their expectations with you through your course syllabus on the first day of class.

The general idea will be the same: miss too many classes and you may see that reflected in your final grade. 

If you have to miss a class, it’s important to communicate with your professor right away to explain your circumstances. If you are going to miss more than 3 days of classes, you will need to contact the Office of the Registrar, who will, in turn, notify each of your professors of the date(s) and reason for your absence, and be prepared to present documentation if the professor requires it in order to permit make-up work. 

University-sponsored field trips, athletic or music or drama events may necessitate absence from class. Absences of this kind will be considered excused if you abide by the following procedure: contact each professor whose class you will miss and make arrangements to make up the work or test. This must be done BEFORE the date(s) of the absence. It is your personal responsibility; do not rely on the other members of the team or group to notify your professor(s) and make arrangements for you. 

If you have a compelling personal circumstance, illness, or injury that will prevent you from completing an exam or assignment, you should speak with your professor immediately, before the due date or exam date. Otherwise, an unexcused absence from a pre-announced exam will most likely result in a grade of F. 

Students must take each final exam on the day it is scheduled. Any exceptions need to be cleared ahead of time with the Provost’s office. All students are expected to attend class regularly. No student may continue to live in the residence halls, participate in co-curricular activities and/or receive financial aid who does not do so. Failure to attend class does not constitute official withdrawal from a course.