SPS STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY

Responsible Unit: Office of Academic Affairs 
Approval by: Committee on Instruction 
Issue Date: September 3, 2024
Latest Revision: September 9, 2024
Audience: Students, Faculty, Program Administrators, Student Advising, Relevant Staff

OVERVIEW 

At the School of Professional Studies (SPS), we value students not only learning from instructors but also engaging in discourse and learning from each other. The expectation is that all students attend classes and actively and respectfully participate in (a)synchronous discussions. In many SPS classes, a student’s grade is tied to attendance and/or participation. SPS is mindful that many of our students have important other professional and/or family responsibilities. We therefore respect the need for occasional absences due to, e.g., religious observance; military service; court appearance; illness; unforeseen and urgent job-related responsibilities; and emergencies. SPS further recognizes that learning objectives and formats of instruction differ by academic program and by course. 

POLICY 

It is SPS policy that each instructor may and should set their own attendance policy for each class and that the policy may be set at the program level. The policy may include guidance to students on how to best achieve the learning objectives in the event of an absence (e.g., increased office hour visits, additional assignments, or, technology and circumstances permitting, access to a recording of the missed session). Instructors will communicate the policy in writing to students as part of the syllabus.

WHO SHOULD KNOW THIS POLICY

School of Professional Studies students, faculty, and relevant staff members (student advising, program directors, administrative teams, etc.)

WHO IS GOVERNED BY THIS POLICY 

All faculty members, students, and academic administrators within the School of Professional Studies involved in teaching and learning.

EXCEPTIONS 

All exceptions must be approved by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  

POLICY CONTACT

For inquiries or guidance regarding this policy, please contact the Division of Academic Affairs: spsacademicaffairs [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (spsacademicaffairs[at]columbia[dot]edu)