I. Purpose

Regular student attendance at and participation in class facilitates knowledge transfer and is a key to academic success. Absences, on the other hand, seriously disrupt a student's orderly progression in a course. Regular absences often have a negative impact upon the final grade. Although an occasional absence might be unavoidable, the absence does not excuse a student from meeting the requirements of the missed class(es). The student is responsible for preparing all assignments for the next class, and for completing work missed as a result of absences. Instructors are responsible for establishing attendance requirements in their course syllabi, and for informing students of those requirements at the beginning of each academic term.

II. Late Entry

To ensure student success and accuracy of reporting, the College prohibits a registered student from entering a curriculum class or attending for the first time after the 10 percent date. A program dean may make an exception in the case of a College error or in the student’s best interest in completing an academic credential [Policy 3.05 Schedule Adjustment (Drop-Add) Period].

III. Rule for Absence for Religious Observances

Students at Central Piedmont Community College may take two days of excused absences for religious observances required by their faith each academic year consistent with North Carolina General Statute 15D-5(u); North Carolina General Assembly Session Law 2010-112, s. 2 (PDF), and State Board of Community Colleges Code 1B SBCCC 500.99. Students must provide each instructor a written request to have an excused absence at least one week prior to the absence. It is the responsibility of the student to work with their instructor in advance of the absence about how to make up missed work.

IV. Excused Absence for Military Service

Policy

Reserve or active duty military students at Central Piedmont Community College may be granted excused absences for class time that is missed upon receipt of temporary or permanent reassignment as a result of military operations. This policy also applies to any student who is a National Guard service member placed upon active duty status during an academic term for the period of time the student is on active duty. All military students should set up an appointment with Military Families and Veterans Services in advance of absences and present a copy of their military orders in order to receive appropriate advisement and excused absence procedures.

Related Procedures

Attendance Procedures for Military

Changes

Changes approved by the Board of Trustees on May 6, 2020

Changes approved by Cabinet on August 23, 2010; July 25, 2011; August 8, 2012