Attendance Policy (SSE 100-005)

1.0 Purpose

This policy establishes institutional expectations and guidelines for course attendance to promote student success and academic engagement.

2.0 Definitions

Academic Activity – Defined as actions by which a student engages with a course and/or its content. Examples include:

• Attending class sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Submitting assignments or assessments
• Participating in interactive tutorials or computer-assisted instruction
• Attending instructor-assigned study groups
• Contributing to online course discussions
• Communicating with the instructor regarding course-related support
  

College-initiated Withdrawal - The removal of a student from one or more courses by the College based on established criteria related to academic inactivity or behavioral indicators.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all Baker College courses, regardless of delivery format, in which a student is enrolled.

4.0 Policy Statement

Baker College does not require traditional attendance tracking by course instructors; however, students are expected to maintain consistent academic activity in all registered courses. Academic engagement is monitored to ensure satisfactory progress.

Students anticipating an extended period of inactivity are expected to notify the course instructor in advance. In cases where a student demonstrates a sustained lack of academic engagement without valid justification, the instructor may request a college-initiated withdrawal.

5.0 Procedures

Monitoring Academic Activity

• Instructors are responsible for monitoring student academic activity in accordance with the definition provided in this policy. Lack of activity may include, but is not limited to, failure to attend class sessions, submit assignments, participate in course discussions, or engage in any course-related communications.

Initiating Concern

• If a student is inactive for a period deemed academically concerning, the instructor must submit an alert through the College’s designated reporting system. Alerts should be submitted in a timely manner and include relevant details regarding the student’s lack of engagement.

Review and Evaluation

• Upon receipt of an instructor alert, the Director of Student Affairs (DSA) will evaluate the circumstances, including the duration and nature of the inactivity. The DSA may consult with the instructor, review the student’s academic record, and consider any documented communication or extenuating circumstances.

College-Initiated Withdrawal Determination

• If the DSA determines that the student’s lack of academic activity meets the criteria for a college-initiated withdrawal, the DSA will proceed with the administrative withdrawal process in accordance with the Withdrawal from a Course policy.

Notification

• The student will be formally notified of the withdrawal decision, including the effective date of the withdrawal and any potential implications for academic progress or financial aid.

Appeals or Further Action

• If applicable, the student may be informed of any appeal procedures available under the College’s academic policies.

6.0 Responsibilities

Student 

• Maintain academic activity.

Faculty

• Timely submission of alerts relating to student inactivity or lack of academic progression.

Director of Student Affairs (DSA)

• Determine the appropriateness of administrative (college-initiated) withdrawal requests based on alerts submitted by instructors. 

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Withdrawal from a Course Policy