Consistent class attendance is vital to academic success and is expected of all students. Grades are determined by academic performance, and instructors may give students written notice that attendance related to specific classroom activities is required.
Absences do not exempt you from academic requirements. Excessive absences, even if documented, may result in your failing the course. An “Incomplete” may be granted if you have a passing grade, but only if you meet the criteria for an “Incomplete” and the instructor determines it is feasible for you to successfully complete remaining assignments after the semester. Such determinations are within the discretion of the instructor. See catalog: http://catalog.twu.edu/.
Absence for Military Service
In accordance with section 51.9111 of the Texas Education Code, a student is excused from attending classes or engaging in other required activities, including exams, if they are called to required military service of a reasonably brief duration. The maximum time for which the student may be excused has been defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) as “no more than 25 percent of the total number of class meetings or the contact hour equivalent (not including the final examination period) for the specific course or courses in which the student is currently enrolled at the beginning of the period" of required military service. The student will be allowed a reasonable time after the absence to complete assignments and take exams.
Religious Holidays
Texas state law allows students in Texas colleges and universities to make up missed work if they are absent because of a religious holy day.
The law requires an institution of higher education to allow a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a “religious holy day” to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day at another time. You must notify the instructor prior to the day of the planned absence.
The law defines a “religious holy day” as a day observed by a religion whose place of worship is exempt from property taxation under state law.
If you plan to be absent for an observance, written notice must be given to each instructor by the census date of the semester. Students must use the ‘Religious Holy Day Accommodation’ form located on the Student Life website under forms: https://twu.edu/student-life-office/forms/
The law states that a student who is excused under these conditions may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment or examination.
For additional information see ‘Student Religious Accommodations Regulation and Procedures’ https://public.powerdms.com/TWU1/documents/1745752 found on TWU's policy page https://twu.edu/university-policy/.