Attendance Requirements

Highland Community College expects each student to actively participate in their coursework. Regular class attendance is considered a key element of participation and an essential part of the educational experience. The First Day Handout is provided with the instructor’s expectations for the course and includes specific attendance and participation requirements. Students should note that the First Day Handout may differ for each instructor and course.

Attendance Requirements for Students Enrolled in Technical Programs

Students who do not attend by the end of the second week will automatically be removed from the program in which they are enrolled. In order to develop the discipline and workplace habits required of successful workers, students are expected to attend class. When an absence is necessary, students are required to provide instructors with advance notice (when possible) and are responsible for making up missed coursework.

Full Time Student Attendance Policy: Students attending a technical program full time are in session 6.24 hours per day. Full-time students missing 62 hours in one semester will be removed from the program. Students who have been “dropped” from courses before the last day to withdraw from classes will receive a “W” on their transcript. Students dropped from courses after the last day to withdraw from classes will receive an “F” on their transcript.

Part Time Student Attendance Policy: Students attending a technical program part time are in session 3.12 hours per day. Part-time students missing 31 hours in one semester will be dropped from the program. Students dropped before the last day to withdraw from classes will receive a “W” on their transcript. Students dropped after the last day to withdraw from classes will receive an “F” on their transcript.

Students will be informed about poor attendance at three intervals during the semester. These intervals are:

• After 24 hours of absence for full-time and 12 hours of absence for part-time students the instructor/and or student services personnel will meet with the student to provide verbal warning.
• After 48 hours of absence full-time and 24 hours of absence for part-time, student services personnel will meet with the student to provide written notification.
• After 62 hours of absence for full-time and 31 hours of absence for part-time, student services personnel will meet with the student to complete withdrawal forms.

Any student, attending full or part time courses who is absent for five (5) consecutive days¹ may be dropped from the program after an evaluation by the center Director within 10 days of the fifth absence. High school students are not allowed to leave class without notification to the Atchison Technical Center at (785) 442-6180 or the Western Center at (785) 442-6240 depending on attendance location. The high school and/or parent/guardian may be notified of absences, late arrivals, or early dismissal.

¹Days when referred to in this document, always refer to University business days.