Faculty & Staff

Guidelines for flexible attendance were established based on course length and schedule type, generally allowing for 15-20% missed classes. Additional flexibility may be needed and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Keep in mind: These are guidelines. Instructors who do not believe the rubric reflects what is reasonable for their course should complete a Flex Plan in the Online Portal.

If the course attendance policy provides for additional flexibility beyond what is listed above, DS considers that to meet the accommodation.

Course formats not represented in the above table:

Independent Study (IND), Research (RES), and Thesis or Dissertation (THD): The Registrar defines these as courses in which no classroom or meeting schedule is expected. If flex attendance is applicable to and needed in these course formats, students should contact their Accommodations Specialist.
Clinical (CLN), Field Experience (FLD), Internship (INT), Practicum (PRA), Student Teaching (STT): The Registrar defines these as courses in which no classroom or meeting schedule is expected. Instruction may occur off-campus and course requirements may be dictated by state/licensing/credentialing organizations or specialized accreditors. Therefore, flexibility is limited. Students who need flex attendance in these settings should promptly contact their Accommodations Specialist to request a clinical accommodation letter.
Interim courses (Summer & Winter Intersession) are 3 weeks in length and generally follow an asynchronous, online format.

The rubric guidelines suggest allowing up to 15–20% absences.

Exceptions: If fewer absences are permitted than the standard guideline, instructors must provide a rationale in the Flex Plan. This rationale must be clearly tied to the course’s learning objectives as outlined in the syllabus.

Non-Weekly Courses: If a course doesn’t meet weekly, 15–20% of total meetings may equal fewer allowable absences than the rubric outlines.

Scaffolded Courses: Each lesson builds on the last; missing class or assessments creates learning gaps. Missed assessments must be completed before the next topic is introduced.

Sample Rationale Statements (for Flex Plan):

“This course is structured so that each topic builds on prior material. For example, students must understand basic force equilibrium before progressing to structural analysis or design applications. Foundational concepts introduced early are essential for engaging with later content and assignments. Because of this scaffolded design, regular attendance is critical. Missing more than two class sessions may significantly affect a student’s ability to stay on track and succeed in the course.”

“Because this course involves weekly clinical simulations, in-class participation is critical for practicing applied skills. Each session introduces new competencies that rely on prior work.”

“As a studio-based course, learning occurs through in-person demonstrations and critique. Absences limit both individual growth and peer collaboration, so attendance at all sessions is expected.”

“Discussion is the foundation of this seminar. Your contributions build our collective understanding, so consistent presence is essential.”

Students with Flexible Attendance and Deadlines are entitled to a penalty exemption when missing class due to disability. When completing a Flex Plan, instructors will select from the following options:

• No grade penalty for missed participation points.
• Missed participation points can be earned by submitting a brief reflection of the assigned materials for the day missed.
• Missed participation points can be earned by watching the recorded lecture.
• This course does not calculate participation as part of the grade.

Instructors also have the option to enter additional comments.

Accommodations are not retroactive. If a student has already missed the maximum allowed absences, you are not obligated to grant additional absences without penalty. Attendance flexibility permits 15-20% of total course meetings. For example, if a student requests this accommodation in the 8th week of a 15-week course, the maximum absences will be based on the remaining 7 weeks.