Attendance Policy

As most foreign-language courses, German 101, 102, 203 and 204 have a strict attendance policy.  You are allowed the equivalent of one week of class of absences per semester, no explanations necessary. If your class meets 5 days a week, you are allowed 5 absences. If your class meets 4 days a week, you are allowed 4 absences; if your class meets 3 days a week you are allowed 3 absences and if your class meets 2 days a week, you are allowed 2 absences. Every absence beyond the allowed number will lead to a 1% deduction in your final course grade. For example, if your class meets 5 days a week and you miss seven times, 2% will be deducted from your final grade. If your class meets 2 days a week and you miss 5 times, 3% will be deducted from your final grade. 

You may choose to use your allowed absences for reasons of illness, religious holidays, personal business, or traveling (e.g., before Thanksgiving, Spring Break, or Easter). Please do know that if you "choose" to use allowed absences for minor reasons and then encounter more compelling circumstances such an  illness, no "extra" allowed absences will be added. Do not look upon these "allowed" absences as vacation days. And if you do, realize that once your "vacation days" and "sick leave" have been used, no exceptions can be made.

We understand that students get ill or may encounter other unexpected circumstances that prevent them from coming to class.  Nevertheless, being in class, using German, and participating in real-life communication are essential course requirements and can neither be made up through alternative methods nor can these activities be foregone without jeopardizing the outcome of the class.  Some have argued that passing exams and quizzes should be taken as a sufficient indication of progress. Unfortunately, our testing and evaluation methods of language use are not comprehensive enough to sustain this argument. Much goes on in class that cannot and never will be "tested". If you realize that you will have to miss more than one week of classes, perhaps because of a chronic physical or mental illness or because of other ongoing obligations, please drop the class as soon as possible. You will be responsible for the consequences if you do not. As described above, grades of "incomplete" are never given.

Please also know that we are eager to accommodate students with disabilities, usual upon mediation by the McBurney Center or the Dean of Students. HOWEVER, STUDENTS CANNOT FOREGO BASIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS THOSE RELATED TO ATTENDANCE, REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES. Also, students with special needs are expected to discuss these with their instructors at the *beginning of the semester*. Disabilities occurring or diagnosed during the course of a semester cannot usually be accommodated.  

Please also know that not coming to class does not excuse you from (1) turning in assignments due on the day of the absence; or (2) knowing about assignments given or test/quiz dates set on the day of your absence. If at all possible, write to your teacher in advance of your absence but be sure to follow up immediately, either with your teacher or classmates.  Please know that any gaps in communication are yours and not the teacher's to resolve. 

Exams or other assignments missed by you due to an absence can only be made up at your teacher's discretion. Missing an exam or assignment due to absence  from class may result in a point/grade reduction or a zero score.  Your teacher will show good will if it seems reasonable but you cannot expect to not suffer any penalties.