General Absences

Valid Reasons for Absence

These policies on absences are issued by the Provost of SMU.

• Religious Observance: Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify their professors in writing at the beginning of the semester, and should discuss with them, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence. (See University Policy No. 1.9.)
• Excused Absences for University Extracurricular Activities: Students participating in an officially sanctioned, scheduled University extracurricular activity will be given the opportunity to make up class assignments or other graded assignments missed as a result of their participation. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the instructor prior to any missed scheduled examination or other missed assignment for making up the work. (University Undergraduate Catalogue)
• Medically Excused Absences: We never like having any of our students become ill, but it happens. If it does happen, please read the SMU policy on absences due to illness. Use the excuse form (you can download it). If you see an off-campus physician and have something from them, bring it. We'll work out a way to deal with missed work.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absence means missing a class without an acceptable reason. We have 25 regular class meetings, 12 labs and 4 tests (including makeup) during the term. Each lab is worth 2.5% of final grade; missing one is not free. ONe missed test can be made up by test #4, any more result in zeroes. Missing a regular class exacts a cost in the form of missed class interactions and questions. Experience shows that someone who misses a lot (>6) classes is likely to do poorly on the tests. Missing 10 or more almost guarantees a lousy grade at the end. You ust decide whether missing a class is worth the possible cost.