Attendance Policy

Our attendance policy is designed to support students in their academic journey while recognizing and respecting the diverse circumstances they may encounter. While regular attendance is encouraged to maximize learning and engagement, we understand that circumstances may arise that prevent students from attending every class session. Open communication between students and instructors is essential. If a student anticipates an absence or encounters challenges that affect their attendance, they are encouraged to inform the instructor in advance whenever possible. Likewise, instructors will communicate any changes to the class schedule or expectations in a timely manner. While attendance may be tracked for administrative purposes, it will not be the sole determinant of a student's academic performance. Our inclusive attendance policy reflects our commitment to supporting all students in their educational journey while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. We encourage mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among students, instructors, and staff to ensure the success and well-being of every member of our academic community.

 

Excused absences include:

  • Personal illness or injury

  • Illness of a family member requiring the student’s assistance

  • Death of a loved one

  • Military service

 

In order to make up graded work, students must submit proof of excused absence, regardless of duration, within a timely manner.

 

In the didactic phase, students are granted two (2) "wellness days," to be used at the student’s discretion for personal needs. Wellness days are unable to be used on formal assessment days and lab days. Students are required to notify the instructor in advance, if possible, when they intend to use a wellness day.

 

During the Clinical Phase, students must notify the FWE/Capstone Mentor and AFWC/DCC of their absence prior to the time and date they are expected at the Clinical Site. Excused absences include personal illness or injury (with care rendered by a health care provider), illness of a family member requiring the student’s assistance for care, death of an immediate family member (spouse/partner, children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, grandchildren, or corresponding in-law and step relationships), and military services.

 

Unexcused absences are not permitted and may require additional learning assessments or hours to be completed at a later time. Since the clinical experiences are full time, the student is required to have full time hours in relation to their site; if this is not obtained then a plan to make up hours will be developed and completed by the student with guidance from their FWE/Capstone Mentor and AFWC/DCC.

 

LMU OTD reserves the right to require students to attend a meeting or activity on campus in person as needed.