Lucy Trenary
Copy Editor
As an English major, I have had similar attendance policies in most of my classes: I get two or three excused absences, and then every class I miss after that results in the loss of an entire letter grade. These policies assume that the absentee is being lazy or careless, when in reality they could be facing health issues.
One of the most universal experiences among college students is receiving the syllabus on the first day of class, and anxiously turning to the paragraph on attendance policies. Some professors have strict attendance guidelines, stating that grades will be docked if the student misses even one class. Some are more moderate, where students have a few days’ leeway before points are deducted. And some are lenient, choosing not to grade students on attendance at all.
Every professor has a valid purpose for their policies—lab classes, discussion-based classes, and language classes would be difficult without students there to participate, for instance. However, some attendance policies, specifically the strict ones, can be able-ist and harm some students more than help them.
It can be difficult for students with undiagnosed health issues, chronic conditions, and/or disabilities to make it to class every day. There is the option of utilizing the Office of Accessibility; however, many conditions do not qualify for aid. While students can speak to the professor on their own time, it seems unfair to force a student to disclose their health conditions to every professor they have during their time in college.
Through the Office of Accessibility, qualifying students with disabilities can receive aid such as extended time on tests, the ability to record lectures, adjustable tables, and many more accommodations. This is an incredible resource for many students; however, it does not apply to students with undiagnosed health conditions or disabilities. These factors can be unpredictable, sometimes leaving students in situations where they must choose between their physical/mental health, or a grade.
I had the opportunity to sit down with two students at PLU, a theatre major and an art major. Kylie Steves ’21 and Celeste Jessop ’21 both concurred that attendance policies should be enforced, but they should not be so strict. Referring to classes that have severe policies, they suggested that instead of docking an entire letter grade per absence, it would be more reasonable to deduct a smaller percentage to provide leeway for health emergencies.
Another English major, Daylyn Carrigan ’22, responded to a poll regarding students’ opinions on attendance policies. She agreed with Kylie and Celeste that they “can be helpful, but also unfair to students….with undiagnosed health conditions.”
Such strict policies can motivate students to participate, but they can be anxiety-inducing for students as well. There is a need for at least some regulation of attendance—students must be held accountable and attend class in order to be successful. However, the rigidity of some of the current attendance policies at PLU can put students in uncomfortable positions. Mental and physical health of the students should be taken into consideration when these policies are being created.
