Attendance Policy
All students are responsible for attending classes regularly and punctually. In addition to general university expectations, certain academic disciplines and many instructors establish course‑specific attendance requirements. Students are expected to review each course syllabus and consult directly with their instructors regarding attendance standards and related expectations.
The University may void the registration of any student who has not attended any classes or who has attended two or fewer class days on or before the twentieth class day. Faculty members are required to report students who fail to meet attendance requirements to the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management . The Office of Student Services will attempt to contact the student using the official campus contact information and permanent address on file with the Registrar.
If the student cannot be contacted, or if they have attended two or fewer days of class by the twentieth class day, the University may proceed with voiding the student’s registration. Upon receiving authorization to void a registration, the Registrar will issue a registered letter notifying the student of the action taken and explaining the applicable appeals process as outlined in the Handbook of Operating Procedures, Part Five, Section 2. If a registration is voided, tuition and fees will be refunded minus the matriculation fee and other non‑refundable charges. Students should be aware that voiding registration may create a financial liability for funds already disbursed for expenses other than tuition and fees; in such cases, the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student of any obligations owed.
Students are expected to consult with their instructors regarding specific attendance policies for each course. Faculty practices may vary, particularly at the graduate level, where classes are generally smaller and more interactive. As a result, attendance and participation may constitute significant components of graduate‑level performance evaluation.
Religious Holy Days
The University will excuse a student from attending classes or completing required academic work for the observance of a religious holy day, provided the student submits timely written notification. To qualify for an excused absence under this policy, the student must notify the instructor of each affected class no later than the fifteenth class day of the semester. The notification must be addressed to the instructor and submitted in writing and delivered personally to each instructor, who will acknowledge and date the receipt, or sent by certified mail with return receipt requested.
A student who is excused for the observance of a religious holy day may not be penalized for the absence; however, the student is responsible for completing any examination or assignment missed during the absence within a reasonable timeframe established by the instructor. Instructors may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the required work to satisfaction.
Absences for Military and Other Events
Students who are called to and participate in required military service for a brief period are excused from scheduled classes or other required academic activities during their absence (Texas Education Code section 51.9111). Students will be provided a reasonable amount of time to complete any missed assignments, examinations, or other required coursework upon their return. The University is committed to supporting students in fulfilling both their academic and military obligations. For assistance or to initiate a military leave request, please visit Veteran and Military Support Services.
Students may also be excused for reasonable personal circumstances or other significant events at the discretion of the instructor. However, students enrolled in graduate‑level coursework should be aware that because these classes are typically smaller and more interactive, attendance and participation often constitute essential components of performance evaluation. Accordingly, graduate students who anticipate personal or professional conflicts that could interfere with required participation are encouraged to consider enrolling in a future term to avoid jeopardizing academic performance.