Guidelines

Attendance Policy

Study in any arts field requires a commitment and dedication to a constructive learning environment and continuous practice.  The Department of Art believes that student academic success is enhanced by good classroom attendance. The following Attendance Policy was developed in an effort to be consistent and to inform students of the attendance expectation in the department.

1. Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared.
2. Attendance will be recorded at every class session.
3. You have 2 free absences; no explanation required (you are still responsible for turning in assignments on time.)
4. Your 3rd unexcused absence will lower your grade by 10% or one full letter grade.  Each subsequent unexcused absence will lower your grade an additional 10% or one letter grade.
5. The equivalent of 2 weeks worth of absences will result in an automatic F (i.e. 6 classes for a course that meets M, W, F, 4 classes for a course that meets T,TH, etc.)  No exceptions.
6. Each tardy or early departure counts as 1/2 an absence.
7. Roll call will be taken at the beginning of class only. It is your responsibility to inform the instructor that you are late; if you don’t inform the instructor you will be counted absent.
8. Absences will only be excused with prior notification and/or documentation.
9. Arriving more than 15 minutes late or leavingmore than 15 minutes early is an absence.

What is an excused absence? There are two standard types:

1. Type 1: You know ahead of time that, for good reason, you will have to miss class. Inform your instructor before the day of the absence and negotiate an excused absence, generally with some kind of appropriate written documentation.
2. Type 2:Some emergency prevents you from getting to class. In this case, it ‘s vital that you present some formal documentation that you had good reason to be gone–e.g., You will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of the university, provided you give prior written verification from the faculty/staff supervisor of the event. This means that if you are a student athlete and you have an athletic event in which you represent the university – that is an excused absence. If you are representing the university at a conference by accompanying a professor or giving a presentation at that conference, then that is also excused.  Treat your education with the same sense of responsibility and importance as a job: if a situation arises when you would call your manager or boss at work, then you should notify your professor by telephone or e-mail as soon as you are able. Address problems before they become overwhelming. You may reach your professors by telephone or e-mail, and they are available during office hours or arranged appointments when you need to discuss any matter regarding the course or the college. You can always speak to them before or after class, but keep in mind that for issues requiring more than a minute or two they may ask you to schedule an appointment.

Copyright Policy

Students are required to read and be aware of the provisions and rules of The Copyright Act and the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). Students can access this information at www.copyright.gov. A grade of F will be given to any assignment that exhibits undeniable plagiarism.

MWSU Department of Art Attendance Policy