Class and laboratory attendance for first year students is mandatory. A first-year student will receive a grade of "Y" (failure) whenever the number of unexcused absences in a course exceeds twice the number of weekly class meetings for the course.

For students beyond the first year, attendance policies are determined by the instructors of the various courses. These regulations, which must be reasonable in attendance required and penalties imposed, must be listed in the course syllabus, filed with the department chair, and explained to the class involved at the beginning of each semester. Upper-class grades are to be assigned for academic reasons. Enforcement of such attendance policies lies with those instructors. Where possible, students should inform their instructors if they plan to be late or absent from class.

Excused absences for all students include the following: approved athletic participation or participation in approved academic events; official university business; approved field trips; certified serious illness; death in the immediate family; or approved placement activities. An absence card, available from the Office of the Dean of the student's college, must be completed and presented to the Dean with appropriate documentation. This should be done before the absence, if possible, but at any rate no later than 4:30 p.m. on the day the student returns to classes. Excused absences allow the student to make up tests and do not count toward a failure in the course for first year students. Absence from class does not release the student from work assigned.

The instructor is required, however, to take record and report attendance for all classes as directed by the Registrar.