Regular and punctual attendance of all scheduled classes and laboratories is required. Absences exceeding 15% subject a student to dismissal from a course. Three incidences of tardiness may constitute an absence. This consideration is at the discretion of the course instructor. Interns are allowed a total of up to 15% hours of absences for each Clinic I, II, III, and IV independently. There are no excused absences except for exemptions below.
If at any time during the trimester a student exceeds absences by 15%, the course instructor will assign a grade of “WF” to the student and dismiss them from the class. The instructor will inform the registrar via e-mail of the excessive absences and instruct the registrar to record a grade of “WF”. The registrar’s office will record a grade of “WF” in the
student record and will communicate the “WF” to the student informing them of the “WF” grade. A “WF” grade due to attendance is not subject to appeal.
Definitions:
- Tardy – the student arrives in class after attendance has been taken and/or leaves the class prior to the end of the class period. The total time absent from the class may not exceed 20 minutes.
- Absence – the student does not attend the class or misses more than 20 minutes of the class period.
Attendance Policy Exemptions
Exemptions to the guidelines include administratively approved scholarly, professional development, service and/or academic activities, and bereavement. Students attending the annual Texas Chiropractic Association conference, American Chiropractic Association conference, American Black Chiropractic Association qualify for excused absences (must be presenting research, working at a booth, or acting as a panel member, as examples).
Students participating in these administratively approved activities must meet the following institutional criteria:
- Have a minimum trimester and cumulative GPA of 2.50. (If a GPA has not been established [e.g., but not limited to, Tri 1 or transfer students], the student will have to be in good academic standing for all classes in which they are enrolled).
- AND The student must be in good academic standing (may not be on probation or currently failing a course) for all currently enrolled classes at the time of the activity.
- AND The student is not currently under any disciplinary action.
- Interns seeking an exemption must obtain the approval of the Clinic Chief of Staff.
* These requirements are not subject to appeal and cannot be waived.
**Students must verify eligibility with Student Services prior to seeking authorization for travel.
Students who meet the criteria will be exempted from TCC’s attendance policy for the relevant event and make-up test fees will be waived. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the student Travel Form with all required signatures prior to travel. This form is available in the Student Services office. It is understood that the student is held responsible for any missed course material, examinations, and/or assignments.
Bereavement: A student will be granted excused absence for a period of two (2) class days in the event of death of an immediate family member, defined as a parent, grand parent, sibling, spouse, or child by blood or current marriage. Documentation in the form of a copy of death certificate or obituary and verification of family relationship must be
submitted within two (2) class days from the date of the student’s return to campus.
Students granted an excused absence qualify to make up assignments, laboratory activities, quizzes, or exams according to the parameters outlined in the examination makeup policy with any applicable fees. For clinic attendance requirements, see the current Clinic Handbook.