Academic Attendance & Expectations Policy (Courses, Simulation, and Lab)

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Policy Number: 
5.4.111

1. General Attendance Requirements

  1. Attendance is mandatory for all in-person, didactic, classroom, associated lab, and simulation activities.
  2. Attendance may constitute a major portion of specific course grades as outlined in individual course syllabi.
  3. Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for all didactic events, including simulation and labs, and may not be permitted to attend/participate if late at the discretion of course and program leadership.

2. Class Absences

  1. Any class absence should be arranged in advance with the course instructor whenever possible.
  2. If you are going to miss class due to illness, you must contact the following by email as soon as you know you are unable to attend class.
  3. Your instructor(s)
  4. The Faculty Assistant
  5. The Program Administrator

3. Lab and Simulation Absences

Students must notify the Faculty Assistant & Simulation Faculty as far in advance as possible if they are unable to attend a lab or simulation.

4. Exams and Tests

  1. If you are going to miss an exam/test, it is your responsibility to reschedule it with your instructor and test administrator (if applicable).
  2. It is not the responsibility of the Program Administrator to arrange make-up tests or quizzes. Any make-up assessments must be approved by the individual instructor according to his or her syllabus guidelines.

5. Interaction with Clinical Emergency Time

  1. Using an emergency day for a clinical absence prevents a student from participating in academic activities (classes, labs, or simulation) on that same day.
  2. In addition to the process required to use Emergency Time Off for clinical absences (found in the Clinical Attendance Policy), when emergency time is used on a day with scheduled academic activities, students must follow the academic notification procedures listed above.

6. Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, students should prioritize safety. However, the notification procedures in Section 2 must still be followed if the campus remains open but the student is unable to attend.

Please see the Inclement Weather Policy for more information.

7. Holiday and Vacation Schedule

  • Holidays: MTSA observes six (6) holidays where the campus is closed and no classes are held: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
  • Semester Breaks:
    • Semesters 1 & 2: Students typically receive a two-week break from classes at the end of the semester.
    • Semesters 3, 4, & 5: Students receive a break from classes, though clinical duties typically continue for half of the break period.