Student Attendance Expected

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions. However, the Seminary recognizes that from time-to-time emergencies interrupt normal class attendance.

Maximum Number of Absences Which Are Allowed

Student Absences

To receive academic credit in a course during a regular semester, a student cannot exceed the maximum number of absences. A student cannot miss more than nine class hours in any course and still receive credit. A Monday night class equals three class hours. While recognizing that various occasions call for a student to leave class early, a student must be in class for at least half of the class time in order to be counted present; otherwise, an absence will be recorded.

Tardies

Students are expected to arrive at class on time. Three tardy marks are the equivalent of one class hour absence.

Petition for Faculty Consideration of Excessive Absences

If a student exceeds the maximum number of absences because of prolonged illness or extreme emergency, the student may submit a petition to the associate dean of the graduate programs, requesting the faculty to grant credit for a course. In such circumstances, credit may be granted for a course in which there are no more than 12 class hour absences. In no case is credit given for any course in which there are more than 12 class hour absences. A class hour is 50 minutes long. Students should see the registrar’s office for the proper form.

Founders’ Days Attendance

Attendance at Founders’ Days services is required for each student. All missed sessions of Founders’ Days are counted as absences in each class for the fall semester. Online students may watch via live stream or delayed through Canvas.

Student Responsibility for Official Announcements

Unless excused by action of the appropriate academic committee, each student at the Cordova campus is required to attend chapel each Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to Witness: One Seven reports, important announcements are made about academic affairs and other significant matters. Official announcements are also posted in The Advisor, which is emailed to each student at his or her Mid-America address. Each student is responsible for awareness of such official announcements.

Attendance and Inclement Weather

Change in schedule or cancellation of classes because of inclement weather or natural disaster is announced daily on local radio and television. Cancellation of the campus classes due to weather or natural disaster coincides with the closing of the Shelby County Schools; however, special provisions may be announced. If classes are canceled due to inclement weather or natural disaster on a day of final exams, exams for the missed day will be taken on the day the Seminary reopens.