/Institutions/Southern-University-System/json/2022-2023/Southern-University-at-Shreveport-Academic-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Southern-University-System/json/2022-2023/Southern-University-at-Shreveport-Academic-Catalog.json

Southern University at Shreveport Academic Catalog > Attendance Policies

Attendance Policies

Class Attendance Policies

Students are required to attend classes regularly and punctually as a minimum academic obligation. Attendance is recorded the first day after a student register. Failure to observe this policy may seriously jeopardize a student’s academic standing. Tardiness and excused absences should be brought to the attention of the instructor(s) by the student. The following class

Attendance policies apply to:

• A student required to be absent from class because of illness or other unavoidable circumstances should promptly report the reasons to the instructor and, if required, present excuses. The instructor should make clear to the student that excuses explain absences, but do not remove them.
• Students are required to adhere to attendance policies established by their college and stated by the instructors on course syllabi.
• Excuses for participation in university-sponsored activities will be initiated by the sponsoring unit and approved by the college division dean and the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Students who wish to be absent from classes for reasons not covered by these regulations must apply to their department head for a leave of absence. All excuses or explanations must be submitted in writing to the student’s department head within three school days after the student returns to classes.

NOTE: Financial aid students who receive all Fs due to non-attendance or suspension will be considered "unofficial withdrawals" for the semester. If the student does not take a final exam or complete more than 67% of the course load, he/she may owe money to SUSLA and the Title IV federal aid program(s).

Tardy Policy A student is considered tardy if he/she is later than ten (10) minutes arriving to class. Three tardies constitute one absence.

Inclement Weather Policy In the event of inclement weather, the Chancellor may cancel classes. Students are advised to listen to the TV or radio for an announcement or check the university website. Absence without an official school closure is treated as an unexcused absence unless there is danger for the student to travel.

Students Called to Active Duty Any student called to active military duty that has completed at least ¾ of the semester and is in good academic standing with the institution has the following options:

• Receive course grades for the current semester for each enrolled course with the grade earned at the date he or she was called into active duty.
• Receive incompletes for all courses if approved by instructors.
• Withdraw from all current semester courses.

Steps to follow when leaving the University for Active Military Duty

• Provide a copy of military orders to the Registrar’s Office. If one chooses to complete the semester courses via an incomplete and if time permits, please follow the appropriate procedures for course completion. If the professor approves an incomplete grade, the student and professor should complete an Incomplete Grade Form, which is available in the Registrar’s Office. The incomplete grade form must be initiated by the instructor, and the reason stated for the incomplete grade(s), as follows: ―called to Active Military Duty.
• In the event that the military obligation does not permit adequate time to finalize grades or withdrawal, please contact the Registrar’s Office. They will act on the student’s behalf to inform the appropriate persons and/or departments of call to active military duty, and assist to finalize grades or withdrawal. Any grading options and planning for course completion, as agreed upon by instructors, will be documented. The student will be asked to advise the Registrar’s Office whether he wishes to accept the grading option available.
• If administrative drops or a withdrawal are to be processed, the Academic Advisor should initiate them. Reasons for withdrawal/administrative drop should clearly state―called to Active Military Duty.

Departments to contact in the event of call to Active Military Duty

• Registrar’s Office - to communicate military call up, overall assistance, and issues related to VA benefits.
• Academic Advisor - inform Advisor of military call up.
• Financial Aid Office - if receiving financial aid.

The selected option may depend on the student’s individual situation, the time remaining in the academic semester, and the course completion agreements. Contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss military call up status and to answer any questions regarding the above procedures/options.

Electronic Devices in Class The use of cellular phones, pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices is prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus for instructional purposes.

Examinations Mid-term and final examinations are scheduled and appear on the Academic Calendar. All students are required to take a written examination at the time designated on the academic calendar.