Attendance and Religious Observances
Policy of Responsible Attendance: The Molloy policy on attendance is one of responsible attendance. Students are expected to attend all classes, regularly and punctually. Illness, life problems, or stress may sometimes inhibit a student’s ability to fully participate in the educational experiences, including class or fieldwork. Such life circumstances do not relieve students of their responsibility. Students must make every effort to communicate with Molloy and to follow their major department’s handbook regarding absences and lateness. Individual course outlines may contain strict attendance policies that affect grades and these supersede the University’s policy. Failure to attend class for two (2) consecutive weeks at any point in the semester, without notification of extenuating circumstances, will result in an administrative withdrawal from the course. For online and hybrid courses, students are expected to participate in the course from the first date of the term to be considered attending the course. Students who do not participate will be considered non-attending and subject to removal or withdrawal from the course.
NOTE: Students must notify the Office of Student Affairs at (516) 323-3461 or studentaffairs@molloy.edu if absent from class and/or clinical fieldwork for a day or more. Student Affairs notifies all professors involved. If a student is unable to contact Molloy, another person may contact Molloy on the student’s behalf. While it is extremely important that students attend all regularly scheduled classes, Molloy recognizes that circumstances arise which render absence from a class unavoidable. When such instances arise, the associated absence may be considered excused should the nature of the absence and supporting documentation warrant same. Such circumstances include:
Religious Observances – A student who wishes to be absent from class because of a religious obligation or practice should inform the instructor in writing at least one (1) week before the day. The student has the right to make up any examination, study, or work requirements which may have been missed because of religious observance;
Medical Excuses – Documented illnesses or injuries (temporary and/or long-term illnesses may be eligible for accommodations through the Center for Access and Disability Office, (access@molloy.edu); Death in the immediate family (with documentation); Participation in a Molloy sanctioned event (e.g., an athletic game)
NOTE: Withdrawing from courses may change the student’s full-time or half-time standing and may require the return of Title IV financial aid funds and affect the grace or deferment period for repayment of loans, such as Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans. Loan grace periods use the last date of attendance. Future eligibility for aid programs such as TAP may be affected by not progressing toward the degree as planned.
Consequences of Never Attending: Students reported as never attending a course or courses may be reported to lenders for their loans, which could affect loan deferment eligibility. Eligibility for sports and scholarships may also be impaired.
Consequence of Stopping Attendance: Students who attend a course, then stop coming for two consecutive weeks at any point in the semester will be withdrawn administratively. (Refer to Academic Policies under "Withdrawal from Courses".)
Hybrid/Online Attendance: In the case of a hybrid or online course, attendance is considered similarly important. Therefore, failure to participate in academic activities is considered an absence. (Refer to the course syllabus for additional information.)