Attendance Policy
West Coast University emphasizes the need for all students to attend classes on a regular and consistent basis. In addition to research which demonstrates that regular class attendance enhances student success, consistent attendance and punctuality helps students develop good habits and behaviors necessary to compete in a highly challenging job market.
To maintain satisfactory attendance in all courses except NURS clinical courses, students may not be absent for more than 20% of a theory/lab course. These percentages are calculated on the basis of clock hours. Absences in excess of 20% of any theory/lab/clinical course will result in a grade of “F” and the student will be required to repeat the course. Nursing students may not be absent for more than 20% of a clinical course.
If a student is absent from the University for more than 10 consecutive school days, excluding holidays and scheduled breaks, and no contact has been made during that period, the student will be withdrawn from the University. Students withdrawn from the University under the attendance policy may appeal their dismissal. See the Appeals Policy. Students readmitted will have their attendance evaluated on the basis of the portion of the program remaining to be completed.
Students taking online courses must submit at least one gradable activity per class every ‘class week.’ A ‘class-week’ for full online courses starts on a Monday of any given week and ends on the following Sunday at 11:59 PM PST.
A gradable activity includes, but is not limited to, the posting of a threaded discussion question, electronic submission of any course assignment to the ‘drop box’, electronic submission of a test / exam (if applicable), or any other course related activity that is graded. Students who are required to participate in military duties and are therefore required to be absent from their scheduled classes will not be penalized. The student must provide the appropriate academic administrator with written documentation verifying the required military leave and length of time requested.