Students are expected to be prompt and regular in their attendance at all classes and laboratories, to prepare assignments with care, to turn in reports and papers on schedule, and to take an active part in class discussions. Students who have been absent from class for medically documented reasons or for other very serious life occurrence for two or more consecutive classes should notify the Office of Undergraduate Studies at (508) 767-7486, provide documentation, and specify the days absent. The Office of Undergraduate Studies notifies faculty members of the documented absence but does not excuse the student from meeting course requirements set by the instructor. For absences of fewer than two consecutive classes the student should contact instructors directly, providing whatever documentation is requested.
A student who is absent from a final examination because of serious illness or emergency may request a make-up examination. Such a request must be presented in a timely fashion to Office of Undergraduate Studies, and such a request cannot be for a course the student has completed. Sitting an examination indicates the student is in good enough health to take it and understands it will be counted. Documented serious illness or emergency are the only acceptable excuses for missing an examination. Any exception to this rule must be authorized by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs after consultation with the student’s professor. To evaluate intellectual progress and mastery of knowledge and skills, the University requires students in all courses to fulfill the final requirement by taking an examination (written or oral), or writing a paper, or completing a project. This concluding exercise must be completed during the end-of-semester final examination period.