Class Attendance Policy

Prairie View A&M University requires regular class attendance. Attending all classes supports full academic development of each learner whether classes are taught with the instructor physically present or via distance learning technologies such as interactive video. Excessive absenteeism, whether excused or unexcused, may result in a student’s course grade being reduced or an assignment of a grade of “F”. Absences are accumulated beginning with the first day of class during regular semesters and summer terms. Each faculty member will include the University’s attendance policy in each course syllabus.

Special Provisions for Students in Developmental (Remedial) Courses

State law of Texas (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Policies, Subchapter P, 5.316) requires that students who fail any portion of the TASP test “both enroll in and participate” continuously in developmental course work until the TASP requirement has been satisfied. Excessive absenteeism from developmental courses can result in the student’s dismissal from the University. Accumulation of one week of unexcused absences (the number of clock hours equivalent to the credit for the course) constitutes excessive absenteeism.

Excused Absences

Absences due to illness, attendance at university approved activities, and family or other emergencies constitute excused absences and must be supported by documentation presented to the instructor prior to or immediately upon the student’s return to class. Students are always responsible for all oral and written examinations as well as all assignments (e.g., projects, papers, reports).

Excessive Absences

Accumulation of one week of unexcused absences (for the number of clock hours equivalent to the credit for the course) constitutes excessive absenteeism. The instructor is not required to accept assignments as part of the course requirement when the student’s absence is unexcused.

Absences on Religious Holy Days

In accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.925, subchapter (Z), a student may be absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day and will be permitted to take missed examinations and complete missed assignments provided the student has notified the instructor of the planned absence in writing and receipt of the notice has been acknowledged by the instructor in writing. “A religious holy day means a holy day observed by a religion whose place of worship is exempt from property taxation under the Texas Tax Code, Section 11.20.”