Attendance Policy

I assume that students are responsible adults, and therefore, I assume that your absences from class are due to important tasks or conflicts. I respect your ability to run your life. I do not usually take attendance: college is not high school. However, with this respect comes some responsibility.

Material: You are responsible for anything that happens in class, even if you are not there. If I cover something that is not in the book, you are responsible for that material, even if you are absent. If I announce that there will be a quiz next week, and you're not there to hear the announcement, you must still take the quiz at the appointed time.

I will typically make post announcements on FirstClass, so be sure to check that regularly, whether you attend class or not.
Tardiness: Please try not to arrive late to class, as it is disruptive to the class and discourteous to your fellow students. I understand that anyone can occasionally be delayed, and you should certainly come to class even if you'll be late, but please don't make it a habit. I start class on time, and I would like you to be there. You are responsible for material at the beginning of class, too.
Tests: Tests in my classes are announced well in advance, so if you know you will miss one, you must make prior arrangements with me. I will typically require you to take the test early, so "prior arrangement" means talking to me as soon as you reasonably know you are going to miss the test, and at least a couple of days in advance.

Obviously, there are situations in which prior arrangement is not possible, as in a sudden acute illness, or similar emergency. In cases like that, just do your best, and we'll work out a reasonable resolution.
Dropping the Class Since I don't take attendance, I would appreciate the courtesy of letting me know if you decide to drop my class. Sometimes, dropping a class is the right thing to do, so don't be embarrassed. Just let me know.

Scott D. Anderson