Written by: Allison Grundy
Opinion Editor
A multitude of professors at Southern Adventist University implement attendance policies that require students to attend classes. Some of these policies cause students to lose points for missing class periods. In many cases, syllabi warn that five unexplained absences can lead to a failing grade.
Craig Johnson, professor in the School of Health and Kinesiology, requires students to show him a note from the University Health Center (UHC) or another medical institution in order to be excused from physical activity classes.
In an interview with the Accent, he said, “I’m trying to teach activities for students to stay healthy. But I also want to teach responsibility.”
He argues that his policies are fair to all students. By requiring a medical note, he does not have to distinguish between who may be lying or telling the truth.
The UHC wrote in an email to the Accent that “the UHC does not influence how professors or student employers manage absences.” Therefore, each professor chooses how they manage their classes and grading.
However, while it may be irresponsible for students to miss class without good reasons, it is ultimately their decision. Strict attendance policies seem to discourage the self-determination students can build for themselves while in college.
Students may have a reasonable explanation for missing class and should be able to communicate that to professors without providing proof of sickness or injury. If students feel the need to attend class even when they are not well or are facing personal difficulties, it may lead to students not being fully productive, spreading illness or causing disruptions during class.
My thought is that a student might not feel well enough to come to class for reasons such as a contagious cold or menstrual cramps. While these conditions can be debilitating, they typically don’t require medical attention. It seems like it would be a waste of time to make the trip to the UHC, both for the center’s staff and the students. However, the UHC wrote that students have the option to get an absence-excuse note for illnesses or injuries that do not require medical treatment, such as a cold.
For most general classes and lectures on campus, missing participation in discussions as well as valuable instruction and lecture time should be enough to make students think twice before missing class for unnecessary reasons. Additionally, students who go to class benefit from creating good habits and learning something new.
Students who just want to skip class without valid reasons will face the natural consequences of their decisions. Classes are more valuable when the focus is on what students learn and achieve rather than their attendance. If students can demonstrate their understanding and skills through other means, such as assignments or projects, attendance is less important.
Communication remains essential between students and professors. Professors are often more understanding than students give them credit for. So, if there are any students struggling with attendance, please discuss the matter with your professor and use other resources around campus to find the help needed to make it to class.
Editor’s Note: The Opinion Section encourages multiple perspectives, so please feel free to send a response or other opinions for future articles to allisongrundy@southern.edu.
