Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for making up any missed work. While syllabi usually allow a limited number of absences, students should only miss class when unavoidable. In cases of emergency (e.g., illness, family death, accident), students must notify the instructor and provide documentation if requested. Instructors decide whether and how missed work or exams can be made up. For late withdrawals or refunds, students should contact an Advisor. If a class field trip conflicts with another class, students and faculty should arrange alternatives in advance.

Class Absence Requests Due to a College-Approved Event

If a student anticipates missing more than 15 minutes of class due to participation in an HCC-approved event for which the student is needed to represent HCC or their high school, the following process applies. Students need to plan ahead.

• Event Approval:
  Student checks with a designated college employee to confirm if the event qualifies:
  • Athletics: Athletic Academic Advisor
  • Phi Theta Kappa: Chapter Advisor
  • All other events: Dean of Students
• Student Responsibilities:
  • Communicate in advance with faculty teaching the impacted class(es) about the anticipated absence and how to make up missed work.
  • Submit the online Class Absence Request Form at least 48 hours prior to the event (ideally, within two weeks). The form link is on HCC’s website. Ensure the correct faculty are listed on the form.
  • If approved, students are required to complete missed coursework within one week of the absence. In some cases, faculty may want students to complete missed work ahead of their absence.
• Approvals & Communication:
  • Once approved, the form is emailed to faculty, the student, and the approving designated college employee.
  • Students not passing a course or who have exceeded reasonable absence limits may be denied participation. Final decisions rest with the faculty, designated college employee, or may be escalated to the VPAASS or WSCE Dean.
• Exceptions:
  For certification/licensure programs or accredited health programs with mandatory hours defined by external regulatory agencies (e.g., clinicals or observations), this process may not apply. Missed time may be restricted or require makeup.

Faculty are encouraged to be flexible when students are needed to represent the College or their high school at official events. Students should plan around known athletic or activity schedules when registering and should plan ahead for class absences. If absences become excessive or if the absence is not approved, students may need to choose between the event and the course.

Note: For HCC courses taught at high schools, students must coordinate absences directly with their HCC instructor and high school staff. This process does not apply.