Since it’s a (relatively) nice day today — well, for January 23 it is, come on! 39 degrees and rain is balmy! — I thought I’d talk about being absent from class. Snow sometimes has something to do with that but there are other things (illness, RL) that contribute also.
Number 1 rule: If you’re sick, stay home!
Number 1A rule: If your kids are sick, stay home!
Number 1B rule: If it’s dangerous to travel, stay home!
While getting to class is important, YOU are even more important. Keep that in mind.
Now. What to do when you can’t make it to class. You do need to be prepared for the eventuality.
At all times you are to have in your physical possession the following items:
- class syllabus
- class schedule
- instructor contact info
- textbook material(s)
These do you no good if they are in a locker, someone else’s car, your friend’s apartment. You have to have them. All the time.
While you can usually rely on Blackboard for electronic copies, what happens when the power goes out? Hmmm??? You need to be prepared for anything.
Contact your instructor by his/her preferred method. Be clear but don’t go into TMI about what’s going on. “A personal family issue” can cover a multitude of RL events. “My kids are sick and can’t be left alone” is sufficient for most instructors. The general, “I’m sorry but I’m not going to make it to class today” / “Sorry, I missed class yesterday” is usually enough. Then next phrase is ALWAYS: “What will/did I miss?”
If you’re stuck at home, you should know what needs to be done that day / week. Do it. Don’t sluff it off as “maybe they won’t cover this in class.” There ain’t no “Awww… Mary Jane isn’t here today, we won’t do any new material” gonna happen. At worse, you’ve read / worked ahead. Oh, darn.
Do the homework, read the textbook. Send in anything you can electronically. Send in anything else with a friend / neighbor / carrier pigeon.
All of that said, DON’T ABUSE IT. If there are chronic problems in your life (you, kids, SO, parents, dog, etc) then that requires a discussion up front with your instructor before a problem that causes you to miss class occurs. Instructors are entitled to say, “I am sorry to hear that. You are still responsible for being in class and doing the work.” Faculty are not required to make exceptions to attendance requirements for your ongoing personal problems. You had the problem before you started classes, and you chose to sign up for classes. It’s your responsibility to be there.
Go to class. When you cannot, be prepared!
