Is it illegal for your college to tell you if you miss 2 days of class, you fail?

Question

I been attending this college for almost 2 years and I chose this college because they were very well know for working well with busy schedules. I work full time and most of the time 10 hours shifts along with raising 2 little girls and going to full time college. This is a hard task and sometime whether it be my wife being deployed to afghanistan, or working late at work, I can't make it to class. I always do my homework and always have done well on exams. How is it possible to mandate now that if i miss 2 days, i automatically fail my class. Is this illegal at all?

Answer 1

well, first off( i respect u and ur wife)

and secondly, shouldnt u talk to a principle or someone incharge?

sorry but is all i can do

Answer 2

uh there is no way your school would know if you missed two days of school unless they take roll. But most big universities don't take roll. I mean as long as you show up for the tests and turn in the homework on time you should be fine. There is no reason to drop you out of the class unless you are doing horrible.  

Answer 3

That Is ILLEGAL! Talk to the head master or the principal after class. but dont run into the "21" gang lol. Youll be hustled!

Answer 4

Yep they can  

Answer 5

no they can make up any rules they want too

Answer 6

no, its not illegal.  Some states have become really strict on attendance in the last past couple of years and the issue of roll taking. At my school it's two days for summer sessions and different rules apply for a regular semester depending on what type of class it is. Different colleges have different rules, but I'm pretty sure if your professor want listen you can talk to the dean about your situation and some exceptions can be made. Just don't wait until the last minute.

Good Luck!!

Answer 7

if you miss 2 days say your child was sik and you had to care for her for 2 days pik a bad sick ness

Answer 8

Of course it is not against the law, just very strict.

Answer 9

If it's a private school they can write the rules anyway they want.  If it's a state school then they have to follow state guidlines.

As for missing days, many schools feel that you can't be at top form unless youj attend classes.  Some feel  it doen'st matter as long as you understand the subject matter and can relate that to the professor.

If I had a hard time meeting al the classes - I'd get with the professor ASAP and talk it over and try to work somehting out.

Answer 10

no they are allowed to do that

you are commited to college so you need to be there

Answer 11

no not illegal.

Answer 12

It doesn't seem fair, but it is absolutely legal for them to do that. Individual professors make rules for their own classes, and should make you aware of those rules on the first day of class. Some professors don't care if you miss every single day, some will only allow you to miss a certain number. It is important to make sure you are familiar with each of your professors' rules.

Answer 13

Of course it is possible to create a rule for a class that results in a failing grade for absences. It happens all the time. There's a reason for it and teacher/professor is free to do as s/he pleases with regard to attendance. My guess would be that this is the sort of class where indeed students to skip a lot. In order to assure attendance, the teacher has created this policy. Regardless, the school policies allow the teacher this freedom. It doesn't matter if it is a private or public institution, two-year or four-year.

Given your situation and you performance to date, why don't you schedule a meeting with the instructor and explain your circumstances. So this before it becomes a problem. Work out some kind of agreement, then attend the class diligently so demonstrate your good intentions. By doing so, you will create a "cushion" for yourself in the event you do end up missing a few classes.

Answer 14

i don't believe it is illegal but two days does seem rather strict.  

Answer 15

Many colleges have rules regarding attendance.  It is very legal if it is published in a student handbook and/or appears in a syllabus.  (college professor)

Answer 16

No, it is not illegal in any way.  The only thing that would be unfair would be if they announced this AFTER you missed the two days, rather than stating it in the syllabus or as a policy of the college.  I can sympathize that your life is incredibly busy, but that doesn' t mean that the college has to give you a degree even if you don't make it to class.

Answer 17

I don't think it's illegal but it's really unreasonable. In my mind you can only fail someone if they do next to nothing in the class but that's just me.  Assuming that one of your professors unilaterally came up with this rule, perhaps it would be best to talk to him or her ahead of time about your situation.  Most professors are pretty forgiving if you tell them ahead of time that you're going to have problems attending class or complying with a deadline.  If it's the school then maybe you could talk to someone in administration.  I can't imagine they wouldn't empathize.  

FYI, I teach at the graduate level and can tell you that I've heard every excuse in the book.  I have very strict deadlines which are enforced with heavy penalties; however, when someone comes to me ahead of time and tells me that they're in a situation like yours I tend to be very lenient.  On the other hand, when someone comes to me at the last minute I tend to be more skeptical.  

Hope it works out for you!

Answer 18

Legality has nothing to do with it. It is completely up to the college. Individual professors generally have pretty wide latitude in determining attendance policies, though if you think the policy is un-just in your case you could talk to the department head or the dean. May not do you any good, but probably the only chance.

Answer 19

it depends on the college.  But I think they would not change the rules in the middle of the course

Answer 20

idk but they tell us that in highschool. and I actually failed a few classes cause I missed 2 days!

I was like are you serious!!!!!!!!

so stupid but I guess they can

Answer 21

No, whatever college you go to then make the rules and you need to follow them as a student.  They can fail you for whatever reason if you don't follow their rules.

Answer 22

It doesn't sound like it. Different schools have different rules though. I would talk to the dean and explain your situation to him and that may make a huge difference.

Answer 23

It sure is legal.  Because it's not like high school, and there are no state agencies that govern attendance, unlike high schools, they can set their own standards.  If your professor won't hear you, I would voice my concerns to the dean.