University policy requires students to attend the first class session to receive important information about the course from the instructor. In addition, because students can enroll and disenroll for courses online, the list of registered students fluctuates. A student’s presence at the first class session is required to clearly indicate the number of students who are committed to taking the course. Instructors can then determine whether any students who were not able to register for a course because all seats were taken may take the place of students who registered but did not attend the first class session.
University policy also states that instructors are expected to make reasonable accommodations for students who contact you prior to the first day with a legitimate reason for their absence (e.g., religious holiday observance). If you have any questions about this policy or what constitutes a "legitimate absence," please contact the Responsible Faculty after reviewing the policy.
Instructors will need to email students who fail to show up on the first day of class and who did not receive an exemption for the policy, to let them know they have lost their seat in the class and should withdraw immediately.
Policy: Mandatory Attendance on the First Day of Class
Policy: Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences.