Suffolk Law Student Handbook 2019-2020

7.

Reasons for Absences

The absences taken within Applicable Absence Limitation in any course must relate to short-term family, personal, religious observance, localized weather, commuting, work or illness issues.

8.

Reporting Absences to the Instructor, Dean of Students

Any absences within the Applicable Absence Limitation should be reported directly to the instructor by the student. Any absences in excess of the Applicable Absence Limitation or any absences of more than three consecutive school days shall be reported to the Dean of Students by the student as soon as practicable.

9.

Excused Absences Beyond the Applicable Absence Limitation

The Dean of Students does not excuse absences that fall within the Applicable Absence Limitation. However, the Dean of Students may make a determination that, on account of extraordinary circumstances affecting an extended period of time, a student shall be excused for a limited amount of time beyond the Applicable Absence Limitation. Such extraordinary circumstances must relate to health, bereavement, family, military, or significant personal issues. Excusals will not be granted for vacations or on-going conflicts resulting from the student’s normal employment commitments. In addition, excusals will not be granted to relieve Day Students of the limitation on employment set by the law school. The Dean of Students may not excuse absences for more than one week’s worth of classes beyond the Applicable Absence Limitation or in circumstances where a student would miss more than 10 consecutive days of classes during a semester regardless of the circumstances. Students who have circumstances causing them to be absent for more than these specified periods shall consult with the Dean of Students regarding a Voluntary Leave of Absence or course withdrawal.

10.

Student Responsibilities Regarding Absences and Attendance Records

Students are advised to keep a personal record of all absences.

In courses where the instructor requires the students to sign an attendance sheet (or otherwise mark themselves as present), it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that this is done in a timely manner for each class. Students who mark or sign as present a classmate who is absent shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Students are responsible for responding to the instructor and/or the Dean of Students about issues of attendance.

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