Policies & Expectations

Students and instructors should understand that the primary purpose of attending college is for students to engage actively in their learning, guided by their professors. This guidance occurs most directly through participation in the classroom, laboratory, or other scheduled instructional settings. Students and instructors are expected to meet during all scheduled classes unless prevented from doing so by illness or other emergencies.

In-person learning is an essential part of the educational experience at Saint Michaels and is a required component of all classes not officially designated as “online.” Students are expected to attend classes regularly and should plan their course schedules in ways that minimize conflicts with attendance requirements.

Faculty have the right to determine the attendance and lateness policies for their courses and must communicate those policies clearly in the course syllabus and/or through the course Canvas page. Individual class attendance policies should recognize that students may encounter occasional circumstances that interfere with class attendance. Faculty are encouraged to provide reasonable flexibility in the form of limited permitted absences.

With the exception of courses explicitly designated as “online” in the course schedule, Saint Michael’s College does not offer remote instruction or long-term remote accommodations. If students must miss class for a short period due to illness or personal circumstances, instructors may choose to support them in a variety of ways. These may include recorded lectures, live streaming, or other virtual options. Such accommodations are not guaranteed and should not be expected, even for short-term absences.

Instructors are encouraged to report excessive absences to the Dean of Undergraduate Education. In such cases, the Dean and/or Student Success Center staff will follow up with student to discuss options. Students who anticipate being unable to attend classes for more than 10 consecutive days must contact the Undergraduate Dean’s Office to discuss possible options. While absent, students remain responsible for staying in communication with their instructors and keeping up with coursework.