Attendance Regulations (lectures, labs, tutorials)

To outline expectations and procedures regarding attendance, punctuality, and absences for lectures, laboratories, tutorials, and other required learning activities within the School of Rehabilitation Science. 

Students must adhere to the Examination Regulations policy for attendance requirements related to midterm and final examinations, and the Absence from Clinical Placement policy for Clinical Education courses. These policies take precedence over the procedures detailed in this document.

Full attendance, punctuality, and active participation in all scheduled lectures, laboratories, tutorials, and other required learning activities are expected as part of students' academic and professional responsibilities. 

Recognizing that students may occasionally need time away from their studies, each student is allowed five (5) approved absences per academic year without the need to disclose the reason. Students must still report all planned and unplanned absences (see Procedure for Reporting any Absence below).  

Absence days may be used provided that the student: 

• does not miss more than 10% of scheduled classes within any module 

• does not miss more than three (3) consecutive days 

• does not miss any mandatory components or hands-on skills instruction (see Examination Regulations for exceptions) 

• adheres to the attendance requirements outlined in the Examination Regulations policy for midterm and final examinations and the Absence from Clinical Placement policy for Clinical Education courses. 

Attendance will be tracked. Students are responsible for being aware of their attendance days and for ensuring they remain in good standing with course and program requirements and obtain any missed content from their peers. 

If a student anticipates or incurs absences that exceed: 

• five (5) attendance days in an academic year; 

• 10% of scheduled classes within a module; or 

• three (3) consecutive days, 

as soon as possible, the student must submit a request to the appropriate Program Chair for consideration using the Request for Absence from Lectures, Laboratories, and Tutorials form. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the reason for the absence, the nature of the learning activities being missed, the student's academic standing, and the impact of the absence on achievement of course and program learning outcomes. 

Approval of absences beyond these limits is not automatic. Students remain responsible for meeting all academic, professional, and program requirements. 

If the student misses more than 20% of a course or an academic module, Academic Affairs will review the case and decide if action is required (e.g. remediation, leave of absence, discontinuation of module/program).

As soon as a student becomes aware that they will be absent, they must: 

1. Notify by email, the Course Coordinator and the School of Rehabilitation Science General Office (srs@usask.ca). The student should state their respective program in the subject line of the email to ensure timely and efficient processing. 
   
   
2. If the absence will result in exceeding:
   • five (5) attendance days in an academic year, 
   • 10% of classes within a module, or 
   • three (3) consecutive days, 
     • the student must also submit a request to their Program Chair for approval by completing the Request for Absence from Lectures, Laboratories, and Tutorials form. 
     • The Program Chair may consult with the Academic Affairs Committee when reviewing the request. 
       
       
3. Obtain missed course materials, notes, and information from classmates and complete any required learning activities.

As per the Professional Behaviours and Expectations Policy, punctuality and regular attendance are important elements of professional behaviour and support the development of competent, safe, and effective rehabilitation professionals. Consistent lateness, repeated absences, or failure to follow the required absence reporting procedures may be considered unprofessional conduct. 

The School recognizes that students should not attend classes when doing so could place others at risk of illness. As soon as a student is feeling well enough to attend classes, they are encouraged to wear a mask and practice other protective measures if symptoms persist.  

Absences may negatively affect learning in several ways: 

• Students may miss foundational content needed for future classes and assessments. 

• Laboratory and tutorial activities are often interactive and hands-on, making them difficult to replicate independently. 

• Missed lectures can reduce preparedness for subsequent laboratory or practical sessions. 

• Laboratory and class activities are frequently designed around pairs or small groups; absences may disrupt the learning experience of classmates. 

• Repeated absences may place additional demands on peers and instructors. 

• Attendance data is required for accreditation and credentialing purposes. 

Where concerns arise regarding a student's attendance, punctuality, or communication about absences, SRS faculty or staff may initiate a Minor Incident Discussion in accordance with the School of Rehabilitation Science's procedures for addressing concerns related to student Professional Behaviours and Expectations.