Taking Attendance

CUNY policy states that attendance can’t be used as a factor to determine course grades, and you’re not required to take attendance beyond week three. All faculty are expected to submit Verification of Enrollment rosters after the third week of the semester (or equivalent, for shorter semesters in the summer and winter sessions). You will receive Queens College email early in the semester, announcing the period for submitting enrollment rosters and step-by-step instructions, and what you need to produce is simple: confirm whether each of your students has attended class at least once. (Source: CUNY-wide policy on verification of student enrollment)

The Queens College Academic Policies & Procedures states that “absence in and of itself shall not affect a student’s grade.” but that “students are responsible for such activities as participation in class discussions, laboratory sessions, field trips, etc.; the preparation of papers and reports; and the taking of quizzes and examinations, any or all of which may constitute a component in the final grade for the course.” Additionally, students should be aware that attendance may be required to retain eligibility for financial aid. (Source: Queens College Academic Policies & Procedures) 

Attendance continues to be a strong predictor of student success at the same time that rates of student absence are increasing, for a variety of reasons ranging from economic pressures, care work, mental health, and alternative modes of communication. At QC, faculty have some flexibility to determine how they will approach matters of attendance. We encourage you to include your expectations in your syllabus and to discuss your policy with your students.