Online Student Attendance Policy

WHAT DOES ATTENDANCE IN AN ONLINE COURSE MEAN?

Student attendance in Hiram College online courses is defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus. Online courses will have daily to weekly mechanisms for student participation which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:

  • Completion of tests or quizzes
  • Discussion forums
  • Submission/completion of assignments
  • Communication with the instructor
  • Or other course participation

EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES

Students should plan to log in initially to each online course by the end of the first week of that course. However, it is highly recommended that students log into their online course on the first day of class or before, as there are frequently assignments due during the week, not only at the completion of each week’s module. For online courses, faculty will open courses within a week of the course beginning.

As a component of attendance, student emails, course announcements, and discussion forums should be checked frequently (daily is recommended). The student is solely responsible for checking updates related to the course.

RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT ATTENDING

Students who do not complete the course attendance requirements within the drop/add period for the course may be administratively dropped from the course. (Drop/add and withdrawal dates are listed in the published semester schedule and College Catalog). Students who fail to maintain active participation in an online course as defined in the course syllabus will be processed in accordance with the College’s current attendance policy.

NOTE: Students who determine that they do not plan to attend a class in which they are enrolled must initiate a withdrawal before the term begins to receive a full tuition refund, and during the drop/add period for that course to receive a partial tuition refund. Nonattendance may affect financial aid. If a student fails to meet the attendance requirements, they may be recommended for withdrawal from the course. In the case of an anticipated absence, such as military deployment, the student should contact the instructor in advance and arrange to complete the required assignments. In case of an emergency (illness/accident or death in the family), a student should contact the instructor as soon as possible providing documentation supporting the need for any late submission of a graded event.