I ask students to email me if they are going to be late or absent. This way not only can they share with me the issue privately, but I also have documentation if the problematic behavior persists.
Michael, great point and mimics a classic business saying - Praise in public and scorn in private. Knowing when to speak to students among their peers and when to keep certain conversations private goes a long way in earning student trust and respect.
James Jackson
I usually just speak with the student. If it is a major issue there is typically communication at the director level that trickles down to me. Sometimes I will also suggest an immediate conversation with the program director so that everyone is in the loop.
Harry, there are many opinions on how to handle adult students and the tardy issue. First consideration is your institutions policy on tardiness. When there is room for instructor intervention my opinion has always been to have an Intelligent Heart. This concept comes from The Pacific Institute and it basically states that as instructors we must use our best judgement but to always be consistent and fair to all students. Make sure you are clear about your tardy policy on the first day of class. Discuss with your students and have them ask questions so there is no room for error. Then simply follow through with your policy. If you require a doctor's note for illness or police report for accidents always demand such documents. If you are going to go by your own gut instincts then be consistent and document your decisions so you have a pattern you can support if a situation goes bad and you need to defend your policy to a third party. Bottom line here is avoid being a robot and realize each situation is unique in some way but be able to defend your actions and show you followed your own rules.
James Jackson
