I sometimes feel in a losing position when it comes to empathy in a student/faculty relationship. I certainly unerstand that we as individual and family participants have several demands on our time. However, I seem to have a hard time discerning what is the truth and what is a lame excuse. I try to set the ground work on day one when it comes to attendance policies and explain I understand there may be reasons for student absences and that I understand. However, I believe that this sets a dangereous precendence and gives them the ammunition for missing class. I also have the pleasure of teaching these students in their last class before their externship.