When a Student Isn't Attending
It is important for an instructor to get involved and stay communicating with a student who isn't attending class.
We have an hours program so the more time missed the longer your graduation is put back and it is the students responsibility to make up the time and work. We have to call and try to reach out to the student to figure out the problem ms some students have real situations going on that are distracting or preventing them from attendance and we recommend they talk to the people who deal with LOAs so they won't get dropped but if they don't meet a SAAP there is only so much we can do because again they need to be responsible. I try to tell my students to treat school like it's your job, if you don't go to work you can expect to get paid and have nothing piled up when you get back.
Where I am at it is not the job of the instructor to call the student either,but we do play an active role in alerting student services or an education manager if a student is not showing up for class. Most of the time the instructor will be a good judge on if there is an actual problem because of their daily interaction with the students.
At my institution, it is not my job to reach out to students who are not attending. It is the student's job to make an effort to show up for class and after so many missed days, you will simply be dropped from the program.
At my college, it is my responsibility as the instructor to call absent students everyday.
At my institution it is not the job of the instructor to contact a student who is not attending. That is a student services role.
Hi Shelby,
At my institution we really reach out to our students. We will call them if they do not call in to find out what is going on. We have a call-in policy and they get one warning, after the one warning the student is suspended for one day. The suspension normally teaches the student a lesson, and they begin to call in when they are absent.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lana, You are right on target - we often forget the value of that simple connection. In some cases, it can make the difference between a student continuing school or dropping out. When a student does not reach out for help during a difficult period, the instructor contacting them can open up dialogue on the causes for absences and then provide support or referrals to help.
Taking time to contact that student not only shows empathy on your part, but also let's that student know that you have not given up on them. Making a quick phone call, or sending a quick email will speak volumes. It could even motivate that student to discuss issues they're having...once resolved, they will be able to move forward. I try to remember that I've had mentors along the way to help me...paying it forward leaves a lasting legacy.
