Attendance
GENERAL INFORMATION
Responsibility for class attendance rests with the student. Regular and punctual attendance of all scheduled classes is expected. Instructors report non-attendance following the census date of each term in accordance with federal regulations. Students reported as not attending classes may be responsible for returning financial aid disbursed to them for any class(es) the student is not attending. Reporting of non-attendance is also a requirement of instructors throughout each semester and when reporting final grades. Instructors awarding failing grades are required to report the last day a student attended class, whether or not the student completed the class fully. Instructors may also request a student be dropped for excessive absences from class, in which case the student will receive a grade of DR and may be required to return financial aid disbursed.
ABSENCE ON RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
UTRGV will excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of religious holy days, including travel for that purpose if, not later than the census date of the term, the student notifies the applicable instructors that they will be absent for a religious holy day. In addition, UTRGV will permit the student to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for the day of absence within a reasonable time after the absence. A religious holy day is a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under 11.20 of the Texas Tax Code. If the student and instructor disagree about the nature of the absence being for the observance of a religious holy day, or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, the student may utilize the student complaint process.
Please see Religious Accommodations under the Administrative Policies and Regulations section of this Catalog for initiating a request for an accommodation, other than absences for religious holy days, due to religious belief or practice.
ABSENCES FOR UNIVERSITY-RECOGNIZED EVENTS
UTRGV will also excuse students from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for active military service or authorized participation in officially sponsored university functions such as athletic events or academic activities. The student should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange with the instructor to make up missed work or examinations. Instructors will provide those students an opportunity to make up the work or otherwise adjust the grading to ensure that the student is not penalized for the absence. Failure to notify the instructor or failure to comply with the arrangements to make up the work will void the excused absence.