Attendance
Your instructors will cover a significant amount of content each week— absences from class may affect your participation grade and your understanding of the material covered in class.
If you are unable to attend any lectures, tutorials, or any other course-related activities due to excused or unexcused absences, you must review the course syllabus or contact your instructor to inquire about an extended deadline. You must complete any missed coursework and assignments by the new deadline.
You should not delay your preparation and completion of missed components of the course while awaiting the resolution of your academic concession petition. If your concession petition is denied, a grade will not be assigned for the course component. Please note that students who neglect academic work, fail to attend classes regularly, or neglect their responsibilities as a student may be excluded from the final examination and put themselves at risk of failing courses.
Some instructors may have specific requirements or policies regarding missed or late coursework for their courses. This is often based on a threshold of classes missed, after which the student is considered unable to meet the learning outcomes of the course.
Review the course syllabus and contact your instructor regarding the course expectations. There are also general expectations outlined in UBC’s attendance policy.
Unexcused absences
Avoid scheduling conflicts or making arrangements that may conflict with your academic commitments and responsibilities. Important to note that travel arrangements are not valid grounds for academic concessions.
Statement of professionalism and code of conduct
Late course registration
Registration is your responsibility. This means that, when joining a class late, you are responsible for the learning of any material that has already been taught. Your instructor is not expected to re-teach the material you have missed.
You must complete all previously assigned readings and coursework to fully prepare to contribute to class discussions and engage in group work. For this reason, some instructors discourage late registration in their courses if group work or assignments are required during the first two weeks.
Anticipated absences
If your ability to attend classes or complete coursework and assignments is adversely impacted or if you expect regular or prolonged absences, you should contact an Academic Advisor in the UGO to further discuss your case.
Students with a disability or ongoing medical condition
Students registered with the Centre for Accessibility (CFA) should have their accommodation agreed upon at the beginning of the course between the student, CFA, and the instructor. Students who are not registered with CFA may wish to discuss their case with the Centre or connect with an Academic Advisor in the UGO.
If illness or disability-related reasons interfere with your ability to attend classes or complete coursework and assignment, you should follow the directions provided by your instructors and submit a petition for Academic Concession through the Undergraduate Office (UGO).
Varsity athletes
Varsity athletes should have a letter outlining their Varsity commitments sent to their instructors by UBC Athletics.
Unanticipated absences
If you face unexpected illness or unavoidable responsibilities that impact your ability to fulfil your academic responsibilities, you could be eligible for an academic concession.
Learn more about academic concession
If your situation is related to an experience of sexual violence, you have the option of contacting UBC’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) (604 822 1588) who can assist you with your academic concession.