James A. Rhodes State College

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Attendance in Distance Education Courses

Is attendance important?

Yes!  Although distance-delivered courses offer students the option of doing most of their work off campus, attendance will be recorded in all Rhodes State College courses by tracking your progress through the course, meeting deadlines, etc.  The federal government now requires that we verify the last date of your attendance if you receive financial aid.  This means that YOU must be actively working on all courses that you are enrolled in.  Since this mandate may affect your financial aid, make sure that you sign in every time you come to the Center, be sure to turn in assignments by their due dates, and contact your course instructor regularly.  See your instructor if you have specific questions abut this requirement.

What happens if I stop attending?

If you stop attending or progressing through a distance education class before the 7th Friday of the quarter, you will be administratively withdrawn from the class.  A grade of "WF" (Withdrew Failing) will be issued and you may be required to repay financial aid received for the class.  Moreover, future financial aid may also be impacted by nonattendance.  The following attendance policy has been adopted by all faculty:

Attendance is an important part of the grade you receive for all courses.  Regular attendance is needed to gain an understanding of the course's content and to satisfactorily demonstrate required competencies.  Lack of attendance will negatively impact the earned grade and if flagrant, could result in a grade of "E".

If it becomes necessary for me to withdraw from my course, what is the policy?

If you decide not to complete your course, you may drop the course within the first 7 weeks of the quarter of registration.  If you decide to officially withdraw from your course after the 7th Friday of the quarter of registration, you must do so by filling out the Withdraw Petition which can be obtained from the Student Advising and Development Center, PS 148.  The advising staff will discuss your decision to withdraw and direct you on the steps to take.  The Vice President of Instruction gives final approval.  Note:  It takes documented and extenuating circumstances to withdraw from courses after the 7th week.