FSU News

Mandatory Attendance Policy

The mandatory attendance policy regarding the first day of class will be in effect for the summer semester at Florida State University.

The university-wide policy requires all students to attend the first class meeting of every course for which they are registered. Students who do not attend the first class meeting of a course for which they are registered will be dropped from the course by the academic department that offers the course. This policy applies to all levels of courses and to all campuses and study centers. It remains the student's responsibility to verify course drops and check that fees are adjusted.

Q&A

Q: What happens if my travel plans are delayed by airlines or other transportation difficulties?
A: To avoid accidentally being dropped, notify the instructor or department offering the course as soon as you know that the delay will prevent you from attending class. Provide as much contact information as possible and your expected arrival date.

Q: What if my class does not have a scheduled meeting time?
A: You should contact the instructor or department offering the course and ask how he or she will take attendance. Methods vary widely so do not assume that what is acceptable in one class is acceptable in another.

Q: If I miss class, will I automatically be dropped by the Registrar and have my fees refunded?
A: If you miss the first meeting of your class, you will be dropped. If that happens before the end of the fourth day of classes, your fees will be adjusted and you will not be charged. Remember that some departments have stricter attendance rules and may drop you for non-attendance during the entire first week of classes. Those departments will display that information on the search results of the Course Look Up.

Q: My classes don't meet the first day of the semester. Will I be dropped if I don't attend class even though it meets for the first time on another day?
A: Yes. The University attendance policy states that you must attend the first class meeting, whether or not it coincides with the first day of a semester.

Q: I'm taking a distance learning class. Will I be dropped since I don't go to an actual classroom?
A: All courses, for all campuses of the University are required to verify attendance during the first class meeting. You should contact the instructor or the department offering the course and ask how attendance will be taken.

For other questions, contact the academic department offering the course or send an e-mail to registrar@admin.fsu.edu