Policy Reference No: A7
Date of Last Update: July 10, 2026
Responsible Division: Academic Affairs, Finance
Purpose
To establish a consistent process for course participation reporting for students who are reported by faculty as having never attended a course or who cease participation during the semester. This policy ensures accurate enrollment reporting, compliance with federal and state regulations, appropriate assessment of fees, and proper adjustment of financial aid and tuition charges when applicable.
References
TC3 Policy on Billing, Collection and Payment (link TBD)
TC3 Cost of Attendance
Tuition Billing and Payment
Tuition and Fee Refunds
Contacts
Aaron Tolbert, PhD, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, at109@tompkinscortland.edu, ext. 4373
Penelope Howard, Interim Vice President of Finance, ph030@tompkinscortland.edu, ext. 4264
Policy Statement
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all courses for which they are registered. To maintain satisfactory academic progress, regular attendance is necessary. Absence from class is considered a serious matter and does not excuse a student from completing course requirements, assignments, examinations, or other academic work.
Faculty members are responsible for providing written attendance and participation requirements during the first week of class. Students must comply with the attendance and participation expectations established for each course. Unless otherwise specified by the instructor, students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions promptly and regularly. If an absence is anticipated, students are responsible for notifying the instructor as far in advance as possible. When a student is absent on the day of an examination, assignment, or other required activity, the instructor will determine whether make-up work or late submission will be permitted. In all cases, students are responsible for material covered during their absence.
To ensure accurate enrollment records and compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, faculty members are responsible for reporting students who have never attended a course and students who began attending but subsequently ceased participating.
Students reported as Never Attended in at least seventy-five percent (75%) of their courses that begin prior to the census date of a term may be administratively withdrawn from all registered courses for that term. Students withdrawn under this provision will be assessed the Board-approved Administrative Withdrawal Fee.
Students who begin attending a course but subsequently cease participating and fail to complete the course requirements may be assigned a UF (Unverified Failure) grade in accordance with College procedures. Students assigned a UF grade may be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds calculation, and financial aid may be adjusted in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and College policies.
Students will be notified of administrative withdrawals, UF grades, and related actions through their official College email account. Students are responsible for regularly reviewing College communications and monitoring their student account information.
Students who believe they were withdrawn in error may seek reinstatement by obtaining written approval from the course instructor. The instructor is responsible for updating the student's participation status in the student record system, as appropriate.
Students who believe they received a UF grade in error may appeal using the College's grade appeal process. Appeals must be submitted to the Provost's Office within thirty (30) business days of notification unless an exception is approved by the Provost. Supporting documentation may be required.
Students shall not be penalized for inability to attend classes or participate in examinations on particular days because of religious beliefs, in accordance with Section 224-a of the New York State Education Law. Students who anticipate absences for religious observance are expected to discuss such absences with their instructors in advance.
The College reserves the right to schedule additional class time to compensate for instructional time lost because of weather, road conditions, emergencies, or other circumstances beyond its control.
Any student who wishes to challenge the application of this policy, including attendance-related grading decisions, administrative withdrawal actions, or participation determinations, may utilize the applicable student grievance or academic appeal procedures outlined in College policy and the Student Handbook.
Policy History
- 7/16/1992 – Resolution #1992-93-6 Attendance Policy
- 5/19/1994 – Resolution #1993-94-82 Attendance Policy
- 5/10/2007 – Revised
- 11/10/2016 – Revised
Resolution Number
2026-2027-3