During the semester, a student may be dropped from class when, in the instructor's judgment, the number of absences has become excessive. Normally this is one hour more than twice the number of hours the class is scheduled per week, unless there are extenuating circumstances and the student and the instructor come to a different agreement. Such judgment should be based exclusively on the student's prospect for successfully completing the course. Policies concerning dropping or lowering the grades of students because of excessive absences should be clearly stated in writing on your syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Although both the college catalog and schedule of classes state that it is the student's responsibility to withdraw from class, the state mandates that faculty shall clear their class rosters of no-shows or students no longer attending as of the first census day (Monday of the third week in a regular semester or Monday of the second week in a summer session).

Drop rosters are distributed to all instructors at the fourth, eighth, and twelfth weeks of the semester (and at regular intervals during summer sessions) to give faculty members an opportunity to drop students who are no longer participating in classes. Don't forget to fill them out and turn them in by the deadline given at the top of each roster. At the bottom of each drop roster is a place for you to sign, certifying that students not dropped are actively attending class. The definition of non-participation includes, but is not limited to, excessive unexcused absences. Students failing to attempt or complete course requirements (more than one assignment) may fall into the non-participation category. Instructors are encouraged to drop non-participating students during the interim weeks between drop rosters by filing a "Class Withdrawal Notice" in the Admissions and Records Office.

A student who drops or is dropped from a class during the first eight weeks of the semester will receive a "W" grade regardless of the quality of work performed or the number of previous absences. A student who drops or is dropped during weeks 9 through 12 will receive a "W" grade except when the student's last date of attendance was after the eighth week and the student was earning less than a "C" grade. Under these conditions, the instructor may assign an "F" grade.

Friday of the twelfth week is the last day an instructor may assign a "W" grade. (For a six-week summer or winter session class, this deadline is Wednesday of the fifth week.)