* The institution's policies: Each university, college, or even individual program has its own attendance policy. Some are very strict, while others are more lenient. Some may have a minimum attendance requirement expressed as a percentage of classes attended. Others may focus on participation and assignment completion rather than strict attendance. Check your student handbook or syllabus carefully.
* The instructor's policies: Even within a university's general policy, individual instructors may have their own attendance expectations. They might deduct points from your grade for excessive absences, or they may use attendance as a factor in determining your final grade.
* The type of course: Labs and studios often have stricter attendance requirements than lecture-based courses, as hands-on participation is crucial.
* Your reason for absence: While some institutions are understanding of legitimate absences (illness, family emergencies), others may not be as flexible. Documentation might be required to justify absences.
Potential consequences can include:
* Failing grades: This is the most common consequence, especially if attendance is a significant portion of the final grade. Even if attendance isn't directly graded, consistent absence can lead to falling behind on coursework and thus a lower grade.
* Academic probation or suspension: Repeated failure to attend classes across multiple courses or semesters can result in academic probation or even suspension from the institution.
* Withdrawal from courses: The institution might withdraw you from courses if you consistently miss classes, even if you haven't officially dropped them. This can leave a "W" on your transcript, which can impact your GPA and future academic standing.
* Loss of financial aid: Some financial aid programs require a minimum level of attendance to maintain eligibility. Failure to attend classes could lead to the loss of financial aid.
* Difficulty with participation: Even if you manage to pass the course, consistent absence may hinder your ability to participate in class discussions, group projects, and other collaborative learning activities.
In short, it's crucial to understand your institution's and instructor's attendance policies and make every effort to attend classes regularly. If you anticipate difficulties attending, communicate with your instructors as early as possible to explore options.