The LSU Faculty Senate passed a number of policy revisions and clarifications over the summer to increase student attendance both physically and mentally.
Policy Statement 22 of University Policies and Procedures was amended to delegate responsibility in determining when weather is severe enough to cancel classes to the University’s Emergency Operations Center. The policy statement also more clearly defines students’ responsibilities in the case of weather-related absence from class.
The policy statement now considers student attendance non-negotiable.
“When a student is absent from class, it is the responsibility of the student to get materials they missed,” said Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope. “Attendance is an expectation of students. It is no longer something optional. There is no gray area.”
The newly clarified attendance policy is “a step in the right direction,” said Stephen McElroy, communication studies senior. McElroy, who has been penalized for missing class in the past, said a clear outline on the attendance policy will help students discern what is permissible regarding attendance.
Classroom distractions including online activity, whether it be perusing Facebook or shopping online, have also been recognized by the Faculty Senate. Revisions to Policy Statement 29 give professors more authority to oust activity that may distract others within the classroom.
“Technology has allowed students to be physically present but mentally absent,” said Nathan Crick, associate professor of rhetoric, a concentration within the Communication Studies Department.
McElroy said he felt attendance has been unofficially mandatory for years. He cited a growth in attendance-based grades as a way for professors to enforce attendance.
“Unfortunately, you can’t legislate attendance by force,” Crick said. ”Genuine attendance in both mind and body is something students must give, ultimately, of their own accord.”
 
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Contact Josh Naquin at [email protected]