Be There

Yes, I take attendance. Yes, you are graded on attendance. Yes, I know there are times when you won't be able to attend class. No, you won't be penalized. As long as you let me know. I try to run my class like a business meeting. If you are going to miss work, what do you do? You notify your manager. I expect the same. Send me a proper email before class. Something like this:

"Dear Professor Koval, I regret that I will be unable to attend class today. I will see you next time."

That's it. I don't need to know that you are sick or your aunt from Venezuela is coming to visit or you drank too much or your cat is lonely. If you must tell me, go ahead. I'll express the appropriate emotional response to your dilemma, but it's not necessary.

(If you want to eliminate any good will you just created by sending the above email, try adding "Am I missing anything important?" or worse, "Please let me know what I'm going to miss.")

#Etiquette #ProfessorInsight #RulesandRegs