While there isn't a single, fixed number of "times" you can miss class across all CUNY courses, the general policy limits absences to a maximum of 15% of the total scheduled class hours per semester. This means the exact number of sessions you can miss depends on the specific course's schedule, including its weekly hours and the length of each session. If a student is absent more than this indicated 15%, they are typically considered excessively absent, which can have academic consequences.
Understanding the 15% Absence Rule
The CUNY attendance policy is designed to ensure students are actively engaged in their learning. The 15% threshold is applied to the total hours a class is scheduled to meet over the semester, not simply the number of individual class meetings.
Here’s how to interpret and calculate your personal absence limit:
- Total Scheduled Hours: First, determine the total number of hours your specific class is scheduled to meet throughout the entire semester. For instance, a 3-credit course often meets for 3 hours per week over a 15-week semester, totaling 45 scheduled hours (3 hours/week * 15 weeks).
- Calculate Your Limit: Multiply the total scheduled hours by 15% (or 0.15).
- Example: For a 45-hour course: 45 hours * 0.15 = 6.75 hours.
- Convert to Sessions: Divide this maximum allowed absence time by the length of a single class session to estimate how many individual classes you can miss.
- Example: If your class meets for 1.5 hours per session, you could miss approximately 4-5 sessions (6.75 hours / 1.5 hours/session ≈ 4.5 sessions). If your class meets for 3 hours per session, you could miss approximately 2 sessions (6.75 hours / 3 hours/session ≈ 2.25 sessions).
Practical Examples of Absence Limits
The following table illustrates typical maximum absence allowances for common CUNY class structures:
| Course Type | Weekly Hours | Semester Weeks | Total Scheduled Hours | Maximum Absent Hours (15%) | Approximate Missed Sessions (per session length) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Credit Lecture | 3 hours | 15 | 45 hours | 6.75 hours | ~4-5 (if 1.5 hrs/session) / ~2 (if 3 hrs/session) |
| 4-Credit Lecture | 4 hours | 15 | 60 hours | 9 hours | ~6 (if 1.5 hrs/session) / ~3 (if 3 hrs/session) |
| 1-Credit Lab | 2 hours | 15 | 30 hours | 4.5 hours | ~2-3 (if 1.5 hrs/session) / ~1 (if 2 hrs/session) |
Note: These are approximate numbers. Always round down when considering the number of full sessions you can miss to stay within the limit. For example, 6.75 hours means you can't miss a full 5th 1.5-hour class without exceeding the limit.
Importance of Class Attendance
Exceeding the 15% absence limit can lead to serious academic consequences, including:
- Failing the Course: Instructors often have the discretion to lower your grade or assign a failing grade (e.g., WU for "Withdrew Unofficially") if you are excessively absent.
- Impact on Financial Aid: Poor attendance can sometimes affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and potentially jeopardize your eligibility for financial aid in future semesters.
- Missed Learning Opportunities: Regular attendance is crucial for understanding course material, participating in discussions, and benefiting from in-class activities that cannot be replicated by simply reading notes.
- Lack of Participation Grade: Many courses include participation as part of the final grade, which is directly tied to your presence and engagement in class.
It is always advisable to attend all classes and communicate directly with your instructors if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending. They may offer flexibility or alternative solutions if you explain your situation proactively.
