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Attendance Policy

General Overview

Windsor University follows a dynamic instructional model that blends the interactivity of live sessions with the flexibility of self-paced recorded content since attendance of the live sessions is not obligatory.

Student attendance is monitored and recorded through consistent engagement, including participation in course discussions and timely submission of assignments through the LMS (Moodle). Active involvement is expected throughout each semester.

If a student anticipates an extended period of inactivity, they are encouraged to submit a formal Leave of Absence or Request for Extension, depending on the circumstances. Failure to engage in coursework without prior approval may result in withdrawal from the course or program.

The Types of Absences and the Way Absences are recorded

Because Windsor University operates a fully online MBA program where live session attendance is not mandatory, “absence” is defined as a lack of meaningful engagement with the course content and activities via the LMS (Moodle). The following distinctions apply:

  • Excused Absence: If a student is unable to engage in any course-related activity (e.g., discussion posts, assignments, LMS access) for valid reasons (e.g., medical, personal emergency), they must notify the Student Affairs Department and submit documentation. These will be reviewed case by case and may prevent penalties.
  • Unexcused Absence: If no documentation or communication is received and a student does not engage for 14 consecutive calendar days, this is considered unexcused and may result in withdrawal from the course or program.
  • Partial Participation (used in place of late arrival or early dismissal): Limited or inconsistent engagement, such as logging into the LMS but not submitting assignments, participating in discussions, or completing activities, may be tracked and flagged as low activity, especially if it becomes a recurring pattern.
  • Live session participation is optional but encouraged. Viewing recorded sessions or participating asynchronously is considered valid engagement.

To align with standard attendance terminology, Windsor University interprets the following in an online context:

  • A “full day absence” would be equivalent to no login or activity on the LMS during that day.
  • “Late arrival” or “early dismissal” would reflect partial engagement, such as logging in but failing to complete key tasks (e.g., watching content or contributing to discussions).
  • A “class absence” is interpreted as failure to participate in an expected weekly activity, such as missing an assignment or not engaging in the forum or course content for the module.

Institution’s Definition of Tardiness

At Windsor University, where live session attendance is not mandatory and flexibility is integral to the learning model, tardiness is defined not by physical absence, but by delays in active academic engagement and untimely submission of coursework. A student is considered tardy when they:

  • Consistently submit assignments past the due date without prior approval or valid documentation.
  • Delay participation in course discussions beyond expected timelines that affect collaborative learning.
  • Fail to watch recorded sessions or engage in course content within a reasonable period after it is made available.

While there is no traditional attendance requirement, consistent engagement and timely academic activity are essential. Patterns of tardiness may impact academic performance and, if prolonged or combined with inactivity, could result in academic warnings or further administrative actions.

How Tardiness Affects Attendance

Attendance is defined by student engagement, and tardiness can negatively impact a student’s attendance record if:

  • Assignments are submitted late (especially repeatedly or without valid documentation).
  • Students delay participation in discussion forums or LMS activities beyond the active schedule.

Persistent delays can flag them as “inactive” — especially if:

  • They go 14 consecutive days without participating.
  • They consistently fail to meet deadlines or show up in a meaningful academic way.

A student exhibiting this pattern of inactivity will be flagged for follow-up, and continued lack of participation or failure to provide sufficient justification may result in withdrawal from the course or program.

Extension

Students may request an extension of up to two weeks per semester to their academic assessments after e-mailing the supporting documents and submitting a Request for Extension to the corresponding instructor, the Student Affairs Department, and the Chief Academic Officer for approval.

Extension

Students may request an extension of up to two weeks per semester to their academic assessments after e-mailing the supporting documents and submitting a Request for Extension to the corresponding instructor, the Student Affairs Department, and the Chief Academic Officer for approval.

Leave of Absence

Granting Leave of Absence

Students requesting a leave of absence should e-mail the Student Affairs Department with a formal request including the purpose, supporting documents, and the leave duration. The Student Affairs Department will forward the student’s e-mail to the President, the Chief Academic Officer, or both.

The university has the final decision on granting or refusing the request according to the supporting documents provided, and the leave duration. An LOA may be granted for one or more of the following reasons:

  • Medical Reasons: Serious illness, injury, or mental health condition that prevents academic participation.
  • Family Emergencies: Death, illness, or caregiving responsibilities involving immediate family members.
  • Military Service: Short-term active duty or required military training.
  • Professional Obligations: Temporary work reassignment or travel required by an employer that interferes with coursework.
  • Personal Hardship: Other significant personal challenges that make continued academic progress temporarily impossible.

LOA Conditions and Limitations

  • Students must submit a written LOA request, including documentation, to the Students Affairs Department.
  • A Leave of Absence (LOA) may be granted for up to 180 days within a 12-month period. However, in certain circumstances, the university may approve a leave of up to 12 consecutive months.
  • The student must intend to return and resume coursework following the leave.
  • Failure to return by the end of the approved LOA will result in withdrawal as of the student’s last date of attendance.

During an approved LOA, the student is not considered withdrawn, and no tuition or financial penalties are incurred.

Grading Make-up Work due to Absences

Make-Up Work Policy

Windsor University recognizes that students may occasionally miss course activities due to valid, documented reasons. In such cases, students are permitted to request a Request for Extension for missed assignments, exams, or participation-based activities.

Approval Process

Students must notify the professor and the Student Affairs Department as soon as possible and submit appropriate documentation (e.g., medical note, emergency proof) to be considered for an approval for their Request for Extension.

The professor, in consultation with the Student Affairs Department and academic leadership, will determine whether the reason qualifies as valid.

Assignment and Grading

Approved make-up work will be the same in scope and rigor to the missed coursework and must be completed within a timeframe specified by the professor and the Student Affairs Department, typically within two weeks of the student’s return to class.

Grading of make-up work will follow the same standards and criteria as the original assignments. Failure to complete make-up work within the designated extension period may result in a grade of zero for those activities.

Limitations

Approved make-up work will be the same in scope and rigor to the missed coursework and must be completed within a timeframe specified by the professor and the Student Affairs Department, typically within two weeks of the student’s return to class.

Grading of make-up work will follow the same standards and criteria as the original assignments. Failure to complete make-up work within the designated extension period may result in a grade of zero for those activities.

Consequences of Unsatisfactory Attendance

Students who demonstrate unsatisfactory attendance—defined as repeated or extended unexcused absences, failure to participate in required online activities (assignments, discussions…), or violation of the institution’s attendance standards, may face the following consequences:

  • Warning: A formal notice may be issued after initial absences or non-participation.
  • Academic Probation: Continued absences may result in the student being placed on probation, with conditions set for continued enrollment.
  • Withdrawal: Students who do not attend or engage in any academically related activity for 14 consecutive calendar days without valid documentation may be withdrawn from courses.
  • Dismissal: Repeated failure to meet attendance requirements or failure to respond to probation terms may result in dismissal from the University.

Policy on Re-admittance

Students who have been withdrawn or dismissed due to unsatisfactory attendance may request re-admittance by submitting a formal re-admittance petition to the Student Affairs Department. The request must include:

  • A written explanation of the circumstances that led to the attendance issues
  • Supporting documentation (if applicable)
  • A plan for ensuring regular attendance upon re-entry

Re-admittance is not guaranteed and will be subject to review by academic leadership. If approved, students may be re-admitted under probationary status and required to meet specific academic and attendance conditions to maintain enrollment.

Conditions for Denial of Re-admittance

  • A student will not be readmitted under the following conditions:
  • Failure to provide a compelling explanation or documentation for previous unsatisfactory academic performance
  • A history of repeated academic probation or prior dismissals
  • Lack of a clear and realistic plan for academic improvement
  • Evidence of ongoing personal, professional, or behavioral issues likely to interfere with academic success
  • Inability to meet the university’s current academic standards, policies, or program requirements
  • Failure to meet application deadlines or submit required documentation

The university reserves the right to deny re-admittance if it is determined that the student is unlikely to benefit from continued enrollment or poses a risk to the academic environment.