Attendance
Attendance at Teaching Sessions clearly correlates to academic achievement.
Students should note that regular attendance at lectures and seminars is compulsory.
Repeated failures to attend may result in disciplinary action being taken.
Records of attendance are monitored in connection with ALL modules, and a summary of this information is recorded on your student files. You will be notified by email if you have attended less than 50% of your lectures and seminars. If this email is not responded to and/or attendance does not improve you will be asked to attend a compulsory meeting with the Student Experience Team to discuss any issues you may be experiencing.
The University student attendance policy can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/new-students/attendance-monitoring
It's important you attend lectures and seminars because not only will it help you improve your overall grade but in addition, potential employers standardly ask about patterns of attendance when requesting a reference!
From Spring Semester 24-25, a new automatic system which digitally records attendance via the iSheffield app or browser will take effect. Tutors will give you instructions on how to use this system in class, there if further guidance here
Where a student is unable to attend a class, they should use the digital check-in system to report their absence.
If possible, email the module lead and the student experience team, studentexperienceteamphi@sheffield.ac.uk. This allows the module lead to give some advice of catching up on missed learning, and the PHI Student Experience Team can signpost relevant support.
Students can self certify an absence of up to 7 working days without the requirement to provide evidence. Longer absences, or repeated short absences, will need to be evidenced.
It is not possible to repeat missed classes, so the onus is on the student to catch up on work. They are welcome to speak to module leads and/or their Personal Tutor for tips on how to catch up.
Where a student does not report their absences, they may be subject to disciplinary action via the Unsatisfactory Progress Review processes. International students also risk losing their visa if they do not comply with UKVI expectations around attendance.
Extended periods of absence, especially unauthorised absence, will be taken into account when considering extension requests. It may be deemed that the amount of missed lectures/seminars is a greater issue than the cited extenuating circumstances.
Students who are unable to attend classes for an extended period may be best advised to take a Leave of Absence. This means taking a complete break from studies and returning when they are in a better position to succeed. Please read the information on the University's webpage and contact your Personal Tutor, Programme Lead or studentexperienceteamphi@sheffield.ac.uk if you think this may apply to you.
