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Policy 2.2: Attendance & Short-Term Absences 

Applies to: A/BSN, CIPCT, DNP, Certs, PhD

I. Policy Statement

The School of Nursing (SoN) expects students to participate fully in scheduled learning activities. Attendance and timely presence are essential to meeting course outcomes, accreditation and licensure requirements, and professional standards.

The University of Washington requires that students absent from examinations or class activities due to unavoidable causes be provided an opportunity to complete equivalent work or, if that is not feasible, be exempted from the requirement at the instructor’s discretion (SGP 112).

Attendance expectations vary by program. Program-specific requirements are outlined below.

II. Process

A. All Programs

  • In accordance with UW SGP 112, a student absent from an examination or class activity through sickness or other unavoidable cause, as judged by the instructor, shall be given an opportunity to complete equivalent work. If that is not feasible, the student may be exempted from the requirement.
  • Unavoidable causes include illness, serious illness or death in the immediate family, religious obligations, academic conferences, and University-sponsored activities.
  • Students may request accommodation for religious observances under UW’s Religious Accommodations Policy.
  • Short-term absences are generally considered up to 10 consecutive calendar days. Extended absences that prevent course completion may require an incomplete, withdrawal, or leave of absence (see School of Nursing Policy 1.3: Grading & Incompletes; School of Nursing Policy 2.3: Leave of Absence).

B. Undergraduate (A/BSN)

General Absence Policy

  • Students absent from examinations or class activities due to unavoidable causes will be offered equivalent work or may be exempted, consistent with SGP 112.
  • If completion of equivalent work is not feasible during the quarter, University regulations on Incompletes apply.

Clinical & Lab Attendance

  • On-time, in-person attendance is required for all clinical, lab, seminar, and onboarding activities.
  • Instructors may require early arrival for pre-clinical preparation.
  • Lateness:
    • First late: verbal warning.
    • Second late: course warning and learning contract.
    • Additional lateness: may result in a program-level warning under the Essential Qualifications policy.
  • If absent from clinical due to illness or emergency, students must notify the clinical instructor at least 30 minutes prior to the shift using the method specified (phone, text, or email).
  • Clinical instructors, in consultation with course coordinators, determine whether make-up clinical time is required and feasible.
  • Students must accommodate any make-up work offered, even if scheduled outside regular shifts.
  • If sufficient hours or objectives cannot be met, the course must be repeated.

Planned Absences

  • Students with justifiable reasons for planned absence must consult the instructor in advance.
  • Instructors have final authority to approve or deny the absence and to determine whether make-up work is required.
  • Students should not expect personal, family, or work commitments to be grounds for excused absence.

Final Examination Week

  • Students must remain available for School of Nursing activities through the end of final exam week, as published in the UW Academic Calendar.
  • Travel and personal plans must be scheduled during breaks to avoid unexcused absences.

C. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • Students are expected to attend all didactic, lab, simulation, and clinical activities.
  • All required clinical hours must be completed to meet accreditation and licensure requirements.
  • Students must notify course faculty and preceptors as soon as possible if unable to attend.
  • Faculty determine whether clinical make-up is possible, based on course objectives and site availability.
  • Students must discuss planned absences with faculty in advance. Approval is at the discretion of faculty and depends on the ability to meet course and accreditation requirements.

D. CIPCT & PhD (Graduate Non-Clinical Programs)

  • Students are expected to attend all required activities, including classes, seminars, labs, and research practica.
  • Students must notify faculty promptly if absent.
  • Students must discuss planned absences with faculty in advance. Faculty determine whether make-up or alternative arrangements are possible.
  • Extended absences may affect satisfactory progress and may result in Academic Notification, Academic Alert, or Final Academic Alert under UW Graduate School Policy 3.7.

III. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

Task / Responsibility Student Faculty Program Coordinating Committee Academic Adviser Office of Clinical Placements
Notify faculty of absence R I C I (if clinical)
Request religious accommodation R/A I C C
Determine if absence is excused / if make-up is possible I R/A C C
Manage lateness and clinical warnings (BSN only) I R/A I
Support students with absence-related needs C R/A C R C (if clinical)
Monitor attendance-related progression issues I C A R C

RACI Legend:

  • R = Responsible: Performs the task
  • A = Accountable: Ultimately answerable
  • C = Consulted: Provides input
  • I = Informed: Kept up to date

Related Policies & References

Last updated: September 2025