Attendance Policy
Updated on Wednesday 13th of March 2024, 02:45:39 PM
The purpose of this attendance policy is to establish clear expectations for student attendance and
participation within the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. Consistent attendance is vital to academic success, professional development, and the cultivation of a committed learning
community. This policy supports the integrity of our educational program and the standards of
the dental profession.
Table of Content:
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in the DDS program, emphasizing the importance of
punctuality and full participation in all components of the curriculum.
Go to top
Attendance Requirements
Mandatory Attendance: Students are required to attend all scheduled classes, with a minimum
attendance level of 75% for theoretical courses and 85% for practical/clinical courses. Failure to
meet these minimum attendance requirements will result in ineligibility to sit for final
examinations and a grade of "F" for the course.
Class Duration: Attendance is mandatory for the full duration of each class session, from
commencement to conclusion.
Documentation for Extended Absences: Absences spanning three (3) or more consecutive school
days must be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs, with required documentation for medical
clearance or resolution of the cause of absence.
Go to top
Excused Absences
An absence may be excused under the following conditions:
- Medical emergencies or illness, with a doctor's note provided.
-
Bereavement for immediate family members.
-
Official university activities, with prior approval.
-
Other significant life events, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Excused Absences for Short-Term Absences: Requests for excused absences from mandatory
assignments and examinations for absences less than three days should be directed to the
appropriate Course Director and Chair. The Office of Student Affairs should not be notified for
absences of one to two days.
Go to top
Attendance Monitoring
Attendance records are maintained diligently by the School and are subject to disclosure to
licensing authorities or government bodies upon request.
Course directors have the discretion to set specific attendance guidelines for their courses.
Go to top
Make-up Work
Students are responsible for making up all coursework/assignments missed during any absence.
Course directors are required to allow make-up work only for excused absences, ensuring students
have the opportunity to complete missed coursework under approved circumstances.
Go to top
Policy Compliance
A repeat of any class due to insufficient attendance requires a 90% attendance rate in both theory
and practical sessions in the following semester, along with the completion of the required
number of cases to fulfill the criteria.
Go to top
Procedure for Reporting Absences
Short-term absences (less than 3 days) for mandatory assignments and examinations should be
communicated directly to the Course Director and Chair for consideration of excused absence and
make-up work arrangements.
Extended absences (3 or more consecutive days) require notification to the Dean of Student
Affairs, along with appropriate documentation for medical clearance or resolution of the absence
cause.
Go to top
Policy Review and Modification
This policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated to align with academic standards.
Go to top
Leave of Absence (LOA) Procedure
Purpose:
To outline the steps for DDS program students to request a Leave of Absence (LOA)
from their studies for medical, personal, or other substantial reasons.
- Initial Consultation:
Students considering an LOA should first consult with their academic advisor or the Dean of
Student Affairs to discuss the implications for their academic progress and fiduciary obligation.
- Submission of LOA Request:
Complete the LOA request form available on the NUSOD student portal or from the Office of
Student Affairs.
Provide a written statement detailing the reason(s) for the LOA request, including relevant
documentation (e.g., medical documentation, personal circumstances).
- Approval Process:
Submit the completed LOA request form and supporting documentation to the Office of Student
Affairs.
The LOA request will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Affairs, with input from the academic
advisor and, if necessary, the program director.
Approval of an LOA is based on the merits of the request and the student’s academic standing.
- Notification of Decision:
Students will be notified of the decision via their university email within two weeks of submission.
Approved LOA will include the start and end dates, along with any conditions for re-enrollment.
- Re-enrollment:
To return from an LOA, students must notify the Office of Student Affairs at least one month
before the intended return date, fulfilling any re-enrollment conditions specified in the LOA
approval.
Go to top
Course Withdrawal Procedure
Purpose:
To provide a process for DDS program students to withdraw from a course while
minimizing academic and financial penalties.
- Consideration:
Students contemplating course withdrawal are encouraged to consult with the course instructor
and their academic advisor to discuss potential impacts on their academic progress.
- Deadline Awareness:
Be aware of the withdrawal deadline, typically set a few weeks after the course begins. Withdrawal
after this deadline may result in academic and financial penalties.
- Submission of Withdrawal Request:
Complete the Course Withdrawal form available on the NUSOD student portal or from the
registrar’s office.
Indicate the course(s) from which you wish to withdraw and the reason(s) for withdrawal.
- Approval Process:
Submit the completed form to the registrar’s office for processing.
The withdrawal request will be reviewed, and if within the withdrawal period, usually processed
without need for additional approval.
- Notification of Withdrawal:
Students will receive confirmation of their withdrawal via university email, along with
information on any applicable academic or financial implications.
- Academic and Financial Aid Advising:
Following withdrawal, students should meet with their academic advisor and the financial aid
office to understand the impact on their academic standing and fiduciary duty.
Go to top
Program Withdrawal Procedure
Purpose:
To establish a formal process for students in the DDS program who wish to withdraw from the program entirely, ensuring they are aware of the academic, financial, and professional implications of such a decision.
- Initial Consultation:
Students considering withdrawal from the DDS program are strongly encouraged to first consult with their academic advisor and the Dean of Student Affairs. This discussion should cover the reasons for withdrawal, potential alternatives, and the implications for academic progress, financial aid, and future career opportunities. - Counseling Session (Optional but Recommended):
It is recommended that students also schedule a counseling session with the university's counseling services to explore any personal issues influencing their decision and to discuss potential support resources. - Submission of Program Withdrawal Request:
Obtain the Program Withdrawal form from the Office of Student Affairs or the NUSOD student portal. Complete the form, providing detailed reasons for the program withdrawal and any supporting documentation (if applicable). - Financial obligation:
Meet with a representative from the Financial Aid Office to understand the financial implications of withdrawing from the program, including the status of scholarships, grants, and loan repayment obligations. - Approval and Processing:
Submit the completed Program Withdrawal form and any required documentation to the Office of Student Affairs for review and approval. Upon approval, the Office of Student Affairs will coordinate with the Registrar, Financial Aid Office, and other relevant departments to process the withdrawal and update the student’s academic record. - Notification of Completion:
Students will receive official notification confirming their withdrawal from the DDS program, including any final administrative steps required to complete the process.
Key Considerations
Deadlines: Be mindful of any deadlines for program withdrawal that may impact academic record or financial obligations.
Record Maintenance:
Keep copies of all documents related to program withdrawal for personal records.
Go to top