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Attendance Policy

@Nucleus University School of Dentistry, Aruba (NUSOD)

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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Policy Review and Modification


This policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated to align with academic standards.

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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Course Withdrawal Procedure


Purpose:
To provide a process for DDS program students to withdraw from a course while minimizing academic and financial penalties.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Notification of Withdrawal:
    Students will receive confirmation of their withdrawal via university email, along with information on any applicable academic or financial implications.
  6. 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.
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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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