1. Regular Semester Courses in-person: Students are allowed a maximum of three absences
from laboratory sessions. Exceeding three absences will result in failure of the course.
2. Summer Courses / J-term in-person: Due to the accelerated nature of summer and
J-term courses, students are allowed a maximum of two absences from laboratory sessions.
Exceeding two absences will result in failure of the course.
3. Online Courses: Students are allowed a maximum of three incomplete laboratory assessments.
A laboratory assessment is considered incomplete if less than 75% of the assessment
is submitted by the due date. If the laboratory assessment is not submitted by the
due date, it is considered incomplete regardless of the level of completion (unless
given permission by the instructor). Exceeding three incomplete laboratory assessments
will result in failure of the course.
Students who arrive late or leave early from laboratory sessions may be marked as
absent at the instructor's discretion. It is essential to attend the full duration
of each lab session to ensure proper understanding and safety compliance. Please see the instructor’s specific tardiness policy in the course syllabus.
Attendance at the first laboratory session covering safety is mandatory. If a student
misses the first safety lab, the student is responsible to make it up by attending
another section covering laboratory safety of the same course or by successfully completing
a virtual laboratory safety exercise and assessment. This must be done to continue
with the course. Students are required to see the instructor to arrange a make-up
as soon as possible.
*For detailed information regarding laboratory safety protocols and expectations,
students should refer to the Biology Department Laboratory Safety Policy.
Students who fail to maintain a laboratory average of at least 60% will result in
failure of the course. Missing laboratory sessions, even if three or less, may negatively
impact laboratory grades to the point where the average is below 60%. Attending all
lab sessions is strongly recommended.
This policy is designed to ensure that all students meet the necessary attendance
and safety requirements to successfully complete their Biology laboratory courses.
Compliance is essential for maintaining a safe and effective learning environment.