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4.1 Class Attendance

Consistent with ABA standards, regular class attendance is required as a condition for receiving course credit. The Faculty Rules and Petitions Committee has articulated ABA Standard 308(a) concerning student attendance as follows:

  1. Regular class attendance is required as a condition of receiving credit for Law School classes. Each instructor may supplement this general attendance requirement by announcing a more specific attendance requirement for a particular class. It is the obligation of each student to conform to these requirements.
  2. An instructor who observes a student to be in violation of the attendance requirement shall so advise the Dean of Students, who shall promptly notify the student that they are in violation of the Law School’s requirement. If a student’s attendance remains unsatisfactory in that class or is at any time thereafter in violation of the general attendance requirement in any other class, a student may be denied credit in the class(es), a memo may be added to the student’s file, the student’s privilege of membership in the Law School may be withdrawn, or any other appropriate action may be taken.
  3. No student shall:
    1. Be employed more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session;
    2. Maintain a primary residence outside the Chicago metropolitan area while classes are in session; or
    3. Fail to attend within one week of enrollment in any class (first class for limited enrollment classes).

Upon finding a student in violation of any of these requirements, the faculty member or Rules and Petitions Committee may deny the student credit in the class, may withdraw the student’s privilege of membership in the Law School, and may add a memo to the student’s file, or take any other appropriate action.

Students who believe they need to miss class for an extended period must speak with the Dean of Students. Students should also speak with their instructor regarding an extended absence as appropriate.

Absences related to job interviews or other career related matters will not count as excused.

PLEASE NOTE: Faculty members are increasingly strict in interpreting what constitutes “regular” attendance. Students have been dropped from class rosters and denied credit in classes. In addition, many state bar licensing boards ask whether an applicant has ever been warned about problems with lateness or absenteeism. If a problem is noted by a faculty member, it will be reported to the appropriate licensing agency.