Implementation Date: November 1, 2014
Position(s) Responsible for Administering this Policy: Campus Director
Date of Last Revision: September 01, 2024

Policy:

Pacific Link College (PLC) is committed to ensuring that students maintain regular attendance and punctuality throughout their programs of study. Attendance is a critical component of academic success, and absences without approval can significantly affect a student’s progress.

1. Attendance Expectations: Students are expected to attend classes regularly and be punctual while completing their program of study.
   Attendance will be recorded from the official start date specified in the student’s contract.
2. Recording Attendance: The Campus Coordinator or designated instructor is responsible for maintaining accurate records of attendance for all students using the Attendance Sheet. At the conclusion of a student’s program, the Campus Coordinator will finalize the student’s attendance record and place it in their permanent file.
3. Absence and Leave of Absence: Students studying in an approved distance learning setting or via an online mode are required to have their camera turned on for the duration of their class time. Failing to adhere to this will result in an absence.
   • Excused Absence: It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Campus team to request an excused absence. Approval for an excused absence must be obtained from the Campus Coordinator. Approved absences will be recorded as “Excused” in the student’s attendance record, and students will be permitted to make up any missed classes or work.
   • Unexcused Absence: A student missing a cumulative total of 20% of their classes without approval from the Campus Coordinator may receive a failing grade for the course.
   • Authorized Leave of Absence: Students may apply for a leave of absence under the following circumstances:
     1. Family Emergency: A maximum of four (4) weeks of leave may be granted if a member of the student’s immediate family or household passes away, or suffers a serious illness or injury.
     2. Medical Reasons: A cumulative total of ten (10) days of sick leave may be granted upon submission of valid medical documentation. Additional leave may be granted in exceptional cases, such as pregnancy or other extraordinary circumstances, with approval from the Campus Coordinator.
4. Leave of Absence Procedure: Students requesting a leave of absence must submit an Absence Request Form to the Campus Coordinator, specifying the reason for the leave and its requested duration. Upon approval, the Absence Request Form will be added to the student’s file, and the leave will be recorded as an “Excused Absence” in the Attendance Sheet. The Campus Coordinator will inform the student of any academic requirements to be completed upon their return.
5. Dismissal for Extended Absence: 90-Day Consecutive Absence Rule: A student who is absent for 90 consecutive days without prior approval from the Campus Director will be subject to dismissal from their program. Dismissal will result in the student being withdrawn from their program, with the dismissal recorded in their file and reported to the relevant immigration bodies in Canada.
6. Non-Compliance with Attendance Policy: Students failing to attend at least 80% of their scheduled classes without obtaining the necessary permissions may receive a failing grade for the course. Continued non-compliance with the attendance policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.
7. Post-Study Attendance Record: Once the student completes their program of study, the Campus Coordinator is responsible for finalizing the attendance record and placing it in the student’s permanent file.