31 Grade Reductions for Clinical Absence and Tardiness
Grade Reductions for Excessive Personal Day Use
A student who misses more than 3 clinical days per Fall/Spring semester, 1.5 days per Junior Summer, or 2 days Senior Summer semester will have an automatic grade reduction based on the number of days missed. There is no appeal mechanism for these reductions.
Number of personal days and grade reductions for excessive use (Fall and Spring Semesters):
| 3 days | 3.5 to 4 days | 4.5 to 5 days | 5.5 to 6 days | >6 days |
| No reduction | 4 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Clinical course Failure |
Number of personal days and grade reductions for excessive use (Junior Summer Semester):
| 1.5 days | 2 to 2.5 days | 3 days | 3.5 to 4 days | ≥4.5 days |
| No reduction | 4 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Clinical course Failure |
Number of personal days and grade reductions for excessive use (Senior Summer Semester):
| 2 days | 2.5 to 3 days | 3.5 to 4 days | 4.5 to 5 days | ≥5 days |
| No reduction | 4 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Clinical course Failure |
Failing a Clinical Course Due to Excessive Personal Day Use
A student who misses more than 6 clinical days will fail the clinical course. At this point and if there is sufficient documentation to indicate that the attendance problem was due to a compelling situation beyond the student’s control, the student may appeal the failure. A student may use this appeal process only ONE time during the professional program. If the appeal is successful, the student will have options depending on the time remaining in the course.
- Option 1 would allow the student to remain in the clinical course. The student selecting option 1 would be granted no higher than a “C” for the clinical course provided the student meets all minimum competencies for the course.
- Option 2 would allow the student to receive an incomplete grade in the clinical course. This would necessitate repeating a part of the clinical course at the end of the first or second year. This option would result in delaying the date of graduation.
- Option 3 would allow the student to officially withdraw from the course. The student would receive a “W” grade for the enrollment and would need to re-enroll in the course. All efforts would be made to re-enroll the student in the next available course; however, re-enrollment is not guaranteed and is subject to availability of a seat in the course. This option would result in delaying the date of graduation. If the successful appeal occurs after the IUPUI W/F deadline the student would be withdrawn from the course through administrative procedures.
Grade Reductions for Excessive Absence Pattern
If a pattern of excessive personal day use is occurring, additional reductions will be assessed. An excessive absence pattern occurs when a student receives a grade reduction for excessive personal day use for more than one semester at any time while in the program. The student will be placed on program probation for an excessive absence pattern for any two semesters while in the program. A third semester will result in program dismissal.
| 1st Clinical Course | 2nd Clinical Course | 3rd Clinical Course |
| Reduction of clinical grade as stated above in Penalties for Excessive Personal Day Use | Reduction of clinical grade, clinical probation | Program dismissal |
Grade Reductions for Failure to Report a Clinical Absence (Unexcused)
Students are required to report all types of absences (personal days, funeral days, jury duty, etc.) to the Clinical Coordinator. Unexcused absences are cumulative for the program and carry over from semester to semester. Failure to follow the policy for reporting a personal day will be considered an unexcused absence and will result in the following penalties:
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
| 1 full p-day reduction and -1 letter grade; critical incident letter sent to student and placed in student file | Clinical Probation, an additional -1 letter grade, additional -1 full personal day | Program Dismissal |
Unexcused incidents include but is not limited to:
- Calling in sick more than 60 minutes after your start time
- Absent from clinic during your scheduled time without notification to the Clinical Coordinator
- Leaving clinic without permission
- Taking more than 30 minutes for lunch break
- Leaving the assigned clinical area after clocking in and not letting the clinical supervisor know where you are
Grade Reductions for Excessive Tardiness
Fall and Spring Courses
| 1-3 tardies | 4 tardies | 5 tardies | 6 tardies | 7 tardies |
| No reduction | 4 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Clinical course failure |
Senior Summer Course
| 1-2 tardies | 3 tardies | 4 tardies | 5 tardies | 6 tardies |
| No reduction | 4 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Additional 8 percent grade reduction | Clinical course failure |
Grade Reductions for Excessive Tardiness Pattern
Excessive tardiness pattern has occurred when a student has received a grade reduction due to more than the maximum allowed tardies for more than one semester at any time while in the program. If a pattern of excessive tardiness occurs, additional penalties will be assessed. The student will be placed on program probation for an excessive tardiness pattern for any two semesters while in the program. A third semester will result in program dismissal.
| 1st Clinical Course | 2nd Clinical Course | 3rd Clinical Course |
| Reduction of clinical grade as stated above in the Tardiness Policy. Notice sent to student and placed in student file. | Reduction of clinical grade and clinical probation. Program dismissal upon severity of pattern. | Program dismissal |
Grade Reductions for Leaving Clinic without Permission
An incidence of leaving clinical without permission occurs when a student leaves clinic during the scheduled clinical time without permission of the Clinical Coordinator. Incidents of leaving clinic without permission are cumulative for the program and carry over from semester to semester. Leaving clinic without permission will be penalized as follows:
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
| 1 full p-day deduction and -1 letter grade. Notice letter sent to student and placed in student file. | Additional 1 full p-day deduction, -1 letter grade, clinical probation | Program dismissal |