Student Attendance Requirements

CELOP, Boston University’s Center for English Language & Orientation Programs, requires all students to follow our Student Attendance Policy.

Overview:

• Attendance is counted by hours.
• Attendance in all courses is combined for total program attendance.
• Attendance is reported weekly and warnings will be given beginning in Week 2.
• Most absences, regardless of reason, will be counted. You should always let your instructors know the reason for your absence. Boston University makes an exception for observance of religious holidays—see Policy on Religious Observance below.*
• Late arrival to class also counts as absence.
  • If you arrive late to class, you will be marked late. Three times late = 1 hour absent.
  • If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you will be marked late and also be marked absent for the total minutes you have missed.
  • For more details about the Student Lateness Policy, see the CELOP Student Handbook.
• If you miss 15% or more of the total program hours, you will not receive a certificate.
• If you do not meet the attendance requirement, you will receive verbal and written warnings.

Warnings if your total attendance is under 85%:

• 1st time – Warning Email
• 2nd time – Verbal Warning/Placed on Watch List
• 3rd time – Written Warning/Placed on Probation
• Continued lack of improvement will result in a Notice of Expulsion

If you receive a warning, you need to show significant improvement in attendance and raise your overall program attendance percentage over 85% as soon as possible. Students who are under 85% at the end of their program and wish to continue at CELOP may be considered on probationary status dependent on the approval of CELOP administration with the support of faculty. If you are on probation, you must regularly check in with the Academic Programs Manager.

If you receive the Final Written Warning (Notice of Expulsion), you can appeal the decision with a written request and documentation to support a change in the decision. If you do not appeal or your appeal is denied, you will be expelled. CELOP reserves the right to expel or suspend a student for poor attendance and lack of academic progress at any time. If you are expelled for poor attendance or lack of academic progress, your enrollment will be cancelled without refund. CELOP may also terminate your I-20 for Unauthorized Drop Below a Full Course of Study.

*Policy on Religious Observance: Please see the University policy on Absence for Religious Reasons.