Attendance & Leave of Absence
Attendance in class is a key factor of success in college. To maximize the probability of academic success, students are expected to attend all classes and scheduled laboratories for the courses in which they have enrolled, including their online courses. Each DACC faculty member establishes attendance guidelines in the course syllabus. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to those guidelines. The College does make two exceptions to the individual attendance policies: 1) Military Leave and; 2) Religious Observances (policies noted below).
Attendance exceptions may also be made by the course instructor. It is each student's responsibility to become familiar with the attendance expectations of the instructor during the first week of class. Students are also responsible for all class content and assignments missed due to the absence. Course absences may result in reduction of grade, drop for non-attendance, or withdrawal of the student from the course.
Students who do not feel they can meet the attendance expectations for the course should drop during the first week of class. See the Tuition/Fee Refund information above for more information. An instructor may drop/withdraw students for excessive course absences.
DACC does not have a Leave of Absence policy. Students should consider classroom attendance policies, the College’s drop/refund and withdrawal policies (advised by Admissions/ Registration & Advisement), and the Title IV return of funds policy (advised by the Financial Aid Office).
Military Leave
Danville Area Community College acknowledges and appreciates the important contributions of our students who have served or are currently serving in our military. In accordance with Illinois Statute (330 ILCS 60/5.2), students who are called to active military service have the right to receive a refund of tuition and fees applicable to their registration when called to duty for a period of 7 or more consecutive days.
Military Leave is specifically for students who are enrolled in DACC classes and who are members of the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty United States military that have been called to serve with their military units. In order to support these students, DACC pledges to make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for students who must drop/withdraw or be absent from class due to military obligations. Students should see the Registrar in Admissions & Records (Vermilion Hall) to review their military leave options.
University Religious Observances Act Policy
Danville Area Community College recognizes and respects the broad diversity of religious beliefs and practices of its students in accordance with the University Religious Observances Act (110 ILCS 110/1.5). Please note, “religious observance” or “religious practice” includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief. The Illinois’ Public Act 110 ILCS 110/1.5 states the following:
Sec. 1.5 Absence of student due to religious beliefs. (a) In this Section, “institution of higher learning” has the meaning ascribed to that term in the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. (b) Any student in an institution of higher learning, other than a religious or denominational institution of higher learning, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided that the student notifies the faculty member or instructor well in advance of any anticipated absence or a pending conflict between a scheduled class and the religious observance and provided that the make-up examination, study, or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon the institution. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the student such an opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this Section. (c) A copy of this Section shall be published by each institution of higher learning in the catalog of the institution containing the list of available courses.
Requirement of Absence Notification
DACC faculty and administrative personnel require 5 (five) calendar days of advance notice from students of upcoming religious observance absences to ensure the timeliness of the required actions.
Grievance Procedures for Religious Observances Not Recognized or Respected
Students may contact the Provost/Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs (Vermilion Hall, Room 202) in the event that reasonable accommodations have not been made in accordance with this policy. The Provost will work with the appropriate Dean and faculty member to work toward a reasonable accommodation for religious observance.