Attendance Policy

Attendance for ALI classes is mandatory. Students are expected to attend all sessions of their ALI classes. Students who are absent for more than twice the number of hours that a class meets in one week* (maximum absence limit), may receive a grade of “No Credit”. For example, if a class meets three hours per week, a student who has more than 6 hours of total absences during the semester may receive a grade of “No Credit”.

Students who arrive 15 minutes or later after the beginning of a class may be marked as absent for the first hour.

Students who go over the maximum absence limit may appeal their case to the Student Advisor. Such students should be prepared to show evidence of a legitimate excuse for every missed class. Legitimate excuses include: illness, medical emergencies, personal emergencies, family emergencies, and required courtroom appearances.

Absence Due to Illness

Students who are sick should stay at home, and should also inform their instructor so they can make arrangements to keep up with class assignments and homework. Absences for legitimate illness will not be counted towards the maximum absence limit.

No Credit

Any student who receives a grade of “No Credit” in two ALI courses will not be permitted to enroll in ALI classes in the future and will not be able to satisfy their English requirement. Failure to satisfy the English requirement may result in termination from USC and/or loss of TA funding.

*Summer sessions have different maximum numbers of absences allowed. Please see the course syllabus for more information.