University Counseling Center (UCC)
The Absent/Disappeared From Class Student
You may notice a student that has been missing/absent from class and has not made contact with you or a student who is missing significant work or assignments.
What You Can Do:
- Initiate contact with the student: Get in touch with Academic Support or his/her advisor.
- Share observations / facts: "I noticed you missed X# of classes" or "I haven't seen or heard from you in 3 weeks."
- Share concern: "Sorry you are having difficulties."
- Offer to talk: "Would you like to talk."
- Be clear and direct about your expectations and the consequences for not meeting expectations
- Be open/listen to the students' perspective about why they missed class or assignments.
- Ask how the student believes he/she can better meet expectations for attendance or work.
- Find out how he/she is doing in other classes.
Avoid:
- Disregard/invalidate the students feelings.
- Minimize concerns.
- Feel pulled to change expectations and make accommodations immediately. It's ok to say "I'll consider an alternative."
- Lecture/scold: "You know you really should come to class."
- Use scare tactics, threats/bribes: "If you don't come to class you might fail" or "I might fail you" said in a threatening way.