Class Attendance Policies & Retaking Courses
BBA:
Attendance Policy:
At the discretion of the instructor, students may be dropped from a class if they do not attend the first class meeting for a once-a-week class, or the first two class meetings for a twice-a-week class. In addition, based on the pedagogical needs of any particular class, an instructor may set specific attendance guidelines.
If a student is considering missing classes, or wishes to add a class after it has started meeting, he/she is responsible for contacting the instructor in advance to confirm that it is permissible to add the class late, and to agree on a plan for catching up on missed material. Students are responsible for reviewing the Canvas site, class syllabus, and emails sent from the instructor for additional attendance guidelines regarding each class. A student who has been absent from studies for more than one week because of illness or other emergency should consult with their academic advisor to determine the advisability of reducing course loads.
Repeating Coursework:
Through Winter 2026: A student may repeat a course in which a passing grade was received if the desire is to strengthen knowledge or improve the grade, but only if classroom seats are available after students wishing to attempt the course for the first time have registered. Both the old and new grades are used to compute the student’s grade point average, but the credits for a passing grade are counted only once toward degree requirements. A student repeating a course will receive Michigan Semester Hours (MSH) and Michigan Honor Points (MHP), but will not earn Credits Toward Program (CTP). Both the initial and the second course registration will be displayed on the student’s transcript.
A student will be required to repeat a core course in which a failing grade was received. Both the original failing grade and the grade received when the course is retaken are used to determine the student’s academic standing and honors. If a passing grade is received on the second attempt, that course election will earn credits toward the degree (CTP – Credits Toward Program).
Beginning Spring 2026: A student will be required to repeat a core course and first year requirement, in which a failing grade (E, F, or U), or a grade below the required minimum (e.g. C-) was received. Both the original grade and the grade received when the course is retaken are used to determine the student’s academic standing and honors. If a passing grade is received on the second attempt after a fail grade, that course election will earn credits toward the degree (CTP – Credits Toward Program).
BBA students may choose to repeat courses where a passing grade, or a grade above the minimum requirement is earned. Classroom seats must be available after students wishing to attempt the course for the first time have registered, and for fixed core classes, students must receive permission from the instructor to enroll. Repeated courses will follow the below policies:
- Grade of C- through D- on the first attempt: Both the old and new grades are used to compute the student’s grade point average, but the credits for a passing grade are counted only once toward degree requirements. A student repeating a course will receive Michigan Semester Hours (MSH) and Michigan Honor Points (MHP), but will not earn Credits Toward Program (CTP). Both the initial and the second course registration will be displayed on the student’s transcript with the second registration displaying a REP notation.
- Grade of A+ through C, P, CR or S: The second attempt will not compute into the student’s grade point average, nor will the credits count towards degree requirements. Both the initial and the second course registration will be displayed on the student’s transcript with the second registration displaying a NFC (Not for Credit) notation.
MBA/MBA/MAcc/MM/MSCM/MBAn:
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is a critical component of your learning experience, as the entire class benefits from the perspectives of others. Moreover, learning through active engagement in classroom discussions is an essential part of the OYM learning experience. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive on time, stay the duration, and engage actively.
Two absences for a course with 12 meetings will be excused with no deduction of points; thereafter, missing any one class session will result in a deduction of 1% from your overall point total grade. There is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Note that individual instructors may assign additional grades for class participation. Moreover, after 6 absences (for a course with 12 meetings), the highest possible grade you can achieve is an LP. Based on the cadence of the class or its content, individual instructors may have a stricter or more punitive attendance policy. Please check your syllabus carefully to understand the attendance policy for each class. Consistent lack of attendance may jeopardize your ability to pass the class altogether.
Students with disability related needs should establish accommodations through SSD as soon as possible and connect with faculty proactively regarding implementation. While it’s understandable and expected that you will need to make personal and professional tradeoffs as you navigate your OYM experience, reporting absences and making up for missed materials are your responsibility. If there are extenuating circumstances that may cause an inordinate number of absences, please contact your faculty member and your Graduate Academic Advisor proactively.
Absences Excused from Absence Policy:
Students who miss class due to commitments that require them to represent the University of Michigan, including intercollegiate athletics, are exempt from the two-absence limit and associated grade deductions under the following conditions:
- The student must provide the instructor with an individualized written class-excuse letter outlining the University-sanctioned obligations, anticipated dates of absence, and potential impact on assignments or exams.
- Students must provide notice at the beginning of the term or no later than the end of Week 4 (Week 3 for half-term courses). For obligations that arise after this point, notice must be given as soon as the student becomes aware.
- These absences do not relieve the student from required coursework.
- Students must work with the instructor to make alternative arrangements for completing assignments, assessments, or required activities. Alternatives should not unduly inconvenience the student or instructor.
- Students must be allowed to complete all missed academic work without prejudice or penalty, consistent with University policy.
Absences that meet the criteria above will not count toward the two-absence limit and will not trigger attendance-related grade deductions.
Retaking Courses:
A student may repeat a course in which a passing grade was received if the desire is to strengthen knowledge or improve the grade, but only if classroom seats are available after students wishing to attempt the course for the first time have registered. The old and new grades are used to compute the student’s average, but the credit hours for a passing grade are counted only once toward degree requirements. Both the initial and the second course registration will be displayed on the student’s transcript.
A student will be required to repeat a core course in which a failing grade was received. Both the original failing grade and the grade received when the course is retaken are used to determine the student’s academic standing and honors.
