Attendance Policy/ Participation Expectation

1. Purpose

To define attendance and participation expectations so students can meet learning outcomes, complete program requirements, and maintain good academic standing in a professional environment.

2. Scope

Applies to all courses, modules, labs, evaluations, and learning activities in all delivery modes (in person, online, hybrid).

3. Definitions

  • College / ICICP: International College of Infection Control Professionals Inc.
  • Attendance: Being present for scheduled instructional time and participating as required.
  • Online participation: Meaningful engagement (e.g., attending live sessions, completing modules, submitting work, participating in required discussions).
  • Late (tardy): Arriving after start time or joining an online session after it begins.
  • Excused absence: An absence the College accepts as reasonable (e.g., illness, emergency, approved accommodation).
  • Unexcused absence: An absence without acceptable notice or reasonable basis.

4. Policy statement

Regular attendance is a core expectation. Students are responsible for attending all scheduled learning activities and completing required preparation and follow up work.

Some courses/components (for example, labs, skills demonstrations, practicums, or safety critical training) may require higher attendance, including 100% where required to demonstrate competence or meet professional/safety expectations.

5. Attendance requirements and minimum standards

Attendance requirements may be set out in:

  • The program outline (including ministry‑approved vocational program documentation, where applicable)
  • Course/module outlines
  • Timetables/schedules
  • Instructor directions (when reasonable and consistent with policy)
Default expectation (where no specific requirement is stated):

  • Attend and participate in at least 80% of scheduled instructional hours for each course/module; and
  • Complete all mandatory labs, demonstrations, and evaluations.


If a course/program sets a higher minimum, the higher minimum applies.

6. Recording attendance

Attendance may be recorded using:

  • In‑person sign‑in sheets or roll call
  • LMS activity records
  • Webinar/video platform attendance logs for live sessions
  • Completion records for required modules/activities

7. Student responsibilities

Students must:

  • Arrive on time and remain for the full instructional period.
  • Notify the instructor (or designate) as soon as possible if absent/late (ideally before the session starts).
  • Provide documentation when reasonably requested for an excused absence.
  • Catch up on missed content and complete make‑up work (if permitted) within timelines.

8. Make up learning and missed evaluations

Make‑up arrangements depend on program design, resources, outcomes, and fairness to the cohort.


If an evaluation is missed:

  • Notify the instructor ASAP and request a deferral.
  • If approved, an alternate evaluation will be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe.
  • If missed without notice or without reasonable basis, the student may receive zero for the missed evaluation.

9. Online and hybrid attendance expectations

Attendance/participation may include:

  • Attendance at scheduled live sessions (when required)
  • Completion of weekly modules by posted deadlines
  • Participation in required discussions or group work
  • Secure login practices and no substitution (no one participates in your place)
The College may use identity verification practices for online learning/assessments. Students must comply with reasonable identity verification steps outlined in program documents.

10. Accommodations and leaves

Students facing barriers to attendance (health, disability related needs, caregiving, emergency circumstances) should contact the Student Advisor/Campus Administrator early to discuss options and reasonable accommodations.

Timelines may be extended for reasonable circumstances, particularly when the student communicates promptly and provides supporting information when requested.

11. Consequences of unsatisfactory attendance

Depending on severity and frequency, the College may apply progressive steps:

  • Informal coaching/reminders
  • Written warning and attendance improvement plan
  • Academic consequences where attendance affects evaluation/competency
  • Removal from a lab/practicum/assessment where required for safety or fairness
  • Suspension or expulsion where warranted (see Expulsion Policy)
If a student cannot meet attendance requirements, the College may determine the student cannot successfully complete the program at that time, which may result in withdrawal or other administrative action consistent with the student contract and applicable policies.

12. Related policies

  • Academic Policy / Academic Integrity Policy
  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Student Complaint Procedure
  • Expulsion Policy
  • Student acknowledgement – online/hybrid delivery (where applicable)

13. Compliance statement

This policy is intended to be consistent with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Where there is a conflict, applicable law/directives prevail.