| I overslept |
Unless you're talking about only one missed class, this is not a good reason.
- Use 2 alarms if you're a heavy sleeper, or enlist a friend's help to make sure you're up in time.
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| I was sick |
Okay, this is fair. The other students - and the professor - will appreciate your not spreading germs if you're contagious, but it doesn't apply if you just sneezed once yesterday.
- If you have to miss class because you're sick, contact the professor as soon as possible to explain and ask if you can get a copy of anything you missed.
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| I didn't do the homework |
This is possibly the worst reason to avoid class.
- If you didn't understand the homework, don't despair, but remember that missing class will leave you further behind. Most professors will be happy to go over a tricky point again, or can point you towards a study group or a tutor who can help you.
- If you just didn't get round to doing it, go to class anyway.
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| It's boring |
Not everything in life can be exciting, or even interesting.
There are things we all have to do, whether or not we like them (cleaning the bathroom) or whether they seem relevant (required courses).
- We can't promise you'll love the teaching style of every professor, or that you'll find every course fascinating, but don't miss classes and ruin your GPA just because a class didn't seem good to you.
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| The class isn't challenging |
Some classes do repeat information you've learned or used in other classes, or will cover something you already know.
Many of the Social Sciences, for instance, contain a lot of overlap.
- Use these classes to explore links between disciplines, or to look for subleties and variations.
- If the homework is too easy, ask if there's some extra credit work, or do some extra reading in a related topic which interests you.
Don't lie back and take it easy - you could be missing something! |
| I got called in to work/had an emergency |
Another fair reason, as long as it's the exception rather than the rule. It's hard to keep multiple schedules running, and there will be times when something unexpected happens which interferes with other plans.
- Contact the professor as soon as possible to explain, ask what you missed and make sure you can get a copy of the notes from either the professor or another student.
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| I'm just repeating it for a better grade - I already got my notes the first time around |
Even the same professor will not teach a class exactly the same way every time.
- If you didn't get a good grade the first time, chances are you didn't quite understand something or missed something before.
- Attending class the second time round may seem like a waste of time, but it's necessary to make sure you really understand the topic and will pass this time.
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| I had a a party to go to |
Sorry, doesn't count.
Unless it's something major, like your parents' wedding anniversary or your best friend's engagement party, a party is not a good excuse for missing class.
- If something like this does come up, tell the professor immediately that you won't be able to attend class on X date because...
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| I had some other homework to finish |
Thinking logically here, missing one class to complete work for another really doesn't help. It's like using your Visa card to pay off your American Express bill: you're still behind, but you've just switched your priorities around.
- If you're having trouble keeping up, speak to the professor. Explain that you're doing your best, and but that you're having problems completing some assignments on time. Ask if you can get an extension on the deadline, or if you can turn in a draft on time and then the completed assignment a couple of days later. See if the professor has any suggestions. They are human, and they understand that unexpected difficulties may arise, and will do their best to help you if you're honest with them.
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| My friend records it for me |
Unless you are visually-impaired, or learn primarily in an auditory fashion, this will not help you.
- A recording will only cover class discussion and the lecture - it will not include any visual cues such as diagrams, charts, pictures or clarifications written on the board. Recordings have their place, and are useful for reminding you of details covered in class, but should not be used as a substitute for class attendance.
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