Issues with attendance

Find out what to do if you’re finding it difficult to attend classes, submit work or sit exams.

Ongoing attendance issues

We expect you to attend teaching sessions, such as classes, lectures and seminars, as much as possible, as outlined in the University’s Attendance, Absence and Engagement Policy [PDF 279KB].

If you’re finding it difficult to get to your classes you should contact a Student Advisor for help.

If you are unable to meet the core attendance requirements explained below, contact your tutor or School Office as soon as possible.

If you can’t meet the core requirements, you could be asked to withdraw from your studies so it’s very important to stay in touch with us and use the support that’s available.

Attendance levels

We know that that 100% attendance and engagement across every single part of your degree is not always possible or realistic.

However, we do set levels at which we will take action to help you if needed.

If your attendance is:

• above 70%, there is not likely to be a cause for concern
• between 50% and 69%, you're at some academic risk and you may need input from us to support your studies
• Between 25% and  50%, your engagement with your studies is likely to suggest support may be useful
• Below 25% is likely to raise concerns and we would expect to be in contact  to check you are OK and support you to succeed.

You will be contacted by your School through your University email address if your attendance is a concern.

Student progress panels

If we think you need help to get back on track with your studies, and you have not responded to any previous efforts to reach out to you, we may invite you to attend a Student Progress Panel.

These panels provide a supportive space during the year to listen to any problems you might be dealing with and consider what the best support arrangements might be.

We encourage you to respond to these invitations and take advantage of the support on offer.

Depending on the circumstances, and particularly if you haven’t engaged at all, the panel may feel temporary or permanent withdrawal is a suitable way forward. If that happens, you will be able to appeal a Student Progress Panel decision.

Submitting work late

Problems with attendance can also affect when you hand in work.

If you submit work late you may face some penalties.

Formal assessments

If you do not submit a formal assessment you will receive a fail for the piece of work, which may make it difficult to pass the year.

If you do not pass a module, you will be offered the chance to resit assessments during the summer, but the maximum mark awarded will be capped at the pass mark.

Find out more about credits and marks towards your degree.

Health or personal issues

If you’ve suffered from illness or have experienced personal issues that mean you’ve submitted work late or missed classes, we may consider this when marking your work.

Find out about claiming for exceptional circumstances.

You can also speak to staff in the Student Centre, who can advise you on submitting an exceptional circumstances claim and identify any additional support needs.

You can also see help, support and advice for your health and wellbeing.

Financial issues

If you are finding it difficult to attend or focus on classes or exams due to a lack of money, you may be able to get help from the hardship fund.

If the University is closed

It is very rare for Sussex to be closed. We are an open campus.

There might be times where there are fewer staff and students on campus, such as:

• if there is severe weather, like heavy snow – see how we’ll communicate with you
• in the event of industrial action
• when we are compelled by law for public health reasons, such as during a pandemic.

In any case, we will keep you updated and make sure you are not disadvantaged in your education.