Attendance and Language Policies

Courses are offered through Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine Arts, School of Education, College of Engineering, School of Management, School for Hospitality Administration, and College of Communications, whose academic policies and procedures apply. Performance guidelines are the same as those established in the Boston University Undergraduate Programs Bulletin and the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Conduct Code. When courses are offered through a local institution overseas, Boston University policies take precedence over the host institution’s requirements. In addition, Boston University International Programs has developed the following academic policies and procedures.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend each class session, tutorial, field trip, internship/practicum, and any other course-related event. Attendance and class participation will influence grades for the course. If a student has been absent from a course excessively, he or she may be required to withdraw from the course without credit or may earn a failing grade. If a student expects to be absent from a class, he or she must notify their instructor and the resident director in advance, preferably in writing.

Tardiness
Students must make every effort to be on time for all scheduled meetings and class sessions and should notify the appropriate persons by phone or written message of extenuating circumstances that result in tardiness.

Absence for Religious Reasons
According to Chapter 151C of the General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day, shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement that may have been missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examinations or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said students such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to students because of their availing themselves of the provisions of this section. Students who have questions about practicing their religion while abroad should contact Boston University International Programs.

Language Policy
In non-English speaking countries, students are expected to speak the host language exclusively in the classroom, at the university, at their internship site, in the program office, and on excursions. Students should also speak the host language when in public places and as much as possible when with other students. Speaking in the host language will improve students’ abilities as well as ease cultural adjustments.

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