The Baruch College Faculty Handbook

Grades/Policies Regarding Excessive Absences

Last updated on 1/20/11

 

The grade "WN" means NEVER ATTENDED

"WN" should be given if the student has never attended a class and there is no documented evidence of the student's participation in a course (such as homework assignments). The "WN" grade provides necessary information concerning attendance; this is a requirement of Federal Title IV regulations for the disbursement of financial aid to students. A “WN” given prior to a student applying for a “W” takes precedence. "WN" is recorded as *WN by the Registrar’s office and is non-punitive.

The grade "WU" means UNOFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL

"WU" is assigned by the faculty at any time before the student takes the final exam. "WU" is equivalent to "F." It is assigned for excessive unexcused absences. During the regular 14-week semester, unexcused absences in excess of twice the number of time the class meets per week are excessive (i.e., if a class meets once a week, students who are absent more than twices should be assigned the grade of "WU").

 

If you enter a grade of "WU" for a student, you will be required to enter the last date the student attended.

 

A "WU" grade must be given to freshman and sophomores for absence in excess of twice the number of weekly sessions the class meets and may be given to juniors or seniors. A "WU" given prior to a student applying for a "W" takes precedence. A "WU" counts as an "F" grade in a student transcript. A "WU" grade may not be used if the student has taken the final examination.

 

Additional guideline to be proposed to Joint Committee on Curriculum and Articulation, Spring 2011:
During Winter or Summer sessions, the guideline for excessive unexcused absences is 15%: if a student misses more than 15% of the class sessions (rounded off), s/he should be assigned a "WU."