Missing college to go to Disney???

[Forensicmom]

Help! My oldest son just started his freshmen year at the local community college. We planned a trip to Disney as a graduation present for him but we aren't going until the week before Thanskgiving. Now, his professors are tellig him that if he misses3 or more classes, then he won't pass. He will miss 3 days of 2 classes and the rest will only be 1-2 days because of his schedule.

He's going to talk to the professors this week but I'm concerned it will be a problem. Has anyone else missed college for a trip and it was OK?

 

[AnimalKingdomDVC]

well, if the prof has already said that if he misses 3 or more he fails..I personally would not push that at all! I would not go!! I schedule my trips around my free days and weekends!...can you push the trip up a few days?

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

I agree wih AnimalKingdomDVC. Last year my daughter took days off she shouldn't have and then ended up going to school when she was sick. You can't go to the teacher at that point and say, "but I was really sick on these days."

Doesn't he have a pretty decent break in December/January when you could go?

 

[aznshents]

Freshmen attendance is generally very strict to push early the importance of attending classes on those who have just started college level courses. I definitely would not push this- there generally isn't any flexibility on this without a doctor's note or equivalent, and even then sometimes not.

 

[Iris]

Is it possible to fly him in later after his classes? We have done that in the past with my daughter so she does not miss any classes, as they are very strict about missing classes, exams, etc. She is in her final year and cannot miss any classes as they center around her major at this point. Last year we went and we arrived on a Tuesday, but she flew in late Thursday night (she did not have class on Fridays) and stayed until Sunday. It worked out well.

I would not count on it being OK to have him miss classes, it would be better to reschedule the trip or have him join you after the classes meet.

 

[usd2bmd]

Most universities have a policy like this. From my experience they are not flexible...especially when it's for a vacation.

Don't they get a rather long break in December/January? Can you reschedule it for then. Before we book any vacation I always make sure that we can all get the time off to go.

I would just reschedule.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

I took one vacation where I missed the first week of class. I was only on campus two days. It was not worth it. It was difficult to catch up. I had to drag my laptop along and while my family was at the pool I was doing homework. Not fun.
That was the first week and not much was in swing yet. You are looking at Midterm time in addition to them not approving vacation. I am sorry but honestly your son is a adult and as a college student should know that school is a priority over vacation. It will reflect poorly on him to take time off for vacation and at our university professors can be used as job references if they are willing. Something's to think about.

 

[anelson81993]

It will most definitely be a problem. In a lot of cases, the absence policies aren't even the professor's policies--they're the department's policies (for example, the English department at my university does not allow more than 3 absences for any of their freshman or sophomore required classes). And even if it is the professor's policy, I doubt they'll be willing to bend it for vacation.
Plus, missing that much (of any class) in a row is really, really, really damaging to your grades, even without an attendance requirement. I missed almost a week's worth of different classes (3 days in two classes, 2 days in my other ones) once last semester because I was really sick, and even with the professors working with me to accomodate my illness it still took me weeks to get completely caught up, and there were some things I couldn't make up at all. It really hurts understanding of course materials to miss lots of lecture/class time.
I know it sucks to have everyone telling you to move your trip or cancel your trip, but in this case I think you probably have to. Maybe move it to Thanksgiving week or the beginning of Christmas break, if you can make that work?

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I would reschedule... especially that close to finals.

 

[saturdaygirl]

I have missed several classes due to me taking trips and I had to sit out 2 years because of it. Reschedule!

 

[Joanna71985]

Unfortunately college is a lot harder to miss then ES/MS/HS. I would try to reschedule, or have him come down on his own after classes

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I would nix the vacation or reschedule it. I think the 3 day absence rule is pretty common at most colleges. I know both my kids have this with their schools and they freak at the very thought that if they are sick they would miss a lot just being out one day. Missing three consecutive classes can be pretty crippling to recover from. I don't think a vacation is worth it and I, like everyone else on this board, live for Disney.