Attendance Policy
The UCLA MPH for Health Professionals program requires in-person attendance at all class sessions. Students are expected to communicate any necessary absences to teaching faculty and program staff.
Core Courses: there are nine in-person class sessions during each quarter. Exceeding more than one absence may lead to a reduction in the final grade or the need to withdraw from the course.
2-Unit Electives: attendance is required to complete the course over one three-day weekend, unless specified as an asynchronous course. If there is a need to miss any portion of the class weekend, students may need to withdraw from the course and take the 2-unit elective at the next scheduled time.
Remote Class Sessions: Some HP faculty will offer remote days during the quarter. During these sessions, students are expected to have their cameras on and fully engaged for most of the session. Remote days are a privilege, and this format could be removed if instructors feel there is not full-class participation. *Not every instructor will offer remote days.
Key Aspects of the MPH|HP Attendance Policy
In-Person Attendance is Required
The program emphasizes a "Core Culture of being present," meaning attendance at all class sessions is expected.
Communication with Faculty and Program Staff
It is the student's responsibility to notify their professor and the HP program about any absence.
Making Up Missed Work
For approved absences, students must make up any missed class materials.
Consequences of Unexcused Absences
An unexcused absence can result in a grade penalty, such as a deduction from the final grade or the need to withdraw from the course.
Limits on Excused Absences
There are limits on the number of excused absences allowed per course. Students needing to miss two or more class sessions may need to take an Incomplete or withdraw from the course and take it at the next scheduled time.
What to Do if You Need to Miss a Class
Review Program Policy
Submit the Absence Request Form
Students must submit the Absence Request Form for all urgent or scheduled absences. In emergencies, the form should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible.Contact the Professor and Program
Send an email to your professor with a copy to the program (sshafir@ucla.edu and ptoussaint@ph.ucla.edu) of your need to miss class.
Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include:
Illness or Injury: A personal illness or injury affecting one's ability to report to the scheduled session.
Medical or Dental Appointments: Students seeking health care for which health care appointments cannot be rescheduled.
Family Emergencies: this includes serious illness or death of a loved one.
Legal Obligations: this includes required court appearances and jury duty.
Religious Observances