The Division of Design faculty remind their students of the official first day policy of the School of Art + Art History + Design.
Instructors assume that, if you are not present for roll call on the first day of a studio class, you have decided not to remain enrolled. If you miss the first day without permission of the instructor, it is your responsibility to drop the course and you will be required to do so.
We are reinforcing this official School policy because:
- Critical information is covered on the first day of class. Instructors and students waste valuable time repeating information to those who have missed the first day.
- Project teams are often formed on the first day. Students who miss class have difficulties joining a team and collaborating positively with their peers.
- There is very high demand by Design majors (both undergraduate and graduate) for electives within the division. For example, an IxD student might wish to take a VCD class. We also have elective agreements with selected UW units and programs.
Students who are not present on the first day of class will have their seats given to students who are in attendance. This approach maximizes instructional resources and rewards students who attend class.
This policy applies to all students: in-state, out-of-state, and international. Note that US visas for international students may be revoked if students are not on time for the beginning of the academic quarter.
A delayed return from a quarter break is not considered a valid excuse.* Dates of UW instruction are published well in advance each year enabling all UW students to plan their schedules accordingly.
*Students who experience travel issues beyond their control (for example, a last-minute canceled flight) will be given an excused absence. Please note that students are required to show the instructor dated documentation that verifies the original travel schedule, which would have enabled their on-time return to the first day of class, as well as the unscheduled disruption.