Missed Hours, Make-Up Requirements, and Attendance in Field Placement

Overview

Field Placement is a structured, time-sensitive learning experience. Attendance, punctuality, and completion of required hours are essential to meet Ministry-mandated requirements and program expectations. This chapter outlines policies for missed hours, make-up requirements, and unforeseen circumstances, ensuring students understand responsibilities, processes, and accountability.

Sick / Personal Days

• Students are permitted one sick or personal day per Field Placement course.

• Any hours missed beyond this allowance must be made up to meet program and ministry requirements.

• Missed hours cannot be carried over to the next semester; each Field Placement course is treated separately.

Make-Up Hours: Expectations & Process

A. Tracking Your Hours

• Students are responsible for monitoring their Field Placement hours throughout the semester.

• Track any missed hours and identify shortfalls early, rather than waiting until the end of the semester.

• Proactive tracking allows students to negotiate realistic plans for make-up hours.

Communicate Promptly

• Notify both your CFS and AFS as soon as missed hours are anticipated.

• Discuss the missed hours and propose a realistic make-up schedule compatible with agency operations.

Plan & Schedule Make-Up Hours

• Make-up hours must be completed before the last day of the semester.

• Students may schedule make-up hours during Reading / Engagement Weeks or within the agency’s operational schedule.

• Make-up hours must maintain the same level of engagement, professionalism, and tasks as regular Field Placement hours.

Completion & Verification

• All make-up hours must be fully completed and documented before the semester ends.

• Make-up hours cannot count toward the next Field Placement course.

• Students must obtain AFS and CFS approval and signatures for all make-up hours.

Student Accountability

• Students who fail to complete the required hours before the end of the semester will not pass the course.

• Completion of all hours is necessary before progressing into the next Field Placement course.

• Meeting all hours demonstrates professional responsibility, accountability, and readiness to progress in the program.

Extra Hours / Early Completion

• Students who are up-to-date on their hours are not permitted to attend additional hours to complete Field Placement early.

• Only students with missed hours may negotiate a make-up plan with approval from the CFS and AFS.

• Make-up planning does not allow skipping academic deadlines or bypassing any course requirements.

Professional Expectations

• Students must inform both CFS and AFS in a timely manner regarding any absences or late arrivals.

• Valid documentation (e.g., medical notes) is required for any absences beyond the standard allowance.

• Failure to comply with attendance and punctuality expectations may result in:

  • Lowered grade

  • Failing grade

  • Termination from Field Placement

Unforeseen Circumstances

In the event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., family emergency, illness, or other urgent situations) that may cause a student to miss a significant portion of placement, the following steps must be taken:

1. Immediate Communication: Contact your Agency Field Supervisor (AFS), College Field Supervisor (CFS), and Field Placement Coordinator as soon as possible.

2. Eligibility Assessment: The FPC will consult with the Associate Dean to determine if the student may be eligible for an “Incomplete ” I-Grade.

3. Documentation: Students must provide valid documentation supporting the absence (e.g., medical note).

4. Agency Policies: Students must follow the agency’s attendance and reporting policies regarding absenteeism and lateness.