Excused Absence Request Form
Learn about Columbia College’s attendance policy, including excused absences, attendance monitoring, and the impact on student status and funding.
Excused Absences
If you believe your absence should be excused, you must submit an Excused Absence Request Form online or in person at the main office (Building 802). The form applies to a single class, a full day, or multiple consecutive days. Be sure to include all required documentation, as incomplete requests will not be processed. Requests must be submitted within three school days of returning to class; otherwise, the absence may be considered unexcused.
If you are hospitalized or experience an exceptional circumstance requiring multiple missed days, contact your admissions advisor as soon as possible to review your education plan. Please note that submitting an absence request does not guarantee approval.
Attendance Policy at Columbia College
Attending all classes is essential to your success. Columbia College monitors attendance based on the total percentage of time you are in class, including both excused and unexcused absences.
Attendance tracking depends on your program. ESL and Academic Upgrading students are monitored for the full semester, while Professional Program students are monitored for the entire length of their program.
If you miss four unexcused days within a semester or program, you will be placed on attendance probation. Missing more than eight unexcused days will result in withdrawal from school. If you receive government funding, your grant will be canceled, and Student Finance will be notified. Missing more than three consecutive weeks for any reason will also result in withdrawal and grant cancellation. Additionally, students who fail to attend classes for five consecutive school days without notifying the College will be withdrawn, and their funding will be canceled.
Whenever possible, schedule appointments outside of class time. Routine appointments, such as visits to the dentist, family doctor, walk-in clinics, lawyers, or job interviews, are not considered excused absences. However, court appearances, citizenship appointments, visits to medical specialists, and Calgary Housing appointments are recognized as excused absences.
Columbia College excuses absences for all official statutory holidays recognized by the Alberta Government. If you would like additional holidays to be considered for statutory recognition, you can contact your MLA at http://alberta.ca/home/mla_contacts.cfm.
